Various Artists – Kode9 DJ Kicks

 

The prospect of Kode9 curating a compilation of all he deems buzz-worthy in the UK bass scene is an exciting prospect in itself, and the wealth of talent he collects only whets the appetite. If there’s a common thread to this 2010 survey of underground dance, it’s that the up-tempo bounce of UK funky and kuduro have begun to firmly assert themselves into the ‘nuum consciousness.  Kode9’s own new contribution, You Don’t Wash, is a raving example of this, although, like bassline house’s shiny riposte to grime, things soon get a little repetitive.

Not to worry though, as Kode9, like always, is listening outside the box. Zomby’s Spiralz reassuringly finds his trademark arpeggios unfolding like the creepy muzak of some computer game purgatory, whilst Ramadan Man explores these extrovert rhythmic trends via demented sampling. As expected, DJ Kicks is a vivid snapshot that finds UK electronica in fine rude health. [Joe Barton]