Having had 12" releases on a number of high profile labels, such as Metalheadz and Critical, it was only a matter of time before Alix Perez would get the chance to grace our ears with a full-length album. Released on Friction's Shogun Audio imprint, that album, 1984, is a serious contender for the best album of 2009. Including a number of slower excursions, the album is a diverse affair, catering for both club and home listening situations, often with the same tunes. That diversity however, never detracts from the coherency of the album as a whole.
‘Memoirs of an Afterlife' is the second album from the latest manifestation of Rufige Kru, with Heist in the producer's chair alongside Goldie, following on from 2007's ‘Malice in Wonderland'. The album is quite diverse, from melancholy rollers via dubstep and downbeat electronica to massive dancefloor tunes, yet always maintains the signature Goldie sound. While that seems a bit vague, a quick listen through the man's back catalogue will quickly reveal what I mean. Complex drum patterns, metallic strings and booming basslines are all hallmarks of Goldie's tunes and are in abundance here as well.
In less than two years, Samurai Music has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, not just in New Zealand music, but in the worldwide drum & bass scene. Following eight successful single releases, ‘Way of the Samurai' is the label's first album project. The compilation stays true to the label's ethos of featuring predominantly New Zealand artists with eight of the 12 contributions from local or ex-pat producers. With a high level of quality control, this collection provides a great showcase of the strength of New Zealand's place in the global scene.
It has been a busy time for drum & bass of late, with several of the scene's long-standing members releasing albums alongside material from producers who have been brought to attention much more recently. At times it can be a bit difficult to keep up with everything that's going on, so here's a collection of short reviews to help all of you stay in the loop.
Joachim has once again reviewed a top quality NZ drum and bass album, with the Rumble in the Jungle : Mixed by Import CD getting the once over at the TVNZ website. Check it out
Despite being only 29 years old, Welshman High Contrast already has 3 studio albums, a Radio 1 Essential Mix and an instalment in the Fabric Live mix series under his belt. Add to that a large number of high profile remixes from both within and outside the drum & bass scene and a stellar reputation behind the turntables, and you have a near sure-fire recipe for success. High Contrast's latest release on Hospital records, Confidential, is a 2 disc collection featuring the best of both his solo releases and attention grabbing remixes.
Vocal albums are relatively rare in Drum & Bass and have also been executed with varying degrees of success; so it was with a degree of trepidation that I put ‘The Raw Truth' on. Released on Marcus Intalex's Soul:R record label, there was a certain level of quality control assured but could the duo extend the chemistry that was so obvious on their first releases and apply it to a full length album?
Well Phat lovers, it's time to peddle our hazy memories back a couple of notches and dip back to the madness of the festival that was Phat 09.....for those that find the task challenging, worry not!!! The blank spaces shall be filled (Or we will just make something up which will be just as interesting)
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