This limited release has been enthralling audiences throughout Europe on CD promo, and now the anticipated wax is here. Thunderous reverb programs echo the epic organic feel, as groove-spliced vocal loops team up with a crowd-pleasing bassline. This release is a better DJ tool than previous titles, which simply shook the floor senseless.
Mark Williams Carnival Of Losst Souls EP
As a new face to the Primate conglomerate, this esteemed twiddler has forged ahead with a slightly more aggressive sound. Entangled elements of basic Latin percussion solidify a prominent foundation, and drifty, delayed synth stabs entertain the mids. Well-synced modulations on the filters make for a healthy dancing episode.
Moon Orchestra You’ll Know When You Get There
Moon Orchestra makes music for chill travelers and dramatic soundtracks to extreme lounging and dreams of a perfect getaway. “Moving on Out” sets the mood, and even though the tempo pushes, full strings and a floating guitar loop mesmerize more than excite. The slow luminescence of “Eastern Lights” leisurely culminates in a driving rhythm with forward dub influences. Jon Platou Selvig’s splendid blend of jazz sensibilities and relaxing atmospheres conjure in-between-adventure times, with preludes of spy-oriented tension (“the Valley”) that lead to light Latin fun (“Mystic Brew”) and bursts of calm stasis (“Sorcery”). A nice little trip for sure, with a pleasant view and enough changes along the way to make it worth the while.
ELECTRIC KETTLE Faster Ceremony And Ultra-discipline
In the Elektromeka vein with harsh French mayhem, exploring uncharted terrain unheard by breakcore ears. Some jungle tendencies, but thankfully working clear of today’s popular ragga breaks trend.
Big Justoleum Nephlim Modulation Systems
Woe to Thee O Land Whose King is a Child is the subtitle to this, and it sums up this double-vinyl anti-Bush statement. Seething diatribes, plenty of DJ-friendly Bush snippets and dirty-ass, thick beats that’ll put Def Jux to shame.
Elektromeka Riddeim EP
Elektromeka brings us the best of the pure French sound on his second release: distorted b-boy breaks with skittery fills and plenty of strange melodies and shrill noise.
Black Dice Cone Toaster
We’re happy Black Dice stay so stoned because it keeps them in their noisy little make-believe forest longer. Please remix Janet Jackson!
Jedi Mind Tricks Visions Of Ghandi
Jedi Mind Tricks makes you feel like a pussy. Like fellow “raw rap” purveyors M.O.P. and Pharaohe Monch, the Philly-based duo of Stoupe and Vinnie Paz (former JMT member Jus Allah had beef, so he bounced) deliver an aural ferocity not unlike a pit bull on Red Bull. Stoupe’s thick, Latin-laced beats bulldoze a path for Vinnie’s fiery, execution-style flow: “I’ll peel the top of your fucking face off/Like an orange/And I’ll eat the carnage.” Exhausting, exhilarating shit here-if you can stomach it.
Alton Miller Songs From Bohemia
He doesn’t have a profile as high as Detroit innovators such as Derrick May and Carl Craig, but this long player shows that Alton Miller has forged a distinct sound. “Songs From Bohemia” focuses on deeper grooves, similar to those of Moodymann and fellow maverick emotion manipulator Theo Parrish. “Something For You” is a generous offering, with troubled synths, stunning keys and appeasing strings. “No Goodbyes” tearfully refuses to let go, as spine-chilling synths, inflexible beats and slanted brass wedges combine. The trouble with this collection is that many cuts are influenced by similar ideals and utilize similar instrumentation, but with compositions as gorgeous as these, it’s a fault that can be overlooked.
Jol Moody Aow
Outlandish yet accessible, conceptual yet tangible, Moody Aow is a bamboozling, paradoxical collection of sleazy upbeat downbeat cuts that confirms Jol’s reputation as a talented beat technician and multi-instrumentalist. “Spirit Of Pyrinee” looks to the mountains for inspiration, as liquid keys jam with aggrieved strings that conceal a terrible secret. “Cool Cat” is a fitting name for a majestic, vibraphone-laced grooving cut. “Kids In The Song” is an effortlessly cheerful number, with light-hearted keys, appealing clarinet and individualistic bass guitar. Moody Aow exudes a good-natured amiability that walks arm in arm with the album’s sinister undertones.
