DJ Clock : The Third Tick

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DJ Clock : The Third Tick

18 Aug 2010
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Artists/DJ: DJ Clock
Album Title: The Third Tick
Genre: House
Year of Release: June 2010

The Third Tick is arguably the most disappointing offering in DJ Clock’s popular ‘Tick’ trilogy. The 14-track album sounds like it was released hurriedly, and lacks the magical touch that put the DJ on the map a few years ago. Even contributions from noteworthy artists such as DJ Cleo, Bleksem, Bantu Soul, Rokboys, Jerah, Mpho Maboi and Professor fail to save the album.

On this edition, Clock generally takes a break from his trademark synthesizer sound and settles for a percussion-oriented sound, while also experimenting with various effects, filters, phasers and reverb.The result: a flawed yet sincere effort to keep clubbers on the dance floor.

The album opens with a rather annoying track titled “Uthixo Undile Amandla”, featuring Thabo Mollo. It’s one of those tracks that leave you with no option but to push the ‘next’ button early. The second track, “Uyang’tola”, sounds much better – thanks to a contribution by popular R&B and soul singer Bantu Soul. The only concern on this one, however, is that it is a bit monotonous, as Clock builds it on a bass riff that plays all the way to the last second. Mpho Maboi comes in on the track “Femme Fatale”. It’s a decent rump shaker that could have been a hit; alas, it lacks the hungriness of a dance floor pusher.

DJ Cleo and Bleksem feature on the track “Bayang’sukela”- a lukewarm effort made more appealing by the pair’s catchy verses and choruses.

A standout track on the album is arguably “Ngomso”- here the DJ really redeems himself. It’s simple, hypnotic and mildly entertaining- a quality that can be attributed to Clock and his vocalist, Shisaboy. Clock’s collaboration with Jerah, “Colours of Sunset”, is also remarkable. The DJ’s decision to end the album with a hip hop song, “Party Mood”, is a terrible mistake – he really kills the house vibe with this one.

Take this: While this album fails to meet the standards of the DJ’s previous efforts, it’s not a terrible album at all. Decent tracks such as “D N’ B beat”, “Oyedwa”, “Bayang’sukela”, “Distortion” and “Uyang’tola” will probably keep the DJ afloat for a while.