Still on Track

Released in 1998, Still on Track stands as a pivotal moment in Nick Holder's discography and the broader Canadian deep house scene. Following his earlier explorations, this album solidified his 'dusty' aesthetic - a production style heavily reliant on jazz and soul samples processed through analog hardware to achieve a thick, textured warmth. The album is notable for its pacing; tracks like 'I Cried 4 U' and 'Plastic People' exceed the seven-minute mark, allowing the hypnotic loops to settle into a meditative state. Critically, Holder is recognized for bridging the gap between the raw energy of Chicago house and the sophisticated, sample-heavy approach of nu jazz. The inclusion of spoken word elements serves as a signature trope, providing a narrative depth often missing from instrumental electronic music. This record remains a touchstone for fans of the 'K7' or 'Naked Music' era of deep house, prized for its emotional intelligence and sonic consistency.