Adding to the growing pile of DIY street anthems is The Ends’ theme song, which poses the question: “Are you really, really from the ends?/ Too many bwoy them want to pretend.” Quality bling MCing over ruff and simple techno pulses and nervous strings. Makes you want to go out and buy an 8-ball and a rude Merc.
Freeform Freeform Condensed (Finest Filets 1995-2002)
An odd concept: Nonplace Records owner and renowned producer Burnt Friedman edits and “re-edits” select tracks from British IDM maestro Simon Pyke’s vast back catalog. Seems like someone of Pyke’s lofty stature wouldn’t want anyone-no matter how accomplished-to mess with what are already unique specimens of complex, otherworldly aural architecture. That said, Friedman has definitely punched up and brightened Freeform’s somewhat arid, intellectual constructions, so the decision to release Condensed on vinyl makes sense in light of this upgrade. As a career-spanning intro to Freeform’s often exotic, experimental electronica, Condensed works wonders.
E-Tones More & More
Aphrodisio releases their latest fashion from Mr. E-Tones, which I predict will be worn by many. Filtered keys weave throughout the rhythm with a female vocal suggesting that we should come on and get some more.
Nymphonix Arms Around You
Nymphonix delivers a vocal project that features a remix by Naked Music’s Andy Caldwell and a dub remix by Celebrity Records co-owner Bryan Gerrard. Tastefully produced, with lush vocals giving the overall record the aromatic scent of summer. Nice!
David Duriez Reborn EP
Gourmet offers up “spiritual awareness” from Brique Rouge label founder David Duriez. With its spoken-word message, this tightly produced record is strong enough 2 exorcise any demon on the dancefloor and dark enough 2 shine through the soul.
Sly Fidelity & Club Foot Positive Information
Two reputedly well-known mystery techno producers unleash this pair of house/breaks hybrids for the non-prolific but on-point Sosumi imprint. Shuffling 4/4 beats, echoing wah chords and a tight soundclash vocal breakdown highlight the title, while the flip’s “Cruise Control” is a hardcore, disco-ey, ska-tinged party jam. Fresh for spring.
Kraymon Who Wants Some?
Accompanying his badass “Somehow Green” single on Streetwise, “Who Wants Some?” sees Pete Horsham take a less electro but similarly stripped-down route that emphasizes the funk over big-bass heroics. Combining a huggable, one-note sub bass with a slightly shuffly break, bits of effects and a nicely buried cinematic vocal sample-and putting a dubby reworking by sHack of Elite Force on the flip-Horsham forges a winner.
Martin Gadgil Partykle Science EP
New Zealand-raised Londoner Gadgil offers up a much-needed atmospheric-yet-kinetic take on d & b that borders on dubby psychedelia without dipping into indulgence. The title track emphasizes whooshing electronics over bassy machismo, and works well on those merits. The flip’s “Proto Clown” goes slower and more marauding, with reptilian bass blurps and ominous atmospheres, while “Days When” rolls more contemplatively electro. A gutsy group of jams.
Embedded Unsealed Archives
In which NYC gritmeisters Ese and Hipsta roll us three that didn’t make the cut of their Bedford Files comp. The grime and urban blues are here throughout, but put aside Hangar 18’s nondescript rhyme at the ladies and the Vast Aire/LoDeck/Tes/Breez Evahflowin’ posse cut for RJD2’s mix of Vast’s “Tippin Dominos.” We’re talkin’ tinny acid-rock guitars repeatedly whooshed into the vortex. Whoa.
The Octagon Man vs. Depth Charge I Dream
Veteran rhythm king J Saul Kane pits his identities against each other to gratingly irresistible results. The title track sprinkles samples of sheep bleats (you read right) over some grimy Space Invader electro, while the b-side’s rough-waved “Mmm” and alienatingly ambient “Baric Void” remind us that attitude long outlasts nostalgia.
