German producer Phonique’s grinding electronic house EPs are targeted at the dancefloor, but on his debut album, Identification, they only account for part of his sound. Granted, there’s a succession of clubby tracks, most notably echoes of bleep techno and Detroit musicality on “Robotta Reprise” and “On A Hot Summer Day,” which out-drones the Get Physical back catalog. However, Phonique’s got his sights set on a parallel pop world, a place where Erlend ÿye’s charmingly androgynous whine on the electro-pop “For The Time Being” and Paris The Black Fu’s breathy raps on the sexy R&B of “Thick’N’Rich” top the charts all year round.
Vex’d Lion
Thing you gotta love about Vex’d-his tracks are always a lot more complex and punchy than your average breakstep. His latest two-tracker (being played out by J Da Flex and Oris Jay) features intricate drums that mingle with buzzing, weaving yellowjacket bass drops. “Lion” is distorted ragga/grime breaks that prowls tensely before opening its sharp jaws and swallowing any dancer in its path. Gwaan mi lion!
Boabinga & ID The Feeling
On a label that brings unadulterated, over-modulated, Godzilla-sized breakbeat tracks every goddamn release it’s always a treat to see how they’ll outdo themselves each time. Both sides of this lead-weight heavy single feature backhoe-digging beats and sizzling basslines, and for added chaos the track changes sounds and patterns every four bars-fucking mental. Take your Dramamine and dance to this.
Brownstudy Tell Me More About Bubbles
Forget all the Matrix stylings and the razor-sharp, pseudo-techno production-hip-hop’s future has not yet been written. However, Detroit’s Jason Hogans has been scribbling on a few napkins, and seems to be on to something. This EP is steeped in potent analog/digital blends and a master’s thesis in beat programming, but it’s an intense, soul-searching narrative that propels this record forward.
Mix Master Mike Bangzilla
On Bangzilla, Invisibl Skratch Pickl and Beastie Boys DJ Mix Master Mike forgoes any middlemen with mics to deliver another album geared strictly for scratch aficionados. Without a rhyme in sight, those ignorant to the turntablism lexicon will have trouble deciphering the frenetic beats encrypted amidst chops, flares and stabs. All sounds are fair game; whether it’s nursery rhymes (“Tranzmission”), string arrangements (“Bangzilla”) or spacey effect (“Skanner 13”), they all get manhandled over an endless stream of sturdy drum breaks. At times the cacophony of sound can get monotonous, but MMM is a vinyl-chewing beast that must be heard to be believed.
John Rolodex Can’t See Me
Original rude bwoy sheriff John Rolodex comes through with a snapping gumbo of breaks, a ground-shaking bassline and his trademark gangsta vocal stabs. Definitely a smashing tune! The production is tight and in the same professional vein as Cartridge’s “Dark Shadows.” The flip, “Shut the Fuck Up,” is also not to be fucked with!
Dub Trio Exploring the Dangers Of
Using bass, drums, keys, guitar, melodica and distorted effects, Brooklyn’s The Dub Trio create a parallel universe of head tripping sonics and itchy good grooves. Recorded live, some tracks in a local Brooklyn watering hole, Exploring the Dangers Of mines fresh scenarios of dizzy dub, post rock and neo-funk terrain, the focus constantly changing while retaining the trio’s bowel smacking attack. Much credit goes to drummer Joe Tomino, whose assortment of freak percussion adds exotic flourishes to his diverse and zesty rhythms. Part dub danger, part psychedelic madlib, Exploring is outstanding.
Brazilian Girls Lazy Lover
Smoke straight past the original and freemix versions and listen in awe to a true production master at work. Matthew Herbert cuts through the lounge vibes, keeping only the dreamy vocals of Sabina. Happily intact, they sit pretty on top of a nervous 4/4 beat, layers of moog-like keys, strings and the chopped-up remains of the original. The resulting six minutes of folky Brazilian funk are sublime.
Rosalia De Souza Fica Mal Com Deus
Top bossa boys Schema enlist the likes of the trio Tr?by and Simone “Big Bang” Serritella to beef up the beats. While the BB mix is a tasty laid-back late night foot shuffler, it’s Tr?by Trio who claims gold here with a mix that goes the extra mile. Starting out all pretty piano, Brazilian vocals and rubbery bassline, the track evolves into a darker boomin’ club biscuit worthy of top o’ the night play.
Reeko Into The Structure
This Spanish producer is making a big impact in dark techno circles. His premier on Dave Sumner’s New York label is one of his stronger releases; the A-side is a 10-minute epic that storms through several sections on its way, each of which could have been cuts on their own.
