French producer ProleteR has been my go-to destination any time I'm longing for the groovy sounds of electro-swing and everything adjacent. I had the pleasure to interview Benjamin back in 2020 and I'm honored to get to showcase to you his latest body of work - an LP called Temperamental Cats which could be described as nothing short of spectacular.
The 11-track record is a journey through genres and eras that is full of energy and creativity. I consider ProleteR as one of the most iconic producers in the electro-swing and swing-hop scene and obviously, I had high expectations for his 5th official studio album. Well-aware that it is very hard to keep wow-ing people for over a decade, I am pleased to report that this could be some of Benjamin's best work to this day.
The album starts with a few classic Proleter tracks like "Ever" and "By Your Side" which feels like a trip back and time and pay homage to his swing roots. A great smooth introduction before the electronic anthem "Transparency" which hints at Benjamin's versatile and diverse sound inspirations when it comes to creating Temperamental Cats.
ProleteR had dropped a few singles ahead of the official Temperamental Cats release date, so I had tasted what was coming up, but nothing prepared me for the emotion that "You're the only one" evoked in me. This is the kind of song that will play with your romantic side, however big that is. It felt like a trip back to the 70s dance gatherings. Emotionally beautiful.
The album, however, is not a solo journey. The album's dynamic blend of energy can be attributed to the diverse galaxy of talents that accompany ProleteR on this groove-driven journey. It features collaborations with American rapper Napoleon Da Legend, known for his sharp lyricism and socially conscious themes, Canadian artist Spark Houston, whose versatile style adds a unique energy to the project, and Japanese producer Takada Fu, who brings his signature sound and intricate production techniques to the mix. Together, they contribute to a rich and diverse sonic experience that transcends borders.
Stay up to date.
New music and exclusive updates in your inbox weekly.
One of the most stand-out tracks, in my opinion, is the "You're the only one" follow-up titled "Fallen King". Now that's a dancefloor banger and it was an instant fit for our groovy upbeat playlist selections. I also love the diversity Benjamin has managed to pack in just 11 tracks. "First Love", featuring Napoleon Da Legend is a great homage to classic hip hop and what I love the most about it, besides his cadence, is the light breezy feeling that the track exhales. I was listening to this while having a walk and I just felt fly.
ProleteR has shared the stage with renowned acts like Caravan Palace, Parov Stelar, Deluxe, Wax Tailor, Chinese Man, Gramatik, and l’Entourloop, consistently captivating audiences with his unique sound and energy. The best news around the release of Temperamental Cats is ProleteR's upcoming tour Swing Hop Party which serves as a celebration of all the hard work the producer has put into this. This will be a special opportunity for fans to witness his electrifying live performance, enhanced by the addition of a brass section. Blending his signature mix of vintage samples and infectious rhythms, he promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of his distinctive sound. More info on dates below.
If you're looking for your power-charged soundtrack of summer, I promise you - you shouldn't look further than Temperamental Cats. One of the most encapsulating groovy sonic experiences I've heard in a while and a great gateway into electro-swing (if you aren't a fan yet).
Mugs, t-shirts,
hoodies, vinyls & more.
