G-Squad continue their innovation. With its churning chords, chiming atmospheres, sweet soul vocal sample, rolling rhythm and overwhelming tumbler of a bassline, “Dance” is a prime example of an energetically Zen d&b dancefloor arrangement. And watch for the flip’s vertically designed, almost pogo-ready “Bonnie & Clyde,” loaded with nifty electronic effects and a well-reverbed tympani drum on the one. Bam!
Various Artists The Diet Strychnine Sampler
Diet Strychnine is California’s poisonous answer to UK breaks labels like TCR and Bochit. These guys deal in well-produced tech-house, electro and dubby breaks without a feeble beat to be found, all tempered by a good amount of bass-fueled funk. Tracks by PJ Stroller, The New Humans, bioFlava and Psylent are potent weapons for DJs looking for dancefloor bombs. A personal favorite: “Green Light Dread Bounce,” Oakland-based Deep Fat Fried’s tribute to late-’90s techstep that invokes the spirit of the great Johnny L.
Hyper Catnip
The truth is out there: Trance is really an alien lifeform that covertly inhabits a host and takes it over until its original form is barely recognizable. As international DJ sensation Hyper needs no introduction, this first solo release is bound for success. With “Catnip,” Hyper’s refined an intriguing hybrid. A 4/4 remix by Noel Sanger is included on the flip: is this progressive house or trance? Is there a difference anymore? You be the judge.
Various Artists Satamile
The grinding acid assemblage of the best cuts from NYC’s biggest electro label on this their retrospective comp, is speckled with unreleased goodies and tracks from as far back as ’96. Prepare yourself for heavy, bass-driven electro. This ain’t no minimal experimental album. Even breaks-heads will love tracks like Scape One’s “Android Robotics,” while Decal’s “From The Inside” can do some serious dance floor damage. An emotional ride with EMS’s “Take My Time” takes the edge off of the overall acid feel of this album. Remember your squatting days in that abandoned industrial site? This was your soundtrack.
DJ Killer This Is
Ever feel like your breaks collection is about to become moldy and disintegrate because all your tracks have started to sound exactly alike? Spain’s DJ Killer has some fresh produce for you. “This Is” and the flip’s “I Want Your Love” bend today’s formula while injecting some breaks and synths from the mid-’90s for a refreshingly different sound. Expect raw bass and long, drawn-out storytelling. This is dance music for your head as well as for your bottom.
37HZ 37hz
The Kraymon mix is the winner on this 12-inch by Dutchman Hens Zimmerman, with a cohesive blend of elements: good breakbeats and a solid bassline landscaped with spiritual undertones. The flipside offers three edits that don’t improve much on the main track, but may appeal to collectors with experimental taste. Overall, a nice piece of wax.
Oddjobs Shopkeepers Wife EP
Dark, quality production, good rhyme-flows. If you get high or if you are the serious mad-at- the-world type, you’ll love this. If you’re into good times and multiple orgasms, you’ll buy Politics of the Business. Either/or, you’ll be good.
Souls of Mischief Spark
I’m a Souls of Mischief fan, so I automatically raise the bar on quality. “Spark,” to me, is a good song-nice head-bob beat and the rhymes are cool, but sound compromising. These guys are better than what they portray on this record. I would suggest they listen to the Politics of the Business album and re-record their material.
Soul Purpose Take Over
As far as bragging underground rap records go, this is neither good nor bad. Pumpkin Head definitely shines with a nice rhyme flow. The beat is basic. If you’re a Soul Purpose fan add this to your collection; if you are undecided at the record store buy Politics of the Business to avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Greyboy Make Noise
First of all, I know people who’d love records like this. Singing verses, horns, keys, rhyming with a jazzy vibe. As for myself’ get anxiety. Would people that I know buy it? Maybe. Would I buy it? Probably not. It would make me go purchase the Politics of the Business album.
