Boddika & Joy O - 'Swims'

Boddika & Joy O - 'Swims'

As far as collaborations go, this may well be one of the most exciting I've come across. Boddika (aka Alex Green) is making his mark as with his solo material, flourishing under the guidance of Non+ Plus and Swamp81 with driving drum machine arrangements and crippling acid synths, a sound purely his own. As for Peter O'Grady (aka Joy Orbison), everything the man touches turns to gold. An impeccable back catalogue is met with numerous unreleased killers, and his recent turn to house infused production has proved particularly promising, with tracks 'Wade In' and 'Ellipsis' further cementing his growing reputation as one of the best producer's around. Work between the two can only provide good results.

Aired on Oneman and Loefah's Rinse FM cover show on Wednesday, 'Swims' is the product of Boddika and Joy O's collaboration. It is instantly recognisable as a sound that the two have refined. A driving 4x4 beat is firmly set, with hi-hats tentatively rising after every second pounding beat. The rhythm is soon accompanied by a wonderful acid chord arrangement that acts as Boddika's signature, with a quick fire vocal typical of both artists' sound, falling neatly alongside the dynamic beat and energetic chords. The result is a simply excellent collaboration, clearly evincing elements of Boddika and Joy O's more recognisable sounds.

Rumours are that a release on Swamp81 is almost certain. Considering each artists' connections to the brilliant Brixton based label, I wouldn't argue against it. With any luck we shall be seeing this on 12" soon, carefully provided in another impecablly produced sleeve by Ashes57. Don't sleep.

Joy O - 'Jels' (HF027)

Joy Joy Joy. It is only 2 weeks until the release of 'Wade In/Jels', and I'm struggling to contain my excitement. 'Wade In' is the most anticipated of the two, receiving wide play on the DJ circuit as well as radio time on Rinse FM and Benji B's radio show. 'Jels' on the other hand is little known, only being gaining radio play last week, whilst a one minute clip has been uploaded to soundcloud. First indications are that O'Grady once again keeps the quality control very high. Notably 'Jels' is quite a contrast in tone and atmosphere from 'Wade In, whilst retaining a similar classic house format and style.

'Jels' begins tentatively, with the shuffling rhythm creatd from Roland drums steadily setting the tempo, whilst acid basslines gradually surge in the background, gaining prominence as the introduction wears on. After 1 minute 40 the vocal sample, which seems to wail “turn”, indicates the introduction of a first piano chord melody, one which is uplifting in sharp contrast to the to the rolling acid basslines and structured house rhythms which take hold after this short interval. The beat swells, forcing you to move. As the track progresses further layers are built, most notably the final melodies on which the track climaxes. Whilst the track’s well formed rhythm continues to flourish, a wonderful repetitive chord melody slowly arises and takes dominance from the bleak basslines. This melody is beautifully arranged, bringing a sense of bliss and delight to the track, contrasting the former basslines. Unashamed excellence.

'Wade In/Jels' will be released on 12" on the 14th March, with a digital release coming on the 21st. Both are once again necessities, with Joy O providing arguably his strongest work to date, although that is an argument which could be put forth for any of his 4 releases to date. You can listen to 'Jels' by following the link below.

Joy O - 'Jels'