Maurice Fulton delivers a second dose of musical madness under the Syclops guise. Adopting the cutting-up-live-sessions approach previously worked by P‘taah, Fourtet, and Madlib, Fulton swaps his lauded floor-filling tendencies for something more cerebral. The boundary-blurring tracks chug, swell, soar, and sweep in a collage of sounds that probably won‘t get peak-time DJ play but should most definitely tickle your fancy.
Codebase Data Agent
San Diego‘s Codebase turns in a gorgeous slice of late-night groove for the ever-solid Intrinsic Design imprint. Do you like rich analog bass sprinkled with delicate melodic bleeps? Is tight programming a plus? Then this one is for you.
Genarro Rossi Phono Punk
Delectable recipe for dancefloor mania: one part electro, two parts acid house, add a dash of fresh techno, garnish with trance and serve between 1-3 a.m. “Phono Punk” is a lesson in dynamic hypnotism, seamlessly raising the energy of a room without anyone noticing until they‘ve got their hands in the air-this one‘s in the crate for a while to come.
Apoll From A To B (Falko Brocksieper Remix)
Substatic‘s minimal master takes on Switzerland‘s Apoll in a fierce battle of wobbling synthetic bass, agile edits, and hallucinatory electronic refrains. A multiplicity of textures weave their way through the mix, resulting in a claustrophobic tech-house voyage sure to keep everyone onboard.
Warrior King Hold The Faith
On Hold the Faith, Warrior King talks up his Bible-derived spirituality so often he wouldn‘t seem out of place in Bush‘s White House. But it‘s not the Rasta evangelism or the mediocre production that annoys-rather, it‘s WK‘s penchant for mind-numbing clichés. On “Education” he chants “Silver and gold will vanish away, but a good education will always stay.” It‘s such less-than-rigorous writing that finds him unable to give us another “Virtuous Woman,” 2001‘s sensational career-launching single. Unfortunately, Hold the Faith is not just an album title, but also an instruction to fans awaiting the next transcendent reggae talent.
Midas The Last Dance EP
This is rumored to be the final release from the guys that make up the Midas crew, and it appears they will be leaving the game on top. Standout tracks on this strong release are “Carob Undies,” “Bitin‘ Acid,” and “Matrix,” which also includes a production from Brett Johnson.
Cyantific Snowflake
Slowly but surely the Cyantific boys have been making the right waves, showcasing their diversity and production skills off to full effect. In a way this track is one of their more simplistic efforts, yet still with their trademark sampling acrobatics. A bassline roller reminiscent of the halcyon days in Bristol.
Silent Witness Triple Seed
Remember the days of the stepper? Well if you do and you miss them, or if you don‘t and would like to know what the giddy biscuit I‘m talking about is, then check this tune out. It‘s got a bit of tech with a chunk of funk, then the second drop comes in with some expertly sliced drum action. This tune makes me want to love and hate all at the same time.
Strong Arm Steady Get Cha Bars Up
Dammit, why do I have to travel to LA to hear ill underground street funk that‘s hype enough for radio spins? Case in point: this joint featuring veteranos Xzibit, Phil The Agony, Krondon, and Mitchy Slick. The rest of the US is nappin‘ on the West again. Krondon calls this track a “jailhouse jingle.” True, its G‘d up, but the hook grabs you like the best Jay-Z, Snoop, Cube, or Nate Dogg track. Don‘t miss this W-side anthem.
Hint Tremmuh EP
These six impressive upbeat broken dance tracks make for a hearty EP. “Hint” gets raw and rude with buzzing-hornet fonky analog bass stabs and ‘nuff scattered percussion. Blink and you‘ll miss the wicked Afro-soul/funk cut “Got A Pulse.” A-class music!
