It is always a nice surprise returning home from work and finding records in the post. This time it is the new Subvert Central Recordings triple pack.
As we already know from the first triple pack (Alpha Omega, Blue, Pieter K) Subvert Central Recordings focus on music, not on packaging. There are no labels, no graphics, nothing. Just a sticker on the box prevents listeners from being completely lost.
The first 12″ is by London duo Fracture & Neptune. And once again they prove to be true masters of tight rolling breaks. As you can guess from the title, Visions of Amen is based on the genre’s most used break, the Amen break. It is still a very powerful break if executed with precision and style. Here is a perfect example with some nice atmospherics for added value.
Clouds over Memphis is a little bit more relaxed with its addictive hookline that makes me want to dance immediatedly. Very good. This 12″ ends with Visions, a rather unusual track for Fracture & Neptune. No beats at all and very experimental borrowing influences from ambient and drone. A pleasant surprise.
Sileni is responsible for the second 12″. Another Track is a continuation of his unique style of d&b we already know from releases on Offshore, Planet Mu and Subtle Audio. He twists the sounds and chops the breaks as if it was the easiest thing to do. Excellent. The flipside starts with Random Bullshit, a fierce and disturbing intro to Daytime Jackhammering which is in a similar vein as Another Track but with an almost brutal bassline. Very hard-hitting.
Eventually Soulkast by Russian producer Uzhas sees its well deserved release. This track was scheduled for release on Streetbeats almost two years ago but shortly after the signing Streetbeats was discontinued. Luckily Subvert Central have decided to release this excellent track which is still fresh sounding today.
Uzhas’ fellow countryman Dissident rounds off this triple pack with Taiga. Precise but reduced beats collide with dark atmospherics. This is probably my favourite track on this release.
Subvert Central Volume 2 is a stellar release. You will get eight excellent and very different tracks that don’t follow any trends in d&b but rather tend to be timeless. You can listen to four of the tracks on the Subvert Central MySpace site. Since the release will only be available in selected shops and is very limited you better order directly from the label. Also it is not expensive at all: £12.50 – £17.50 including shipping depending on where you live. You can still get the first volume for the same price. Send enquiries to jon AT subvertcentral DOT com or see this forum posting for all details.
If you think this review is positive only because both Subvert Central Recordings and this blog are affiliated with the SC Street Team you are barking up the wrong tree. Firstly, the Street Team is no public relations agency but people who love the same music and secondly, web services, releases,… are reviewed favourably only if I like them.
Just before the end of the year Subvert Central Podcast please us with three new offerings and each one is great in its own right.
