current reviews: singles and albums

last updated: 28th may 2005

 

	solid groove – "this is sick"  [front room] bloody hell, does dave 'solid groove' taylor never sleep?  the productive house jacker and slammin' broken beat king has whacked out a todd terry styled (in its cut up vibe) dancefloor destroyer in the form of the delightfully titled "this is sick".  four beats in one, breathless title vocals, familiar synth pressure and a dancefloor hankering bass make up this cut and paste monster. (reviewed by jon freer)
	unforscene feat alice russell – “don’t you worry”  [wah wah 45’s] queen of brit nu-soul, alice russell excels on every track she blesses with her awe-inspiring emotional vocals.  here her melodic tones soothe, over demonstrative strings, liquid keys and slovenly beats.  domu provides a vocal reinterpretation where tight broken beats and a rough bass provide her backing, and a dub where neat guitars and highly-strung strings shine.       (reviewed by jon freer)
	mettle music – “moodswings: vinyl collection 2” [mettle music] steer clear of the pretty standard house revisions and head straight to the gorgeous broken beat style originals for maximum pleasure.  “el mar” is a gorgeous ode to the sea, where susanna monterro’s lovely vocals partner meandering guitars and cut strings.  “sleepy head” takes its strength from the captivating strings that sit atop the summery guitars and live bass grooves. (reviewed by jon freer)
	jeremy ellis aka ayro – “lotus” [ubiquity records] after the protracted release of his debut lp, it is a pleasure to announce that ayro’s next album will surface on ubiquity early next year.  this lo-fi two tracker shows how jeremy’s sound has developed since he first thrilled the music-buying public with the captivating “let this” 12” in 2001.  “lotus” sees jeremy whisper sweet nothings over shimmering synths and incredible strings. “bombakiss” is an afro-type percussed number, with an elaborate key and bass question and answer session. (reviewed by jon freer)
	circle research – “mulligan stew” [do right music] circle research bring us a yummy hip hop pie flavoured with enough jazzmataz and souled up flavours to keep davis, scott-heron and gaye happy.  staying away from the genre’s tendency to focus on negativity and super-competitiveness, circle research’s rhymes and music will put a smile on your face and leave you feeling positive about yourself and your neighbour.  “i’m not” tells us all what rapper d-sisive isn’t, as he spits lines over a gutsy flute, lilting percussion and rolling scratches.  “bridging the gap” strives for perfection, as a trio of mc’s ride softly soft keys and side tapping beats.  “cumbersome trinkets” is an incredible homage to seeing past the materialistic values of our world, as abdominal’s easy going vocals make you really think about what is important in life.  brilliant! (reviewed by jon freer)
	various – “edition 2” [especial european edition series] those thoughtful chaps at mukatsuku and goya have done the right thing by giving a greater audience access to more of the super-limited output of every (new) jazz-philes favourite imprint.  this time they bless listeners with hajime yoshizawa’s heartening “i am with you”, alongside a couple of silly breakneck paced guitar-addled cuts from chris & nina, and bakura’s relaxed “veya veya”.  “i am with you” is without doubt the standout here, as nina miranda’s reassuring vocals glide over pointed synths, innocent keys and refined strings. (reviewed by jon freer)
	tj rehmi – “the warm chill” [dharma moon/real world works] brit based tj rehmi shows that slow-paced music can offer important messages. fusing west with east and electronic with acoustic, “the warm chill” paintsmoving soundscapes, which have relevance to the lives of those based all over the world.  “the warm chill” takes its strength from a beautiful acoustic guitar, which sits atop layered percussion, deeply concentrating keys.  “axis of ignorance” makes an important point, as a guitar and sitar battle it out, with neither triumphing in the end.  “the escape” hopes for the future, courtesy of a melting eastern flute, calm strings and echoed guitars.  a thought-provoking and challenging album at a tempo more associated with easily digestible and bland compositions.             (reviewed by jon freer)
	stash – “fools good” [bitches brew] stash show that you can make guitar based electronic music in a modern feel that can give a nod to balearic idealism, but can still cut it on the dancefloor.  the original is a fuzzy synth-addled affair, with a kind bass guitar and kit-based percussion.  justin robertson’s revtone mix gives the beats a little more urgency, enhances the glow of the synths and adds some nasty bass crashes. (reviewed by jon freer)
	lizz fields – “when i see love/say the word” (remixes) [unisex] up and coming soulstress lizz fields gets the broken treatment from two dons of their respective scenes.  in its original form, “when i see love” sweeps you off your feet, courtesy of an organic guitar, beautiful strings and heart-warming vocals.  ty & drew’s vocal mix disappoints due to a decidedly messy arrangement, which attempts to cram too much of lizz’s singing into a tiny space.  their dub lets a lovely morphing synth and a cool bass show what might have been.  yam who’s version of “say the word” is a wonderful joe claussell type epic spiritual flute revision, with refined noble keys, lazy beats and a brooding guitar. (reviewed by jon freer)
	jazztronik – “dance with me” [especial distribution] jazztronik play the co-op crew, german horticulturalists and scandinavian stars at their own game, with their epic take on the whole fractured beat sound.  “dance with me” will probably entice most onto the tiles, due to its energising percussion, supple bass groove, excitable vocals and beaming brass.  “samurai”, a violent ode to the most skilled of fighters, will have the rest up and shaking their stuff, thanks to aggressive percussion, classy keys and sassy melodic vocals.     (reviewed by jon freer)
	d'nell – “this thing/e2” [furioustyles/abstract blue] the first release from this label.  two quality tracks that'll hopefully set things in motion for more of the same.  "this thing" gives us a dope hip hop beat with sampled strings that give that extra flava.  vocals kick in...pretty damn good!  the flip side has the more soulful "e2"...a lil funkier sounding with the vocals defo on the front burner for this...and just when you think it's over, the sax kinks in.  both tracks have a 'rawness' about them and the minimal production says a lot more than most tracks out there today.

 

	various - "globalibre - world club culture" [audiopharm] "world music" for some reason has almost become a taboo word!  but this is truly a compilation from around the world.  salsa, latin, afro, reggae, bhangra...it's all there.  compiled by dj's from around the globe its easy to see how this comp came about. salsa house beats of 'rumba dub style' by ojos de brujo, bhangra drum'n'bass flava of swami's 'mehbooba' to the latin elements of 'amaro shavo' by !deladap and even a jazz defector remix of james browns sex machine - and a pretty good one at that! overall an excellent album if you're playing catch up or are wondering what's going on out there in the world music/nu jazz genre's...
	ben human - "the out of towner" [unique] an album eclectic enough for me to wonder what category to review this in!  more so it belongs as a beats and electronica genre. an excellent project that encompasses various influences from jazz to funk to drum and bass to latin.  production is tight as the tempo of tracks varies from downbeat flava's to upbeat d'n'b.  samples and snippets keep us on our toes between tracks. 'caipiranha' has those drum'n'bass elements whilst the jazziness of 'daddy's back' is ideal for those smokey lounge bars.  the title track 'the out of towner' manages to have elements of 60s television soundtrack - this is a good thing!   well worth a listen.
	eddy meets yannah – "just like…" [compost records] the next stop for the compost broken-beat express train was zagreb. here they picked up eddy, of eddy and dus fame, and vocalist yannah, and the product of their labour is a bright and breezy album of sophisticated fracturedly beaten tracks.  eddy & yannah's cover of "can't hide love" is the winning cut, courtesy of its uncoiling bass, hyperactive keys, dancing guitars and vocals that toy with the listener's emotions.  "perfect day 4 playin' football" is an energetic kick around in the local park, with sturdy beats as goalposts, as smile-inducing keys and a bass commanding respect fight for the ball.  "return to paklenica" sends billowing synths, flashing keys and deft flute asides on their way.  this is a jovial album that was surely made with the summer in mind. (reviewed by jon freer)
	the flowriders – "strarcraft" [4 lux] "starcraft" from the elegant flowriders is a prime example of the broken soul sound, which combines the nonconformist percussive ethic of broken beat with buttery soul vocals and instrumental vibes.  the album is a little dreamy in places, and a few of the cuts are a bit on the nondescript side, but there are some peaches.  "matter" is a strolling number, with guitar strings stretched into funny shapes, inviting vocals and dangling bass action.  "pheremone" is bugz like in structure minus the west london attitude, as serious beats, bell shaped synths and cosmic keys sit under scientifically aware vocals.  the standout "npm" is a little short, but those philosophically tuned in vocals, clarinet with a bellyful of anguish and brass from another place and time make it a life-changing cut.  for nu—style jazz and soul fans alike… (reviewed by jon freer)
	various – “beats and pieces volume three” [bbe] the 'nod to the left side' compilation returns with an excellent selection to cover most genres thus keeping most of you happy.  twenty-two tracks in all on the cd that has some of the fairly recent house joints - some probably won't make it to cd. along with some down tempo tracks and some jazz, funk and afro outings.  for the house heds we have 'timbuktu' by jerome and ferrer, dj gregory 'don't know malendro', george levin's '(i got) somebody new' - whilst on the down tempo tip; i:cube feat rza 'can you deal with that', d'nell 'this thing' and stateless 'fall into you' to mention a few...if you missed out on a few recent releases, this is highly recommended.
	various – “got the bug: bugz in the attic remix collection” [v2] holed up in a lofty studio, somewhere to the west of london, the mysterious bugz conglomerate have been laying down the beats and remixing a mind-boggling array of artists.  difficult to pin down in terms of who actually contributes to the group, the bugz have pushed forward the broken beat sound by combining their distinctive beats with all manner of other musical influences.  the bugz full phunk mix of amira’s my desire sees split percussion and scared strings back amira’s yearning vocals.  the infamous bugz revision of 4 hero’s hold it down appears sans-siren, as impossible to stop beats, neat strings and a grooving bass combine on one of their most memorable remixes to date.  a special bonus is the appearance of an amazing brand new bugz track, entitled booty la la, where catchy vocals, a nasty bass and explosive synths combine.  this compilation is a welcome resume of their remix work, whilst original productions by members of the crew can be found on a range of labels, under a vast number of guises.     (reviewed by jon freer)
	alex attias pres mustang – “back home” [compost] the incredibly talented alex attias drops his first unashamedly broken-beat styled album on germany’s compost imprint.  carving out a cosy musical niche for himself, the longplayer is best described as moody cinematic jazz-breaks, complete with an orchestra-sized string department and percussion section.  the title track sees angry tympanic percussion link up with gregory-style militaristic synths, theatrical strings and a menacing bass.  “everchanging times” has guest appearances from vocal duo colonel red and bémbé ségué, who both wax lyrical regarding the problematics of relationships, over cool keys, tight strings and hopped tympani laced beats.  “finding out who we are” idealises over the future, as fractured percussion, a chunky bass and irresistible guitars back the colonel’s vocals.  this is an excellent album of violently minded classically orchestrated future jazz from alex! (reviewed by jon freer)
	various - "music & movement two" [mumo recordings] after the success of the premier volume in the series, it seemed only right to call on a similar supporter of all things jazzy and broken, mike chadwick, to compile the second.  well known for his shows on jazz fm, mike has focussed slightly more on the latino and softer nu- jazz tones than nik weston did on volume one.  again, the music selected speaks for itself and after a first listen, movement will follow.nu spirit helsinki's "sei por ocho" blasts a melancholic sax against backdrop of a worrying bass and clenched guitars.  frederic galliano shocks us all as he actually finds a melody that is soothing to the ears on the housey "kanboufo", where unruly kids shout, while liquid jazz keys seep through to cover all in their path.  osunlade contributes "cantos a ochun et oya", which enlists uptempo ethic percussion to provide the rhythm, as chanting vocalists sing their hearts out, a jazzed harmonica adds an extra level to the track and touching keys bring in the much needed spirituality.  neon phusion represent for west london with "it's another", a heavy headed percussive outing, with starry eyed keys, jagged stabs and venomous staccato vocals from brown sugar.  another wonderful selection, here's to volume 3!  (reviewed by jon freer)
	chris bowden – “slightly askew” [ninja tune]   to those both in jazz, and contemporary electronic circles, chris has always been that little bit different, and this four track hour long album only goes to strengthen that idea.  this album is an aural onslaught, with guts, sweat, blood and emotion, which can be felt by all who listen, regardless of their musical persuasion or usual tastes.  with such few tracks, it may put off some, but the rewards for those persevere are plentiful.  "only angst" is a rip roaring ride of pure unadulterated passion, with angry vocals, a drunken bawdy sax, a flirtatious flute and a mocking trumpet.  "crockers & killers" is a more contemplative piece, where stepped confused percussion trips over its own feet, woodwind frolic, strings swoop and brass smiles.  "zoo zoo" takes a muscular bass, sensitive strings and a sleazy sax to produce a rolling funked out groove.  "w'p de f'n' doo" wins prizes for its strange name, whilst a jagged excited sax releases its pent up energy, percussion crashes all around and a bass slurps.  a true maverick, whose unique style should be commended in a world of processed lifestyles and pre-digested music. (reviewed by jon freer)
	the mighty quark – “silverdale” [play]   this is the first longplayer from irish swede mark o'sullivan, since the acclaimed 'bacuzzi' project of last year.  to be released by japan/uk's acclaimed play imprint, "silverdale" finds mark producing a wondrous concoction of dub house, which blurs genre lines and confuses lazy journalists.  heartfelt, tender and experimental in the right way, an excellent journey from start to finish.  "keep that money for us" hides the capital away somewhere safe, as a pretty playful guitar dances, hesitant percussion considers the direction to go and an unrestrained bass swallows everything up.  "inspiration soul" takes a quick paced awkward angled break, a dimly lit bass, transfigured vocals and soul touching keys to provide a more uptempo dancefloor moment.  "theme from the good people" stutters heavy headed smoky percussion along, while a cavernous potent bass floats, a metamorphisized guitar coughs and splutters, and cut throat smiling brass break through the heady haze.  "fade out for the medaza boys" is a keyed melodious ride, with piercing yet paradoxically blunted strings, clattered percussion and an embracing bass.  an fresh and inspiring inspection of dub and more, which is worth a look for.   (reviewed by jon freer)
	asa-chang & junray – “jun ray song chang” [the leaf label]   east meets far east, on this release which marries traditional indian tabla, sitars and all, with the production style and japanese ethics of a quartet, who go by the name of asa chang & junray.  truly original and beguilingly charming, asa-chang & junray lovingly fuse layers of psychedelic sound, which they have nurtured all the way.  expressing human emotion in its purest form, the at times minimalist tapestry that has been produced is breath-taking to say the least.  "hana" is a thought provoking beauty, with relaxing emotive strings, raindrop tabla percussion and over-stated vocals.  "jippun" is similarly touching, as a traditional flute, a biting electric synth, furious percussion and climbing high fx combine wonderfully.  "kokoni sachiari" vents anger all the way, with a peal of thunder, sickening vocals, a wavering twanging sitar and a nasty synth.  "radio-no-youni (comme a la radio)" is a swansong for the exposed solo horn, while fx squeaks and a subterranean guitar grooves.  remarkable.    (reviewed by jon freer)
	phonique & kiki – “quadrophoniquekiks vol 01. live on four turntables” [komfort musik].  both based in berlin, kiki & phonique have produced a four deck pairing of some might.  combining an inspired selection of tracks, additional mixing techniques and over-lays,  "quadrophoniquekiks vol 01." is certainly not your average mix album.  some tracks may not get a full airing, which may disappoint some, but with their skills and manipulation of the sound, there is always something exciting going on.  m:landsky's "wild people" is certainly that, with demented crowd noises, tight swaggering percussion, addictive keys and a plain synth.  julien jabre's masterful reinterpretation of peppermint candy's "chocolate girl" gets an airing, and its wonder synth, enthralling bass and swaying keys are perfection epitomised.  the 'adil dub' of phil weeks's "fire in the wood" drops his stoned rabbiting vocals, to let the penetrating repetitive acid line roll out all the way over a fuzz bass and clockwork percussion.  while king britt's 'funke mix' of josh one's "contemplation" is a nasty piece of work, with sinister vocals, menacing strings and an evil bass.  technically wonderful, with an excellent tracklisting to boot, this is head and shoulders above all those major label cash-in compilations! (reviewed by jon freer)
	crazy penis – “the wicked is music” [paperecordings]   after the pleasurable cleansing of "a nice hot bath with.", paper's infamous mad knob twiddlers are back again, plus or minus a few members of the band.  self proclaimed by jim baron as 'the best stuff we have done', a bevy of live instruments, golden grooves and a definite feel good factor look set to prove this statement.  the addition of local manc vocalist, danielle moore, adds another distinctive layer to the penis sound, which adds some excitement to their productions, and could certainly help them crossover.  "there's a better place" takes cinematic strings, cold percussion, theatrical vocals and a bumping bass to produce a track which sounds more at home in manchester's opera house, than sankey's soap or the music box.  "keep on" is a sun kissed laidback number, with a drum kit and over laid afrocentric percussive extras, a melancholic piano, a gorgeous fuzzy bass guitar and danielle's fragile vocals.  "give it up" is easily the most accessible number on the album, as mellow keys, an alluring sax and dreamy strings under pin a sing-a-long vocal.  "bad dismount" offers an altogether uninspiring vocal hook, which unfortunately tarnishes a weird and wonderful strummed guitar, jagged percussion, dangling keys and rousing strings which lurk beneath.  a summery selection of real songs and sumptuous soundscapes, that is certainly worth a listen.  (reviewed by jon freer)