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UK GARAGE AND GRIME REVIEWS
UK Garage and Grime Record Reviews
April 2006 UK Garage and Grime record reviews featuring, Lethal Bizzle, DJ Klassic, Mr Slash featuring Syer Barz & Faction G, Wideboys, Riddler, Jam & Face, Robbie-T and others...

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Evolution:EP
DJ Klassic
Nexgen Recordings

Four 140+ BPM slices of grimey darkness, each with it's own distinct flavor. This EP lands somewhere between Dubstep and Grime with a dose of DrumnBass added to the sonic blend. DJ Klassic layers atmospherics under breaky beats and an assorted barrage of bass sounds with some almost indistinguishable vocals melded into the background of a couple of the tracks. If you like it dark and breaky but still upbeat enough to be moving, this one's for you!

G NOTORIOUS


The Lethal Bizzle EP

Lethal Bizzle

Guess who's back in town? The Bizzle with a collection of 4 heavy instrumentals. One has been previously released as a vocal choon with a name that I can't remember but works just as well as an instrumental. The other three appear to be new or previously unreleased. Overall a diverse package, each track having it's own unique sound set and character. My personal favorite is the second track on the B side which consists primarily of a simple but effective beat with a constantly falling series of blips that drop to bass tones as the sequence gets lower. I could hear any number of MCs riding this one and as an instrumental it makes a great mixing tool.

G NOTORIOUS


Riddler 6
Riddler Recordings

For a while now, the folks over at the Riddler camp have been releasing quality remixes and refixes of known popular tracks. The sixth edition of this UKG phenomenon hit shops recently with a resounding boom. Riddler 6 throws some garage flavor onto popular tracks by the likes of Gwen Stefani, Ray-J, and others. Most notably, Robbie-T's remix of the hip-hop classic "Regulators" by Nate Dogg and Warren G shines with an old school 2-Step flex. Also featured from Robbie is his remix of Craig David's classic "Fill me in," a serious 4x4 jam that has recieved the attention of many pirate radio DJs including the likes of Charma and EZ. He may be new to the scene, but judging from this, he's got some big things on the way! Of course, the boys of Ctrl-S can't be left out. Their remix of Ray-J's "One Wish" is a smooth, piano-rich track in the form of pure 2-Step sex. Those looking for a rougher sound won't be disappointed. "Have it Like that (Riddler Remix)" plays on the rougher ends of garage to a 4x4 roller. Keeping with Riddler tradition, this release is full of dance floor friendly vocal cuts. If you pick this one up Feet will tap, heads will nod, and good vibes will spread.

Foolish DJ


If You Wanna Party (Boogie Down)
Wideboys feat. Dennis G

Garage Jams

The Wideboys are at it again! This new release from the garage legends will get any person with a pulse out to the dance-floor. Funky bassline riffs work compliment the vocals of Dennis G (from classic Wideboys hit "Sambuca") to create the lively 4x4 original mix. And if it is indeed time to party,
throw on the "Up Norf Dub Mix". This rough and rugged bassline mix is guaranteed to tear the roof off of any venue, anywhere. No matter who you are or what you do, the drop on this track will get you breathing heavy. The release also includes the "Atari Era electro house mix", which simply sweats
funk, and the "M1 4x4 dub", a playful organ 4x4 dub complete with twitchy vocal cut ups. All in all, an absolute must for the dance-floor friendly garage head / DJ.

Foolish DJ

 





The Concerto EP
Mr Slash feat Syer Barz & Faction G
Army Bullet

2 BIG new riddims with a vocal and instrumental mix of each. Army Bullet extends their reputation for great use of dramatic orchestral samples as a label courtesy of Mr. Slash. The vocal of the Concerto Riddim features Syer Barz and is the standout at first listen, blending large strings with in your face vocals. Firearm, vocaled by Faction G, is more subtle but, by no means, one to sleep on either! Both instrumentals also work well without the vocals. Overall, a solid package of 4 quality choons.

G NOTORIOUS


Mr. Right

Jam & Face featuring Aspira
Solo Recordings

Garage legend Matt Jam Lamont teams up with Gavin "Face" Mills to produce a vocal tune destined for 'classic' status. Aspira provides some smooth, RnB styled vocals to compliment the classy 2-step production. The classic vocal mix sounds just like that, classic styled bump & flex-ing beats with bubbly bass and emotive vocals. The familiar Delinquents sound comes out to play in their 4x4 bassline mix. Four to the floor beats, rolling basslines, and cut up vocals provide an awesome re-interpretation of "Mr. Right." If you like things on the Grimey side of life, you're in luck. Both the Iron Soul vocal and dub keep tings down and dirty with haunting sub bass and liquid effects. Anyway you slice it, this release from Solo keeps up the standard of quality UKG in all areas of the scene.

Foolish DJ


Streetz Vol I

Streetz

The introductory EP from the new label on the scene brings a fresh, multi-faceted vibe to the garage scene. Featuring artists from across the UKG scene, Streetz Vol I covers all the bases in this release. Misty Dubs and Shyam represent the bassy front with "Out Tonight," featuring vocals from Shyam. In typical Misty Dubs style, this organ infused track flows with a casual 4x4 grooves. Australia gets some representation in the UKG scene with Michael McAvan's chilled out 2-step track "Parkways." Chunky basslines and xylophonic synth lines combine with subtly glitched out vocals to weave a cooled-out tapestry of broken beat goodness. An excellent introductory track for Mr. McAvan to say the least. Will Phillips comes correct as usual with his jazzy, MJ Cole influenced 4x4 vibes. "Whatever" has a real soft yet soulful vibe, tailor made for a classy listening experience. Finally, The Dragon strikes again with another killer Rnb/Hip-hop refix of Amerie's "Talkin' about". This track is rough and rugged, coming strong with its infectiously energetic drum work. A great rub of Amerie's work. This EP is an all around great release with a variety of sounds and flavors. Absolutely worth picking up!

Foolish DJ

SUBMIT
Labels: Got a release you want Stateside and Canadian exposure for? CONTACT US!