Friday, 19 November 2021

Single Review: Without Music (ft Micall Parknsun & Specifik) / Labels Smoove mix 7" Edit by Whirlwind D

 

Without Music (ft Micall Parknsun) / Labels (Smoove RMX 7” Edit)

By

Whirlwind D

 


There is no doubt that the last couple of years have been the most surreal period that most of us have ever experienced. What is has shown us is that music, that we listen to and that which is inside us, will never stop and will always be there and will evolve to suit the situation.

Back in April this year we were given our first hint at the forthcoming single from Whirlwind D with the release of the Labels Smoove Remix. Originally slated for a summer release, delays hit causing the release to be pushed back but, now that time is finally upon us, and those slices of wax should soon be dropping on doormats…

Without Music is most definitely on that feel good uplifting vibe as production comes from Djar One who brings us this blistering mix of funky horns, soulful vocal samples, and a proper head nod beat. There is not a better backdrop for Whirlwind D and Micall Parknsun to bring us their own personal stories on what the music means to them and how it has always been the shining light through all those dark times. You can really feel those heartfelt words as both emcees open up to us, and in doing that, they allow us to look deep inside ourselves and to recall all those fond memories of the times music has uplifted us in the times we most needed it. For me, music has always been a healing force, regardless of the genre you chose to listen to, and this track really sums up that healing influence that music has on us regardless of what is happening around us. To polish this one of there is a good dose of cuts from Specifik to seal the deal on what has to be a contender for single of the year.

The Labels Smoove mix 7” Edit really continues that upbeat vibe but, in a different way. Here Smoove takes strings, horns, and drums to create something that has to be one of the biggest feel-good tracks of the year and certainly one of biggest I’ve heard in a while. It really gives a whole new dimension to DJar One’s original vibe and allows us to revisit Whirlwind D’s original message, where he takes us back to those moments which defined an era and a young Whirlwind D. The energy in this track will have you wanting to jump around like back in the day and will leave you with a huge smile on your face. If, like me, you loved the original Labels from 2018’s Beats, Bits and Bobs, then this one just your cup of tea. Seriously, Smoove really does have a knack when it comes to remixes. Once again Specifik provides the cuts on this one which has also received regular airplay on 6 Music, as did the original.

 

There is always something about how whirlwind D crafts his lyrics, they are always clear and flow to perfection. The content is always knowledgeable and delivered in a way that speaks to you on a deep level. In fact, there have been tracks like Without Music, such as Nothing Is Better and MDM for example, where he delivers something that touches you in a very deep way. I found that Without Music touched me deeply for many reasons and, if you really think about it, where would we be without music. Music helps us to remember that we are not alone in our feelings and helps to uplift us when we need it most, without music the world would be a sad place…

There has always been that element of togetherness or being a part of something, with what Whirlwind D does, especially in since teaming with Specifik and B-Line and, more recently, with DJar One (who has to be one of the premier European producers out there) there is a special relationship that really does click and has, over the last few years, produced some of the biggest Hip Hop tracks we have seen for some time on the UK scene and tracks that really are such a pleasure to listen to. It is also worth noting that bringing in the legendary Micall Parknsun on Without Music was just genius too.

Even the artwork from John Dyer has this deep element to it that seems to draw you in, especially once you have listed to the single and you look again. It might just be me but, have a look and see if you get the same feeling, that solitary speaker seems to say "where would you be without me..."

Without Music is released through B-Line Recordings/Hip Hop Be Bop but, by the time you read this it has already sold out at B-Line HQ so you will need to check some of the other links below to see if there are still some vinyl copies out there.

On that note,

I’m out,

Steve


LINKS

Get the digital copy on Bandcamp Here:

https://whirlwindd.bandcamp.com/album/without-music

Get you copy from Hip Hop Be Bop Here:

https://hiphopbebop.com/product/whirlwind-d-without-music/

Get your copy from Suspekt Packages Here:

https://suspect-packages.com/product/12272/

Get you copy from Juno Here:

https://www.juno.co.uk/products/whirlwind-d-without-music-featuring-micall-parknsun/854579-01/


VIDEO

Without Music Official Video




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