Exclusive Album Review: Where Do I Go From Here? The Blue Tint Version by Dizzy Dustin Produced by Pandamonium

 

Where Do I Go From Here? (The Blue Tint Version)

By

Dizzy Dustin

Produced by Pandamonium

 

It was way back in July of 2021 that Pandamonium dropped me the Dizzy Dustin, Where Do I Go From Here? Album, which he had fully produced for the infamous Ugly Duckling front man. Now writing that review was some process but, that’s a story for another day. As 2021 progressed, a full physical release was planned with some incredible package deals, of which I purchased a silver package as a posthumous 50^th birthday gift from daughter’s over in Ireland.

However, as time progressed there were some issues around sample clearance and so the physical release stalled, until this year when Diz and Panda decided there was only one way forward which was fully remix the album with fresh new samples which would not cause any more clearance issues, and thus The Blue Tint version was born.

Now, it’s no mean feet to completely remix an album from start to finish and I have been lucky enough to be able to follow a lot of that process, as I’m in touch with Panda a lot to me featuring on his take over show but, I digress, it has been interesting to see the ups and downs in getting this new version complete, especially in the last couple of months as it was fine tuned several times to get to this finished version and one that both Diz and Panda were completely happy with.

Before I do get into this re-review, I would just like to give a huge shout to one DJ Shag, good friend of Dizzy Dustin and one half of their duo, The Grumpy Old Men. DJ Shag was invaluable in the advice he offered to Pandamonium during this process of remixing the album, in fact Pandamonium has this to say “DJ Shag gave me some absolutely golden advice during this process, with regards to the sound (mastering, mixing, editing etc) and constructing the album to flow like it does (switching up intro’s, making it sound more like an ‘album’ so to speak) which helped me to not only totally transform the sonics of the album but, my whole sound in general ever since our conversation. So, he definitely deserves a special mention with regards to this version of the album in particular”.

So, with all that in mind, let me take through Where Do I Go From Here? The Blue Tint Version and see who it has changed in it’s sound evolution…

Kicking off with I Go By (Intro) this time we find Pandamonium giving us his thoughts on what it was to produce an album for Dizzy Dustin, having been an Ugly Duckling fan himself. Then things switch to Diz dropping his original intro verse with an upbeat jazzy sound of keys and guitar over the drumbeat, which really lightens the tone and gets your head nodding in anticipation of what is to come. The anticipation is short lived though as Diz and Es bring The Hands of Time where the original focus of using your time wisely still hits but, this time Panda keeps the upbeat sound going with xylophone notes, guitar vibes and a hint of keys over drums, giving you a sense that there was a real drive to keep the essence of the original album, while still creating something brand new. Bricks To Build features Jabbathakut and shows Diz building on panda’s musical foundations with his words and having a ball while doing it, and those musical foundations are a funky mix of organ notes, drums and just a hint of guitar notes, all of which merge to bring a funky, yet almost light-hearted sound, finished off by Jabba dropping some razor-sharp cuts to put the icing on the cake as it were.

Lemon and 55^th finds Diz taking a trip down memory lane as he reminisces over those sunny days, good times, and a lot more to boot. Panda provides a sound that perfectly emulates, in sound, what Diz puts into words, with a laid-back vibe from flute notes, bass guitar and chilled drums. Here you can really get that sense of chilling on the beach, as the sun sets, casting you mind back to the days of way back; as you cast you mind back, there are times when you think of the challenging times and the set backs and on Rain Delays, Diz and Masta Ace ask you think of these times not as set backs but, more as experiences to learn from as you walk forward. Panda brings a chilled sound of heavy drums with a piano taking the to the forefront, mixed in with this is a cleverly mixed sound that sounds like a vinyl run off mixed to make it sound like rain and once more, Jabbathakut brings his talents to bear with a more chilled vibe to his cuts. The jazzy sound really soaks into your awareness bringing a change to your thoughts of future progression. Three Kings see’s Rakka Iriescience and Swiss Precise join Diz for more boom bap sound from Panda with drums, bass and a multi-layered sound that has your head nodding as the three emcees come to entertain with a devastating display of wordplay that perfectly shows why each deserve their crowns.

The Steebie Weebie Show Interlude keeps the interview with Diz on the story of the WDIGFH album but, this time Panda brings a sparce drum beat with a guitar heavy sound giving a slick little funky backdrop to help you enjoy Diz’s words. That little interlude is followed by something we all need, Oxygen, and here Diz and Akil The MC (Jurassic 5) point out the importance of taking time to breath, clear you head and your heart and remember who you are and where you came from. Panda brings a jazzy vibe from guitars and keys, over some equally jazzy drums, giving the kinda sound you can’t help but, groove to because this sound, the beats and rhymes are now your oxygen. After taking a deep breath, your mind can often drift and sometimes back to those words your Mama Say; the words that wake you realise that not matter what you’re going through, better days are ahead and Diz and his daughter Savannah MacFarland bring those words to life, while Panda brings an equally emotive beat that is piano heavy with elements of bass and a chilled drumbeat.

Cruel Summer finds Diz, Cade Parenti and Michael MCDZ Peacock speaking on the days that are so hard when things are weighing heavily on your mind. The hot days of a cruel summer can make those times so much harder as you struggle to find peace and balance on your life’s journey. Panda brings a beat fused with bass, bells, organ notes and sprinkling of sax, over a laid-back drumbeat; this combines to bring a soulful sound that really touches you deeply. After that we need some time to chill and bring back the brighter times and Panda provides the perfect backdrop of bass, keys and another chilled drum beat for a trip to the Bahamas with Diz and Godforbid. There is plenty of Cubanas and Pina Coladas under a purple haze, which makes you drift off into relaxed place where the beat takes you off But, just as you are perfectly chilled, Diz and Panda are joined by Jabbathakut and it’s back to the streets with boom bap sound with plenty of bass guitar and razor-sharp cuts galore. The horn elements make you wanna throw your Hands Up in the air as Diz and company are here for one thing, to rock the crowd and keep em moving.

Now, back in the day, like in the 80’s, everyone in Hip Hop wanted to be Ill But, what exactly is the Definition of Ill; well to explain that Diz is joined by the legendary figure of Blade, from the UK, fellow Long Beach MC Killa Complex and another legendary figure in form of Ryu of Styles Of Beyond, over Panda’s solid bass infused boom bap beat. Unleashing incredible bars, the emcees leave you under no illusions that they have just defined what it means to be Ill. Now you know what it is to be Ill, it’s time for Lights, Camera, Action but, this ain’t no motion picture as Diz and Imani (The Pharcyde) speak on what it is to reflect back over all you have achieved in the Hip Hop music game. Panda brings a sound that mirrors that vibe with piano and bass over a funky drumbeat, it brings a sound that, alongside the lyrics, helps you feel how it is to reflect over all that media attention with the desire to bring good music to the fans. Next up is the albums title track Where Do I Go From Here? Panda’s horn infused, jazzy vibe seems to hit from different angles, never quite letting you settle on which way it is truly coming from and this is the perfect vibe for Diz to speak on how he is stood at a metaphorical crossroads, with one road behind him and many roads in front, there is only one question left to ask but, in asking that question you also have to remember those who have, and will accompany you as you walk on…

Panda’s chilled piano heavy sound takes out of the album as Diz to give us the Thank You (Outro), where its time to reflect a little more on the journey of the album and just to say a few thank you’s to those who have be instrumental along the way…

 

Before I sum up The Blue Tint Version, there is one thing to note, although the album has been remixed, re-edited etc, the track Cruel Summer is the only track that did not need to be remixed as the sample clearances were ok for this track But, all the other tracks were remixed by Pandamonium.

The important thing here is that by remixing the album, it does not take away any of the impact of the original release. In fact, what happens here is less of a remix and more of a re-imagining of the project! Diz and Panda both wanted this project and the physical releases that were originally planned, to see the light of day and there was this desire, from both, to make this happen. The only way they could achieve that was the strip away Panda’s original musical back drops and for him to recreate the sound with a new set of samples. Just as if someone took the paint away from the original drawing and you had to start again with a whole new palette of paints, with new shades.

I think it is a huge credit to Pandamonium as a producer, that he has dedicated the time to doing that and that what he has been able to achieve is nothing short of miraculous. Taking that original vision and creating a whole new look that is as close to the original as possible, is something else. Yes, you will note that the sound has changed a little on the tracks but, there is nothing here that takes anything away from the lyrics of Dizzy Dustin or the guest artists. To be honest, by calling it The Blue Tint version they have described, perfectly, what Pandamonium has achieved here; he has taken the original and given it a new tint, a new look and one that still echoes what I said in my original review, and I quote…

Dizzy Dustin shows that the passing of time has in no way effected his own unique style. Not just that but, there is a definite grown man edge to his vocals here and a more personal vibe that runs throughout the album which adds this definite depth to the whole thing. I have little doubt that Diz could have easily carried this whole album himself. However, what he has done is to bring in a host of guest emcees from names you know to some you don’t and a few legendary figures that all together gives the album an extra dimension on an international scale and I know there will be plenty that are hyped for the appearance of Blade, Masta Ace, Imani, Rakaa, Akil and Ryu just to name a few but, it is also nice to see an appearance by Dizzy’s daughter Savi.

Pandamonium brings his trademark jazz funk vibe to this album whilst easily mixing it up and tweaking things to create the perfect soundscapes for each track be it upbeat, laid-back, boom bap or head nod. The balance of pace works so well helping this one to flow in a way that perfect for the listener regardless of the setting you’re in whilst listening. Pandamonium’s unique style makes him one of the UK’s most exciting producer/DJs who always produces clean and crisp upbeat music that is always able to lift your mood.

There will be many of us, listening to this album and the original, who are at that mid-point of our lives and have reached our own metaphorical crossroads, and this album will speak volumes and might even elicit a number of emotions along the way because, as we look back and reflect on what has gone before and we consider what is yet to come, emotions and music form a huge part of those memories.

Where Do I Go From Here? The Blue Tint Version is an absolute pleasure to listen to, from top to bottom. Every beat, every rhyme is on point and in time. Yes, this is that grown man style Hip Hop but, I do feel that for those who have not yet heard the original, there is easily enough here for you to enjoy, regardless of if you are a Hip Hop head through and through or if you are one of the younger generation, this is one of those sound to span the decades and for everyone to associate with.

That’s it from me, except to say that I’m looking forward to the day I hold the physical package in my hand, which will bring many memories associated with it, it will be a good day…

I cannot thank Diz and Panda enough for their friendship and for the chance to be the first person to bring a review of this stunning release to you. So, thank you Dizzy Dustin and Pandamonium, it’s been an honour, and I Hope all of you that read this enjoy the album as much as I have.

Physical copies of the album are due early in 2024 so, keep watch for these.

I’ll see you next time,

Steve.

LINKS

The Digital version of the Album will be available from Bandcamp today at:

https://djpandamonium.bandcamp.com/music

Dizzy Dustin Bandcamp:

https://therealdizzydustin.bandcamp.com/

Dizzy Dustin Socials and Website:

https://therealdizzydustin.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dizzy_dustin_ugly_duckling/

https://www.facebook.com/therealdizzydustin

https://www.youtube.com/@DizzyDustindD

Pandamonium Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/djpandamoniumbeats

https://www.instagram.com/pandamoniumuk/

https://www.youtube.com/@PandamoniumHHB

VIDEO

WDIGFH? The Blue Tint Version - Promo Video

 

 

 

 

Album Review: The Beatles Songbook Played by DJ Format

 

The Beatles Songbook

By

DJ Format

 

Getting the chance to put your talents to use on a release by someone such as DJ Format is one of those bucket list things, so when I got the chance to do this review for his new release, The Beatles Songbook, as part of the Weaponize Mixtape Series Volume 1, on Weaponize Records, then I had to give it a go, even if it did mean that my normal in-depth review style wouldn’t really work here for this kind of mix style release.

Now, I have been a fan of Format’s work ever since the release of Music For The Mature B-Boy back in 2003. Some of that was that he was born in the same city as me, Southampton, UK. But it was mainly due to the fact that he always came with the kind of banging Hip Hop tunes that always got you fired up and bouncing along to the music. As his career grew and he released more of these mega-mix style tracks, it gave me some great driving music to vibe to, which made those long journeys all the more enjoyable; loving the way he took you back to that foundation of Hip Hop and Breakin’ sound, mixing it all with some eclectic musical sounds to boot.

So, just what can you expect from The Beatles Songbook?

Here we find Format on fine form as he finally brings us something special, after chasing a desire, or obsession even, for ten years or more, and by that, I mean bring us a mix of lesser-known Beatles covers that are all seamlessly mixed together with the usual funky B-Boy breaks!

Now, I have to confess that I am not a huge fan of The Beatles music. I mean I know their stuff and heard plenty of it growing up before Hip Hop came along that is. but, and here’s the thing, this 65-minute mixtape really draws you in. There is such a wide range of genre’s than are covered in this mix that it makes you realise just how much of an impact the Fab Four had on so many people. From pop to rock, funk vibes, instrumentals and much more in a whole host of languages, Format has outdone himself by digging out a proper eclectic mix of covers to get your head nodding. Mixed in with all this is a good dose of breaks and beats to keep things really moving, plus a good sprinkling of little comical samples, such as Steve Coogan, that bring a light edge to proceedings and keep the enjoyment levels maxed out.

Whether you like The Beatles or not, there is a lot to like about this mix, there are plenty of recognisable tracks and some not so. There is also plenty of obscure versions that might not be instantly recognisable to you. It might also take you a couple of listens to really get into it, especially if you do what I did and spend the first listen thinking too much about the tracks.

The best way to enjoy this mix is to just sit back and listen, then you can vibe to the sound, with the changes in pace and those genre bending versions of those famous songs, really filtering through your awareness.

I honestly believe that both the lovers and the haters of The Beatles music will love this. The only ones who might struggle are the purists. The ones who only bow to the original sound and think that everything else is just sub-standard.

What is clear from listening to this mix, if you just take away the subject matter for a second, is that this is DJ Format doing what he does best; collecting a host of obscure records that the listener may never have heard of, and might otherwise have overlooked; then taking elements of those records along with a dash of other samples and mixing them all together to create a really fun and enjoyable release than has a definite timelessness factor.

This mix etches these tracks into your mind, mixing them together in a way that makes them as enjoyable now and, in the future, as they were when created, in fact some would say that this mixtape style actually makes the music more listenable and more enjoyable than those cover versions were. DJ Format also opens up The Beatles music, and these cover versions, to whole new audience who might now find they want to track down those original cover versions and also give a new listen to the original sound of The Beatles.

Reflecting back on this, I wasn’t sure that my words would be enough to express just how enjoyable this release is but, honestly, Format has done it again. He show’s his skill as a DJ, Producer, and mixer to breath new live into some dusty old crates full of music, proving once more that Hip Hop and the art of sampling and mixing can shine a whole new light on once forgotten music.

The Beatles Songbook played by DJ Format was available on limited CD and cassette; however, it is now sold out. If you were unlucky enough not to grab a CD or tape and still want one, then why not just petition Weaponize Records to do a third repress. I know this series is meant to be limited but, surely something as good as this needs to be something you can hold in your hand; and as it will not be made available on any DSP’s, perhaps a third re-up is really what’s needed here?

My huge thanks to Guy from Weaponize for giving me that chance to bring this one to you.

I’m outta here,

See Ya.

Steve.

LINKS

Weaponize Records links:

https://linktr.ee/weaponize_records

Weaponize Records Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/weaponize_records/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551812373834

DJ Format Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/djformat/

https://www.facebook.com/DJFormatUK

VIDEO

The Beatles Songbook (Promo Mash-up)

 

 

 

Single Review: ZOINKS! by Caskie and Bad Batch

 

ZOINKS!

By

Caskie and Bad Batch

Feat Sylva Grey, Captain Bukioe and DJ Rasp

 

It’s been a while since I last featured Caskie here, in fact it was way back in October 2020 with his debut Ways To Stay Broke. So, its good to have him back with a brand-new track, which is in lieu of the up coming EP Everybody’s On One, which is produced by Bad Batch and due for release early in 2024.

I recently had the pleasure to catch up with Caskie and see him perform live at the Park Jam in Stamford, which was a celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop. It here that Caskie mentioned to me that there was new music on the way and so it only right that I give this one the Infinite Sounds UK treatment.

Zoinks! Is the first single from the upcoming EP from Caskie and Bad Batch, it features appearance from Captain Bukioe (Rum Committee), Sylva Grey (Dusty Stragglers) and former DMC Champion DJ Rasp on the cuts. The track features a lot of samples from the original Scooby Doo series, hence the title, and so promises to be riot.

So, let’s get into it…

 

The first thing that hits you about ZOINKS! Is that the beat of drums, bass, guitar notes, and the cuts give you this straight up head nod vibe that gives you the feeling that your just gonna love this one. Those subtle elements from Scooby Doo have the corners of your mouth turning into smile. Captain Bukioe, Sylva Grey and Caskie bring some intricate wordplay that has your mind spinning, never knowing where you are in any one moment of time and space. They have your mind picturing haunted houses one minute, the next your catapulted into an interstellar space scape before being brought back down into the present day. There are more twists and turns here than one of those classic episodes of Scooby Doo but, there are no meddling kids here just three trusty emcees, a dope producer and a highly skilled Dee Jay; teaming up to exorcise the demons, repel the invading alien horde and in an entertaining manor, before being back for tea.

If this is anything to go by, the upcoming EP from Caskie and Bad Batch is going to be something special so, my advice here is to get your ears round this one and let it be the soundtrack to your zombie hunting, ghost hunting or just plain musical enjoyment, because the upcoming EP might just break all your expectations wide open but, you’re gonna have to wait for that one…

ZOINKS! Is out now on streaming and YouTube so, where are you? You got some work to do now…

Time for me to break out the ghost hunting kit,

Be seeing you,

Hopefully…

Steve.

LINKS

Streaming links for the single:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/caskiexbadbatch/zoinks-feat-sylva-grey-captain-bukioe--dj-rasp

VIDEO

Check the incredible video for the single Here:

Single Review: Most Hazardous Original and Remix by Cut Beetlez and Godfather Don

 

Most Hazardous

By

Cut Beetlez and Godfather Don

 

Recently my good friends the Cut Beetlez released a new single and remix, Most Hazardous which featured none other than Godfather Don, a legendary figure in Hip Hop music who is an emcee in his own right and also a top producer who has worked with some huge names since his first appearance on the scene in 1991 with his debut, Hazardous. So, what better than for him to team up with the duo of the Cut Beetlez who are arguably two of the most innovative producers in Hip Hop today.

So, without further ado, lets get into Most Hazardous and the remix…

As with all their releases, the Cut Beetlez bring a huge jazz influence to the sound on this one, with a mind numbing drum fusion that beats your ears and causes your entire body to vibrate to the very atoms that spin beyond your awareness but, that’s not all, as along the way there are electronic and bass elements, alongside frantic razor sharp cuts which combine to bring a mind bending, nerve shredding sound but, one that is strangely enjoyable and compliments the vocals. Godfather Don is on point here with deadly, intricate wordplay that slices, dices and unloads salvos of rhyme bombs that take out all the wack rappers and demonstrate exactly why he is the Most Hazardous on the mic and beyond.

With the Most Hazardous remix, the Cut Beetlez take God Father Don’s words and statement and give a whole new backdrop. Here the sound is a rougher drum sound fused with those deadly cuts and some big, sampled horn elements, which also have that rough raw element to them. What this does is to add to the impact of the original in a way that feels like going beyond the vibrating of every atom in your body, to ripping them all apart and then simultaneously pounding them back together in one swift moment.

What we have here is a merging of one of the great Hip Hop lyricists with two beats that, on the face of it sound so different but, are also very close, coming from the minds of two guys who always bring the heat.

Once again, the Cut Beetlez show that they seem to have this never-ending innovative style that always brings something different, something experimental, to the scene with each release they put their minds to. There is always a fresh element to everything they do, which means you can never anticipate just what you are about to hear, they just always have an edge which always leaves you thinking ‘I wasn’t expecting that’?

Bringing in Godfather Don to drop vocals on this one, makes you sit back and think how the sound is just perfect for his delivery; and what a delivery it is to, expertly delivered with a rollercoaster flow of intricate wordplay that leaves you feeling a little breathless and wondering just what a whole album would be if put out by this meeting of Hip Hop greats.

Most Hazardous and its Remix are, for me anyway, two must haves, end of story. If you have not heard these yet, then its time to wrap your ears and your mind around them now.

Both singles are out now and feature artwork by HP Lovescratch himself. The strictly limited lath cut 5" picture discs have sadly now sold out. However, you can still purchase some artwork from Bandcamp.

My huge thanks to DJ J-Man for giving me the chance to review these two dope singles.

Time for me to be out,

See ya next Time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy of Most Hazardous on Bandcamp:

https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/album/most-hazardous 

Stream both singles Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/75uudNEPFGwcf2Q2Xe9ffH?si=qGGA4IzwQkmKReUKKPyjEg&nd=1&dlsi=fcedbdd5239a4231

Cut Beetlez on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cutbeetlez/

Godfather Don on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/real_godfather_don/

 

EP Review: The Red Nebula EP by Mazzini

 

Red Nebula EP

By

Mazzini

 

Dropping today on Live From The Groove is the latest offering from Mazzini, the Red Nebula EP. Mazzini is described as a Hip Hop producer who draws inspiration and influence from the world of television and film. Obsessed by vintage cinema, giving an insane attention to detail when crafting his often complex and meticulous projects. A keen purveyor of the obscure, flipping from the screen to the MPC; Mazzini builds soundscapes with running themes exploring everything from space travel to the escapades of the New Jersey Mafia. 

As with anything from the Live From The Groove label, we can expect some high grade Hip Hop vibes mixed with whatever Mazzini chooses to bring to the table, and to give you an idea of what to expect at this juncture, the EP is described, in part, as a futuristic trip, a spaced-out beats odyssey that journeys light years through soulful loops, edgy electronic elements and raw organic drums. Cinematic in the extreme, Mazzini experiments with effects from home-made guitar pedals and painstakingly carves samples from forgotten film and tv soundtracks, 90s computer games and a plethora of his own nostalgia to create a cosmic soundscape.

Not only that but, the EP also features appearances from Dweller, Scrabble and Kansul, guitar and bass from Rolly and cuts by DJ Simon C. So, this one really ramps up the expectation of something different and possibly way out there?

If you really want to get an idea of what’s in store for your ears, then join me as I take you on a journey through the EP as it comes through my ears and then filters through my consciousness…

 

As the sound of drums, electronic vibes and sonic sounds, of Lazers envelopes you, you find yourself on a launchpad with a brief sensation of expectation before being launched into the vast reaches of space, surrounded by some intricate lo-fi vibes carry you past the point of no return and on into orbit around the earth; you catch your breath as the beauty of home planet comes into full view, lit by the light of the sun. It’s not long before your attention is drawn to the cosmos beyond the earth and for a brief moment the thoughts of the universe merge with the image before you on the computer screen, brought to you by Lines In A Code. The electronic vibes and heavy drums make the veil between realities blur and the voice of crew mate Scrabble invade your scrambled awareness, his words bring thoughts of the digital age and how computer code seems to rule our lives, making it harder to distinguish just what reality we live in, is it a 3-D world or just a simulation that is generated by the lines of code in the matrix…

As your mind whirls, almost out of control, you blink hard and suddenly realise that the pounding drums, electronic vibes and sampled sounds have taken you beyond the earth’s orbit further into the galaxy beyond, and as you head ever onward you wonder just what comes After Earth? It’s not long before a head nod drum beat clears your vision, with guitar notes and some sampled sounds take you back to 80’s with electro vibe. The sound comes from crew member Dweller, a Robot, as his words seem to drift in and out of your awareness, you begin to question you existence once more; this time his words seem to twist your mind to the point where you consider the fact that you yourself may be a robotic entity, programmed to journey beyond earth, looking for a safe haven for those left on that, and in spite of its beauty, dying planet you just left.

Leaving the orbit of earth, you have seen much already, your head nods to the beat, guitar, electronic and sampled sounds of Satellites. These things come in many forms, from the manmade mechanical devices that surround the earth to the moons and space rock that orbit other planets. Your journey gives you time to think and you realise how the satellites and space junk that orbit earth and slowly becoming such a danger to the planet but, this is a passing though as your mind is drawn away from that dark thought to the wonderous visions of the satellite moons that you pass by. The sounds of piano notes draw you back to your journey and the realisation that your parabolic trajectory has brought you Intra-Venus and as things heat up, you are joined by crewman Kansul as the beat kicks in with horns and a multi-layered sound that makes you marvel at the sight before you. The extra-terrestrial vocals take you into hyperspace, beyond the confines of our solar system and on into the galaxy beyond. The final track of the EP takes us to a place that was only thought to exist in the computer game ‘Half-Life’, the borderland, which is a meeting place of dimensions, XEN, and now we find ourselves Walking on XEN. Pounding drums echo your foot falls as the electronic and sonic vibes mirror the strange sights before you on XEN and the mind bending thoughts that have you questioning, one last time, am I really in this 3-D reality or have I transcended reality and become with the digital universe, as those questions float by your consciousness, you wonder if they will be answered or perhaps an answer is now inconsequential…

 

I have said it many times before and will probably do so again but, instrumental music really does allow your consciousness to drift off into places that the world beyond, just does not allow you to go to. Red Nebula is no exception, even the three tracks with vocals from Scrabble, Dweller and Kansul, still have that element that allows you to find new worlds to explore.

What Mazzini does with Red Nebula is to blend so many elements seamlessly into a Hip Hop based journey that opens your mind to an almost infinite number of alternate realities, each of which can blend the borders of reality into a something new, even interstellar, and yet at the same time, strangely familiar.

The use of live instruments alongside a plethora of forgotten, and some not so forgotten, samples is stunning, as it brings a blank canvas to your imagination, taking you anywhere you want to go. The appearance of Scrabble, Dweller and Kansul, adds an extra dimension to thing as their vocals bring a focus for your mind to be guided to as you create your own visions upon the canvas that Mazzini places before you. The other thing about Red Nebula is that Mazzini seems to bring you a sound that not only spans across space but, also time as you are transported back to the eighties from the present and on into the future in the space of less than 25 minutes, it is a journey that is like no other, or is it?

Red Nebula is one of those EP’s that has to be heard to know where it will take you and Mazzini has done an absolutely stellar, or is that Interstellar, job here. It is definitely one I’m gonna enjoy for a long time to come.

Red Nebula by Mazzini is out on Live From The Groove today so, grab a copy (the digital version comes with an additional track, Keep Lookin' Up) and drift off beyond spacetime.

I’m gone,

Hopefully I’ll be back for next time…

Steve.

LINKS

To get you copy of the EP and all LFTG links:

https://linktr.ee/livefromthegroove

VIDEOs

The Red Nebula EP YouTube Video (Full EP):

 

 

 

 

EP Review: The Witching Tree by Unity and Zee Rock

 

The Witching Tree

By

Unity and Zee Rock

 

I last featured Unity back in January of this year with a review of her EP Red and Blue (Bard Picasso). It is always good to review something a little different and The Witching Tree promises that. For a bit of context here is a few words on the release…

 

The project is an experimental offering constructed using an array of samples, sound bites and adlibs from many sources. The aim with this project was for a rough and ready dusty lofi approach rather than a fully polished overall sound. Unity’s lyrics grew from the name given to each track by Zee Rock as he was creating them, and the project evolved into a collection of spells – the riddle and rhymes brewed in Zee Rock’s cauldron. ‘The Witching Tree’ features cuts from Zee Rock, as well as from Cardiff HipHop legend DJ Jaffa, and features Welsh MC’s A Gent Orange and Luce Kanon, Tewkesbury’s Farai and an overseas contribution from Hush (Philadelphia, USA).

Expect intricate rhyme schemes, abstract lyrical storytelling, and a layered soundscape of sampled vinyl deep from Zee’s crates. The project includes a tale of twin aunties moving through a surreal cityscape, the afterparty, as well as deeper musings about the world and our place in it on the opening and closing tracks.

The pair first collaborated on Unity’s debut release ‘Progress is a Process’ (Later) in 2020, followed by a track featuring Asha Jane ‘Four Leaf Clover’ on her ‘Garden of my Soul’ project, and on a third track ‘I’m Alive’, from Unity’s ‘Diving Deeper’ project (Bard Picasso, 2021), featuring Galaxy Sega who has created the artwork and animations for ‘The Witching Tree’.

 

The Witching Tree sounds like an intriguing journey, so join me for the ride…

 

The EP begins with Habitually, the first thing that strikes you is that raw, unrefined sound that was the basis of the project. The heavy drum beat, and guitar vibes are Records underpinned by these multiple layers of sampled sounds and vocals. But the overall vibe you get from the sound here is deep funk, boom bap one that gets the head nodding. Unity and Luce Kanon use their differing styles to great effect here, Unity with her more spoken word style and Luce with a full on high paced rap style, to weave a message that it is rooted in nature and the spirits which abound there. This one really seems to be focused on the self, the person you will be when you constantly do the same things over and over again, especially within our current society and focused wholly on city life, how people see you and material wealth. The message here is not to forget the power of nature, removing yourself from habitual life and remember your true self.

 

All The Freaky People has a melodic funk sound that sees a lo-fi drum sound mixed with bass, keys and more intricate samples and sound bites. The overall vibe this creates has this almost out-of-body feel to it, causing your awareness to float along to the sound. Unity invites all those freaky people to the after party but, what kind of after party is this? It’s a place where anything goes as you follow Unity’s pied piper figure. This is an after party where Hip Hop people, walk barefooted into the fields, baring their souls to the music, the art, and more; this is where the true nature of your love of the culture and the sound will abound, and you will come out the other side a changed person…

 

Twin Aunties features DJ Jaffa, Farai, and Hush, on a beat that has an infectious edge to it. The drums and keys mix and complement each other creating the kinda funky sound you just wanna move to. It’s hard to get a feel for who the Twin Aunties truly are? One minute they sound like Cinderella’s ugly sisters, then in the next they seem to be more of a reflection of our own family members moving through a cityscape that is as far removed from what we see around us, as it is a true reflection of the same. As you bounce along to the track, subtlety taking in the words, you might find your self questioning your reasoning as you try figure out the true nature of those Twin Aunties.

 

The final track on the EP is Quiet Riot, featuring A Gent Orange, the drum beat switches up a few notches, backed with keys and a subtle essence of strings, it creates another infectious vibe that has a reflective edge to it. As you listen to the words on this one, it seems to sink further and further into your consciousness, encouraging you to look deeper into the world around you. For me, it brought forward thoughts of everyday people who have grown tired of fighting for their rights, the things that we should all be able to have, now we turn that fight into a quiet riot that stews within our mind, body and soul, while threatening to burst forth at any time but, only when the right questions are asked does the flood of frustration and anger explode in tirade of emotion fuelled words that come from the depths of our consciousness mixed with a passion that asks why the powers that be do not listen and only seek to control and amass personal wealth, while we pay their wages but, can’t even afford to heat our homes or properly feed our families…

 

There is a lot that The Witching Tree can elicit within you, the more you listen and really feel the music and words. Your first listen might just make you feel the sound and enjoy the ride, without thinking to much but, if you really choose to feel the vibe of this one it will open you up to questioning the nature of the world you live in.

 

Unity and Zee Rock have really crafted something that might have that experimental and raw edge to it, where you get the feeling that the words were crafted around the music and then it was all poured into an etheric cauldron, where spells were said over it and the nature spirits infused it with magical musical properties; then the finished EP gives you an entertaining listen that has a quality all it’s own, unleashing potent imagery in the mind that opens you up to another level of the true power of music. Just because The Witching Tree has it’s basis in Hip Hop music, does not mean that it cannot have a potent message on a more esoteric level, that is the power of music, regardless of the genre you use, it can help bring powerful messages alongside an enjoyable experience. The way Unity and Zee Rock have crafted The Witching Tree, it has as much power in the music as it does in the wordplay. Zee Rocks multi-layed soundscapes have a deep rugged quality to them and this perfectly matches the depth and quality of Unity’s clever and intelligent wordplay that is delivered in that, almost, spoken word style that allows to hear every word. The Witching Tree truly speaks to you on both levels of the music and words.

 

The addition of the guest artists works perfectly with the whole vibe of the EP. Plus it also shows the universal nature of Hip Hop and music. Music reflects the true nature of the world; it has no boundaries just as there should be no boundaries between us who live upon it.

 

The Witching Tree is out now so, you be the judge of what it says to you but, I highly recommend you check this one out.

 

Time for me to be out,

 

See ya next time.

 

Steve

LINKS

Get a copy of the EP and All things related to Unity Here:

https://linktr.ee/ameliaunity

 

VIDEOs

Quiet Riot ft A Gent Orange

All The Freaky People

Habitually ft Luce Kanon

Twin Aunties ft Farai, Hush and DJ Jaffa