Single & EP Reviews: All in One
| 12 Dec 2006
Ying Yang Twins - Dangerous feat. Wyclef Jean (Outpost)
3
The Ying Yang Twins latest outing features hip-hop guru Wyclef Jean both producing and providing vocal depth. The single is a voyeuristic ode to a money-grabbing stripper who is, as we are repeatedly told, 'dangerous'. The track opens with a lovely heavy guitar riff which soon makes way to a sparse but infectious tune. This metal/rap combination has potential but unfortunately we only hear it a few times. Also disappointing is that we are not treated to any particularly dirty lyrics (even on the 'dirty' version), no sexual positions, no explicit fantasies, just boring old sexism. Wyclef's voice is as unique and arresting as ever and the Twins clearly benefit from his know-how. The Twins are humorous in their lyrics and know how to drop a great beat, with Wyclef onboard it's hard not to see it being a hit. [Luc Benyon]
Out now
SebastiAn - Ross Ross Ross EP (Ed Banger/f)
3
SebastiAn's quirky electro beats suck you into a world of frenetic funky toe-tapping and head-nodding actions to rival Flat Eric, while the unusual blend of deep bass notes, sharp vocals and unexpected song endings keep you on the edge. It ventures into somewhat monotonous territory however and you begin to feel that it loses some of its powerful direction, whirring on with what sounds like beeps from every kitchen appliance. Luckily it regains its choppy 'music destroying itself' focus, and a few of the tunes even inspire you to head to a huge outdoor rave, lose your mind and dance Peter Crouch stylee. Good tracks to listen out for are the Ross Ross Ross production and Cut Copy's Going Nowhere remix which has a more enthusiastic dance beat. Definitely one for open-minded electronic lovers. [Lara Moloney]
Repeat, Repeat - 'Why Must?' (Soma)
4
Two choice techno/electronica tracks from Repeat Repeat's four skinny album, 'Squints.' Wonky, minimal, and demonstrating a playful approach to rhythms. [Alex Burden]
Out now.
Phunkin DJs feat. Pamela Fernandez. - Kickin the Beat 2006 (Saturn Return Records)
This kind of music was dull when it was originally played in clubs fifteen years ago. Phunkin DJs seem to think it's a good idea to impose it on the masses again, as if we havn't heard enough repetitive beats and meaningless female vocals over the past decade and a half. As the lyrics sing "movin to the beat" you feel like falling asleep - nothing could be more uninspirational than an intro ripped off from 'Zombie Nation' by DJs who think using 'ph' instead of 'f' makes them phat. Give it a rest guys, it's not phunny anymore. [Luc Benyon]
Out now.
Ignition Technician - The Droids Are Back In Town (Androids)
3
Pete Simpson and Richard Wilkinson aka Ignition Technician return with the release of 'The Droids Are Back In Town,' keeping true to form with 'Take It Back To The Old Skool' and the storming 'Work This Motherfucker'. [Natalie Doyle]
Out now.
Electric Soulside - Shining (Ruff Dog Recordings)
4
Belgians; known for their chocolate artistry, but not so much decent music. Electric Soulside, a brother duo, are out to bring the spotlight back onto Belgium with their blend of house vocals, chunky bass and acidic fades, while orchestrating an almighty battle between electro and old skool breakbeat. [Alex Burden]
Out now.
Deep Inc - Eazy Control (Renegade)
3
This week sees the release of Deep Inc's Eazy Control, a slice of laid-back, tribal tinged drum & bass. The 12" includes two tracks: Eazy Control and Grand Piano.
Out now.
3
The Ying Yang Twins latest outing features hip-hop guru Wyclef Jean both producing and providing vocal depth. The single is a voyeuristic ode to a money-grabbing stripper who is, as we are repeatedly told, 'dangerous'. The track opens with a lovely heavy guitar riff which soon makes way to a sparse but infectious tune. This metal/rap combination has potential but unfortunately we only hear it a few times. Also disappointing is that we are not treated to any particularly dirty lyrics (even on the 'dirty' version), no sexual positions, no explicit fantasies, just boring old sexism. Wyclef's voice is as unique and arresting as ever and the Twins clearly benefit from his know-how. The Twins are humorous in their lyrics and know how to drop a great beat, with Wyclef onboard it's hard not to see it being a hit. [Luc Benyon]
Out now
SebastiAn - Ross Ross Ross EP (Ed Banger/f)
3
SebastiAn's quirky electro beats suck you into a world of frenetic funky toe-tapping and head-nodding actions to rival Flat Eric, while the unusual blend of deep bass notes, sharp vocals and unexpected song endings keep you on the edge. It ventures into somewhat monotonous territory however and you begin to feel that it loses some of its powerful direction, whirring on with what sounds like beeps from every kitchen appliance. Luckily it regains its choppy 'music destroying itself' focus, and a few of the tunes even inspire you to head to a huge outdoor rave, lose your mind and dance Peter Crouch stylee. Good tracks to listen out for are the Ross Ross Ross production and Cut Copy's Going Nowhere remix which has a more enthusiastic dance beat. Definitely one for open-minded electronic lovers. [Lara Moloney]
Repeat, Repeat - 'Why Must?' (Soma)
4
Two choice techno/electronica tracks from Repeat Repeat's four skinny album, 'Squints.' Wonky, minimal, and demonstrating a playful approach to rhythms. [Alex Burden]
Out now.
Phunkin DJs feat. Pamela Fernandez. - Kickin the Beat 2006 (Saturn Return Records)
This kind of music was dull when it was originally played in clubs fifteen years ago. Phunkin DJs seem to think it's a good idea to impose it on the masses again, as if we havn't heard enough repetitive beats and meaningless female vocals over the past decade and a half. As the lyrics sing "movin to the beat" you feel like falling asleep - nothing could be more uninspirational than an intro ripped off from 'Zombie Nation' by DJs who think using 'ph' instead of 'f' makes them phat. Give it a rest guys, it's not phunny anymore. [Luc Benyon]
Out now.
Ignition Technician - The Droids Are Back In Town (Androids)
3
Pete Simpson and Richard Wilkinson aka Ignition Technician return with the release of 'The Droids Are Back In Town,' keeping true to form with 'Take It Back To The Old Skool' and the storming 'Work This Motherfucker'. [Natalie Doyle]
Out now.
Electric Soulside - Shining (Ruff Dog Recordings)
4
Belgians; known for their chocolate artistry, but not so much decent music. Electric Soulside, a brother duo, are out to bring the spotlight back onto Belgium with their blend of house vocals, chunky bass and acidic fades, while orchestrating an almighty battle between electro and old skool breakbeat. [Alex Burden]
Out now.
Deep Inc - Eazy Control (Renegade)
3
This week sees the release of Deep Inc's Eazy Control, a slice of laid-back, tribal tinged drum & bass. The 12" includes two tracks: Eazy Control and Grand Piano.
Out now.