Music Archive: December 2009
DJ Food - The Shape Of Things That Hum
The phrase 'long-awaited' doesn't really do this justice. Ninja Tune veteran DJ Food (aka Strictly Kev) returns after almost 10 YEARS with this EP. After having helped shape the instrumental hip-hop landscape so many years ago, we're delighted to hear that Kev is still ahead of the game. Employing piano across many of the tracks, using acoustic guitar and rattling drums, working with Solid Steel producer DK and covering The The: this all adds up to classic DJ Food musical goodness. Every bit as good as anything he's ever put out, and very likely to spark massive renewed interest in his work.
Adrian Crowley - Season of Sparks
Not known far beyond his native Galway until now, Chemikal Underground have finally done the decent thing and brought Crowley to a much larger audience. Previously released on the tiny Tin Angel label, Chemikal were obviously enchanted by the exquisite melodies and lyrics that flow from Crowley like they did from Leonard Cohen, Robert Wyatt and Bill Callahan.
Little Red - Listen To
Another reissue, and this time we can thank the ever-reliable Lucky Number label for unearthing this five-piece Australian 'doo-wop punk' band. It's an authentic, groovy shimmering, cross between The Beatles and The Beach Boys, (never something said lightly!) and we love it.
Jakeone - Stingrays
One half of Toob, and having worked with the likes of Red Snapper, Bomb the Bass and Radioactive Man - it would seem that Jakeone's pedigree speaks for itself. If you're not convinced, this EP of driving techno, pulsing electro house and tingling melodic mid-range should make it quite clear.
Cloak X Dagger - Zoning
Anybody familiar with Scottish hip-hop with recognise the name Profisee. As a founder member of Scotland Yard (later Yard MCs) his flows have graced many a legendary record. 'Zoning' is his collaboration with San Franciscan producer Eprom, and it takes squelching beats and bass to another dimension. This is bound to be big on Rinse, Kiss FM and 1 Extra.
Natural Self - My Heart Beats Like A Drum
We're always happy when Tru Thoughts put a new album out, and this is certainly no exception. Natural Self melts cool old-school beats over the shadow of our dearly-departed dubstep, and takes soul to fresh new depths. This is the sound of everything that is good about diversity in music right now, and we can't stop listening to it.
Quantic and his Combo Barbaro - Tradition in Transition
More Tru Thoughts quality, this time from Will 'Quantic' Holland. It's hard to believe the man even sleeps, the amount of quality productions he puts out. This, his Latin-American project, blends psychedelic, experimental and rhythmically rich sounds of the past with deep funk and soul elements of today. Classy stuff, and very likely to be huge. Brilliantly warming sounds for these cold nights!
Husky Rescue - We Shall Burn Bright
‘We Shall Burn Bright’ is the mesmerising new single from Finnish fairy tale folksters Husky Rescue, another big Open Ear favourite. Gorgeous harmonies and intricate drumbeats work seamlessly alongside beautiful vocal whispers, to create another perfect soundtrack for these wintery months.