artist: Bruno From Ibiza country of origin: France/Spain style(s): Balearic, chillout, chilled house essential releases: Puzzle (2005, Wagram)

Well before making this debut album of original compositions, French DJ Bruno Lepetre aka Bruno From Ibiza helmed the Cafe Del Mar compilation series from 2000-2004. The years he worked as a CDM compiler were hardly the most distinguished creative period for that franchise, but the release of Puzzle blew away any doubts that Bruno could cut it as a composer of original tunes.

It's an impressive debut which commendably avoids Euro-chillout cliches. The mid-tempo opener "One" is a fantastic piece of deep, almost minimal house driven by a killer bassline, flourishes of electric guitar and just an occasional wash of lovely Balearic strings. Further along we get nu jazz, Latin and electro elements too but somehow it all sounds fresh, perhaps because the arrangements veer towards stripped back rather than the expected oceans of lush strings and pretty acoustic guitars. Quite different from the music heard on the main Cafe Del Mar series, Puzzle more reflects the chilled house style that Bruno likes to play on his DJ tours. It's a sound that works in venues whether you're kicking back on a lounge or up dancing and it works a treat at home, too.

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