Der Zyklus blurs and explores identity on this teaser single for their forthcoming Biometry (DUB) album. Rumored to be a collaboration between Heinrich Mueller and Dopplereffekt’s Rudolf Klorzeiger, Biometric ID”‘s android voiceover (“encoded inside a microchip are the patterns of my fingertips”) is a creepy component to a plodding, future-paranoid soundtrack, sparsely arranged with willowy synths and slowly arpeggiating rhythms. George Orwell is smiling from above.
Antennae Silent
Miami’s Richmond Heights resident MC Stres takes us into his claustrophobic reality-a serpentine world that he observes from his room via pirate satellite TV. His evocative prose dismantles the myths of the United States one brick at a time over beats by Maneuver and Counterflow associate Induce. On side-label Rice & Peas, Doc Nuke.com’s “Petroleum G-String” 7″ presents shifty IDM and chaotic breakcore for all-night renegade warehouse parties. Bring your posse.
Joined Forces Joined Forces
Tunes from Germany’s Switchstance sound similar to those on Ninja Tune, Stereo Deluxe and Grand Central, and are made by a cast of unknowns who could well be the next Mr. Scruff, Runaways or Funky Lowlives. In other words, break-heavy beats, jazzy solos and old school hip-hop samples sprinkled throughout bombs by Kabinjak, Deela and, um, Protassov? For more, check SS’s masterful comp, Fantastic Freeriding 2.
Michael Rose & Rankin Joe Deeper Roots
There’s no stopping Ryan Moore’s Twilight Circus. Following a recent spate of 7″ singles on the M-offshoot Fleximix (with cuts by toaster Rankin Joe and Luciano, plus versions) comes the truly sweltering “Deeper Roots” EP from Michael Rose and RJ. Rose’s “Throw Some Stone” is a cautionary lament, with his earnest vocals hovering over Moore’s foundation dub. Also on M-Rob Smith remixes Rose’s “No Burial” inna ol’ skool-jungle stylee. Sirens wail!
Lightheaded Never Square
No rain in Portland, only heat! Lightheaded celebrates Northwest hip-hop creativity on “Illuminate,” over 9th Wonder’s MPC-tastic beat. Producer Muneshine’s no slouch either, livening up “Never Square” and “Blink of an Eye” with strings, tablas, horn sweeps and other punchy samples. Sounding like Pharcyde covering Organized Konfusion, Lightheaded restores hip-hop’s legitimacy.
Mondie Mondie
Don’t play Mondie’s two new whites in the club, unless you want everyone to huddle in the corner crying. In fact, I’m almost tempted to file these under experimental. Over a minimal grime riddim that sounds like someone repeatedly braining you with a Nerf mallet, MCs Napa, Flirta and God’s Gift flex pure darkness-all crew beef and putting suckers six feet under. And God’s Gift takes it with some bashment roughneck chat from the Bounty Killer school.
Leon Switch Hide The Tears
Reinforced refugee Switch presents a swirling miasma of drums and Exorcist synth washes, driven by a classic Metalheadz tons-of-drums approach that will have you throwing the goat. Flip for a Kryptic Minds remix that’s further driven by teeth-chattering sub bass and a scary girl whispering, “hide the tears.”
Shystie Make It Easy
Four interesting vocal treatments here for rough female UK garage MC Sheisty, who earned her crown with a comeback record to Dizzee’s “I Luv U” and is presently ruling the kingdom. Davinche turns in two minimal, horn-heavy steppers that combine Drumline vibes with R&B. MJ Cole’s mixes are much nicer, with cut-up old school garage flavors, bouncy bass stabs and interesting synth work. Still, I can’t help wishing for something dirtier.
Black Ops Siren Dub
Leave it to the UK garage boys to come with some dope dancefloor drum & bass and the middle finger. “Siren Dub” lays vocals from a popular dancehall anthem over a simple roller that is neither too techy nor plagued by absurd bass. We’re talking lots of mileage here, folks. “Vyce” combines Ed Rush & Opty bass with tweaky Konflict touches and comes out retro. Nice one, boys.
Qualifide Rough And Tough
Qualifide flies the flag for old school 4/4 garage flavors from the Todd Edwards era. If you like rubber band-snap basslines and vocal stutters, check “Rough and Tough” and the better B-side “Badman.” Shuffling, slow simmering vocal house awaits on their “Just Being Fooled” for the Hot Flush label (with a tasty broken beat stormer on the flip), while they make a tasty speed garage mincemeat of 3 of A Kind’s cartoon pop tune “Baby Cakes” (Relentless).
