Various - Female of the Species (Law and Auder LA13CD)
Following a storming showcase of this double album at Raya in January,
I have had time to listen to this compliation in depth over the last
few weeks. And yes it does take some listening to get your head around
the experimental sounds featured on these 24 tunes. Most of the tracks
fit into the off kilter breakbeat range, with some reaching drum and
bass tempos, my personal favourite is a mad breaks workout from the
wonderful Magz Hall. Other female musicians from around the world
featured include Hanni Bear, dj Singe, Apache 61, Kaffe Matthew, Dodo,
Bit-Tonic, Franziska Baumann, Isabel Waidner, Laura B, Laurie Spiegel,
Mcut, Nina Walsh & Aneta Hurst, Protean, Red Stone, Sarah Peebles,
Sianed Jones, Tasha Killer Pussies, Vicki Bennett, Addie Brik, Yasmin,
Starfish Enterprise, Catalisa. The LP was compiled by Phil Earle ,
Maria Nearchou & Kingsuk Biswas and much respect must go out to them
for uncovering such fine work. Big up the Law and Auder posse ! 7/10
Alien - The Pleasure of Leisure (Blueroom BR070LP)
Alien AKA Alastair Johnson provides us with an interesting album,
obviously highlighting a big talent. Experimental drum and bass
usually sends terrorwaves to potential listeners, however this remains
experimental and good. Squarepusher influenced drum patterns reign,
and linked often with tight patterns and loops to provide weird
uplifting tracks. Never over sweet though, sci-fi samples scatter the
cuts and give us suitable dark overtones in many places. Highlights
include the single Frankie the Prankster and the title track Pleasure
of Leisure. Unsure if many tracks would be played out by drum and bass
DJs, however as an afters album, I guess many jungalists would enjoy.
7/10
Alien - Frankie the Prankster (Blueroom BR071)
This 12" features two additional remixes to the track featured on the
album above. Moving to them swiftly the first "As One Remix" is by no
other than Kirk De Georgio and is a fabulous funky work out, retaining
the breakbeat element, whilst making the track much more soulful.
However we have to wait for the "Plaid Remix" for the best version. An
insidious hip hop break mutes the crashing drum and bass of the
orginal version. Around this is the melody and synth retained from
before, however with a fantastic change of pace. Top remixes and in my
box. 8/10
dave colbran 07788 797 830
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