Spank Rock - Couche Tard/YoYoYoYoYo Instrumentals

On the instrumental versions of Spank Rock's phenomenal debut 'YoYoYoYoYo', producer xxxChange's fusion of grime, bass-heavy hip-hop grooves and amped-up funk are given a chance to shine on their own. The heaviness of the bass and the interweaving electronic flashes of Backyard Betty and Bimp benefit from being heard solo, while the break from Sweet Talk is a DJ tool par excellence. The 'Couche Tard' mixtape, made prior to the album, features some collar-popping freestyles from Spank and his mentor Pace Rock, alongside a staggeringly diverse cut-and-paste display of decksmanship from xxxChange and tour DJs Donnie Darko and Christopher Rockswell. Taking in filtered electro loops, motown and bugglegum classics, filthy hip-hop and even a bit of Edwyn Collins, the mix sits squarely between Yoda and 2Many DJs; 'Couche Tard' is a brilliant showcase for the Spank Rock crew's manic live show, coming to Cabaret Voltaire this month. [Bram Gieben]