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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october             <12” and EP>

  

Atomic Hooligan - Club Shaker/ 2001 (Botchit Breaks)

 

This fresh wax from the Hooligan boys follows up on their impressive contribution to the acclaimed Botchit Breaks 4 comp.  The title ‘Club Shaker’ is a bit of a big un’, a raw, ripping and catchy turntable trembler.  The boys use a vocal hook to maximum effect, combining it with epic, dramatic strings, edgy rhythms, and a stripped down structure.  Overdriven basslines to the point of nasty give this track its edge.  The flip sees the Hooligans extending their dancefloor mileage with the sci-fi laden ‘2001’, full of eerie tech melodies and moody acid lines.   This trademark Hooligan release will see them continue to claw their way up the Richter scale.

  

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* Buy> ‘Club Shaker’  12”

 

 

                                                                                                            

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12” and EP>

  

Cut Chemist & Mad Lib: Bunky’s Pick/6 Variations of in the Rain (Stone’s Throw)

 

Teamed here, Jurassic 5’s Cut Chemist and Lootpack/ Quasimoto’s Madlib interpret some songs from the up-coming Stones Throw compilation, “The Funky 16 Corners.”  Cut Chemist opts to create an 8-minute megamix of the rough and ready breakbeats gleaned from 9 tracks from the compilation in the fashion of his acclaimed “Brainfreeze” album with DJ Shadow, and Madlib responds with a suite - 6 interpolations of vibist Billy Wooten’s “In The Rain.” The CD single also contains Billy Wooten's original version of "In The Rain". “Bunky’s Pick” is the third single in Stones Throw’s “The Funky 16 Corners” series, following on the heels of The Highlighters’ “Poppin Popcorn,” and The Soul Seven’s “South Side Funk.”

 

   

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* Buy> ‘Bunky’s Pick’  single

 

 

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12” and EP>

  

DJ Icey- Controlled Trek (Tree Records)

 

Part 1: Using some ‘wikkid’ combos of UK d ‘n’ b sounds with nu-skool beats and production, this track drops you into a pool of bass not unlike that of the great Mr. Freq Nasty.  With subs dropping and rolling around your skull, this is the perfect to send any crowd into a feeding frenzy.  With just the perfect amount of simple builds, this will leave you pleading for more.  What now my selekta?

Part 2: This sees Icey on more of a sci-fi mode, with the beats heading in a forward direction for the duration of the trip.  Ol’ skool synth stabs intertwine with descending bass warbles, blips and bleeps conjuring images of laser beams and little green men.  Sounds like any nightclub scene really.

 

-Boosta

   

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* more info> DJ Icey

 

 

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12” and EP>

  

Elite Force- Curveball EP (Whole 9 Yards)

 

Elite Force makes an appearance here with a track of his own " Gasoline Alley". This is a skuzzy sounding 4/4 track that will crossover to many different dance floors. A dirty warped bass line and a driving beat get a full workout for maximum effect. This track builds with lots of subtle touches despite its abrasive demeanor, and should decimate dance floors.  The flip has a Dylan Rhymes mix utilising the original’s best qualities and incorporating them into a chunky electro break beat rhythm.  This mix throws down an incessant dub bass drive and rolls it with minimal finesse. Whole 9 yards deliver the goods once again with good production and pressing.

   

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12” and EP>

 

Funk D'Void- Diabla (Soma)

This is the new monster by Funk D'Void. The amazing package comes as two separate twelve inches.  Taken from the excellent "Dos" album released earlier this year "Diabla" has been reworked into oblivion by Funk D'Void, his Heavenly mix is a Motor City epic. On the flip, Samuel L Sessions has delivered a tremendous old skool, techno groove. The syncopated rhythm is devilishly injected with Samuel's percussive power. The result is an instantly infectious peak time stormer.  On the remix twelve we have another two gems. First up we have scooped a remix from Detroit master and innovator Kevin Saunderson, here he returns the favour from when Lars remixed the awesome "Banjo", for his interpretation he turns out a future classic. The package is completed by French maestro "The Hacker", taking a trip to Hades, his electro version is an ass shaking Gigolo testament to the 80's.

  

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* Buy> ‘Diabla’  12”

 

                                                                                                           

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12” and EP>

  

Kid Acne & Req - Squirrel Hunters Remix / Handclap Paramedics

 

Here is the exclusive prelude to one of (if not) the best UK hip hop albums of 2001 - Rap Traffic. Joining the hermit of hip hop love, Req One, Kid Acne puts down his spray paint to drop insanely funny, bizarre and unique battle rhyme lyrics. First up is an incredible remix of Squirrel Hunters by Midfield General blowing open our heads with twisted African percussion and a faulty hard diskdrive. B-side Handclap Paramedics even surpasses that, more fantastic quotable lyrics than any fake emcee could shark on dahn tha pub. Ayy!!!

  

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october            <12 “ and EP>

  

Laidback- The Electric EP (Bolshi Red)

 

The return of Laidback sees Jason Cohen on full production, opening with the storming ‘God Can’t Stop’.  The approach here is certainly new for Laidback as the track seems to take a darker, somewhat anthemic approach.  With a wicked breakdown and build up, this track is hands-in-the-air bad-ass! Jason seems to be veering along the nu-skool path, but reassures his b-boy status on ‘Wait for the Break’, a track laden with ol’ skool electro and hip hop sounds and samples, giving old fans what they have come to know and love. Laidback gets into full self-luvin’ mode on ‘My Sound’s So Sic’, and why shouldn’t he, as it is!  With some awesome female vocals, tasty 80s synth hits, and funky guitar licks, this is Laidback in full party mode.  -Boosta

 

   

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12 “ and EP>

  

Leuroj- Stickmen  (Loaded)

 

Leuroj's latest track comes in 3 flavours, in a theme and variation style pressing. This tune’s use of an odd and relentless vocal is one of its standout features- a vocal so playful that you can't help but smile the first few times you hear it. A sharp and clean beat, combined with direct synth lines, give this track a driving and directional emphasis.  The sparse and simple elements are interwoven magically together by Leuroj, giving the track a stretched out and hard-hitting edge.  

 

   

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12 “ and EP>

 

New Order- Crystal (Lee Coombs mix) (London Records)

 

Lee Coombs adds his trademark percussive rhythm section to this single, allowing the song to build slowly and patiently.  When the beat finally does break in, Coombs sees the vocals giving the track its glory and splendour- certainly giving it a luscious late night sentimentality.  The chorus-effected guitar and the use of that classic New Order ‘bass as lead’ technique let the track retain its pop sensibilities.  A trickling and bittersweet piano line signifies the breakdown as the vocal brings the percussion back in to see the track out.  Then of course, you can settle for the dub mix on the flip, but the A-side is definitely a personal fave at the moment.  -Boosta

   

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october             <12 “ and EP>

  

Nu Breed vs. Scritti Politti- Absolutely Chopped

 

This Australian outfit deliver the goods again on this fantastic mix of 80s band Scritti Politti.  Not having been a fan of SP I have no idea what the original sounds like, but this mix is characterised by a sweet vocal line repeating ‘Each time I go to bed I pray like Aretha Franklin’.  Hey, don’t we all? The track has that late-night hypnotic sound again, with some searing synth lines and plenty of futuristic ear-candy, as the track shifts from dark to sweet and back again, laced with an almost Chemical Bros.-style bassline.  Seek this gem out.  -Boosta

   

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12 “ and EP>

  

PMT- Deeper Water (Acetate)

 

The Koma and Bones mix of this track begins with a very simple bass/clap kind of rhythm, a guitar lick reminiscent of Chopper Squad, then hits us with atmospherics delivered by a strange, eerie, but soulful female vocal which carries through the rest of the track.  A simple bassline and rhythm allows this mix to focus on the mood created by the phasey keyboards and vocals.  The Wookie Slut mix on the B-side, however, takes us on a harder journey through nu-skool breaks territory, starting out similarly but then allowing the bassline to warp and distort, simplifying the vocals, then breaking down to release that basic bassline from the A-side, returning the track to what is essentially a very simple and driving slammer.

-Boosta

   

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12 “ and EP>

 

Stanton Warriors - Right Here (XL)

This Stanton Warriors' single for XL finds them blending the ruff with the smooth, on a rolling track that features the undisputed vocal talents of Diane Charlemagne, Empress. Coming in two mixes, with two quite different moods, the Club Mix allows the vocal to shine through, and runs with a deep and sultry vibe, while the intricate 'Dub Mix' delivers the goods in a more eerie, percussive manner. The latter is the one finding most favour on breakbeat 'floors, while vocal lovers will still be happy as those velvety tones still push on through to melt the track. Classy... as you might expect!

   

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* more info> Stanton Warriors

 

                                                                                                           

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october             <12 “ and EP>

  

 

Turquoise- Circulation (Hooj Choons)

 

The A-side of this release features a Weekend World remix, a haunting, deep-ish house rendition of the track which is probably as close as this release gets to sounding like something from Hooj.  The B.L.I.M. mix on the flip is one for the nu-skool breaks fans- full of darkness, this track builds up to release a relentlessly nasty bassline, accompanied by some percussive snare smacks.  A very atmospheric late nite stormer, on either side of the coin. -Boosta

   

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october              <12 “ and EP>

  

Urban Soul Research / Scarcubem / Cloinc Split

 

Limited 7 (500 copies) featuring Andre Estermann and Electric Sheep aka Cloinc, Urban Soul Research and Scarcubem. Urban Soul Research’s is a mid-tempo, glitchtron trip through reduced robotic electronics that never quite kick in, Musik Aus Strom’s Andre Estermann and Electric Sheep come correct on the flip with a proper gem of a tune, all half-paced hip-hop glitches that out of nowhere flip into a brazillian workout, Scarcubem finishes the side off drenched in a free-jazz sensibility, albeit with a tron-glitch application.

 

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REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october                  <LP>

  

Carl Craig Presents - Abstract Funk Theory

 

Edition six of this constantly evolving series of leftfield grooves sees the God of the Detroit sound and owner of the globally acclaimed Planet E label, Carl Craig at the helm of the latest instalment. The album is a testament to Carl's roots and inspirations. The input of the album revolves heavily around the sounds from yesteryear of Detroit and features classics from the B-52's through to Juan Atkins. Let Obsessive take you back, way back into time. Tracklist: George Kranz - Din Da Da, Yellow Magic Orchestra - Computer Game, A Number Of Names - Shari Vari, Cybotron - Alleys Of Your Mind, Prince - Erotic City, George Clinton - Atomic Dog, The B-52's - Mesopotamia, Model 500 - Night Drive, Channel One - Technicolour, X-Ray - Let's Go, Rhythm Is Rhythm - The Dance, Reese & Santonio - Forcefield, BFC – Galaxy

  

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* Buy>  ‘Abstract Funk Theory’ on vinyl

 

 

                                                                                                           

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october                  <LP>

  

Richie Hawtin: DE9 - Closer To The Edit

 

Hawtin has developed a reputation for fearless experimentation whilst retaining a wide musical appeal. DE9 advances that concept to unbelievable new levels. Taking the components of over 100 records, Hawtin has recreated each track using hi tech editing and efex, courtesy of the latest Final Scratch technology, and has created a totally new piece of music; the results are astonishing. At once compelling and melodic, hypnotic and funky this is a completely accessible album.

 

   

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* Buy> ‘DE9- Closer to the Edit’ on vinyl

 

 

                                                                                                            

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october                  <LP>

  

V/A- Electric Vindaloo: BOMBAY 2 (Motel)

 

Finally! The follow up to Motel Records big selling & way cool "Bombay The Hard Way" album. Back w/more & twice as nice as before. Cuts from Kalyanji, Anandji's electro rock soundtracks for 80's Indian movies outta Bollywood. There's music from the original masters plus fresh & funky cuts created by Kid Koala, Dynomite D, Mixmaster Mike, Steinski, Djmedjyou, Ursula 1000, Spic-Beatz & Pak-Man, along with some hilarious movie dialogue thrown in the mix. Track titles include "Theme From Twin Shieks", "Hydrolik Carpet Ride", Bollywood B-Boy Battle", "Sexy Mother Fakir", "Electric Vindaloo" & more.

   

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* Buy> ‘Electric Vindaloo: Bombay 2’ LP

 

                                                                                                           

REVIEWS SEPTEMBER/october                  <LP>

  

4 Hero: Creating Patterns (Talkin Loud)

 

When Mark Mac and Dego McFarlane delivered their seminal Two Pages album back in 1998 it confirmed what we always knew about the duo - that they were capable of making highly original, deeply emotive music. Transcending traditional drum & bass structures, the duo ushered in a degree of elegance and musical sophistication that was- and which remains- unmatched by most of their contemporaries. This new album has been a long time coming but it's been worth the wait. With the same focus on elegant sounds and sensuous moods, it continues in many ways where Two Pages left off, as well as adding some new influences and styles along the way. Like it's predecessor, it's an unashamedly vocal album with considered contributions coming from the likes of Jill Scott, Ursula Rucker, poet Mark Murphy, and fellow Talking Loud artist Terry Callier. Though it's awash with effortless, string-soaked warmth and intricate song arrangements that demand constant rewind at it's core, there are balances and checks. There's darker vibes on tracks like 'Golden Solitude', 'Unique', '2-BS-74638' and 'Ways Of Thought', which use driving, tech-edged beats and analogue discordance to create futuristic/cosmic ambiences which are energising and, at times, menacing. The best vocal tracks come from Rucker on 'Time'; spitting her urban metaphysics over a soundtrack that morphs into spacious 4 Hero style d & b, she helps deliver one of the album’s finest moments. Another sterling cut, and one which reflects Dego McFarlane's alliance with the broken beat scene for the last four years, is 'Hold It Down', a sassy, streetwise groove that's achieved anthem status at hip London clubs like Co-Op and Plastic People.  Elsewhere, Jill Scott laments having to get up and go to work on 'Another Day' while Mark Murphy provides the albums must surprising moment as he recites mystical spoken word over a highly unusual soundtrack. Add to this the wonderful Brazilian vocals of Patricia Marx on 'Unique', the familiar croonings of Callier on final track 'The Day Of The Greys', the wonderful euphoria of Minie Ripperton cover 'Les Fleur' and a host of other colourful and visionary moments and you have what is undoubtedly one of the best albums so far this year. -Paul Sullivan

 

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