Addison Groove is on fire. 2011 has marked an important year for Addison's production, prolific both in terms of quality and numbers. ‘Work It/Sexual’ set the tone, with Swamp81’s ninth release marking his strongest work to date. Shortly followed up by first-rate releases on Tectonic and 3024 (not to mention the white label remix of Photek’s ‘UFO’), the supply of Addison material has met its demand. The most recent signs indicate the Bristol-based producer has no intention of letting up on the works under his inventive moniker at present. Last month, Jackmaster included a new Addison dub in his mix for an audio/visual collaboration alongside Plomp&Clout, a track which demonstrates progression and experimentation with the ‘Addison sound’. Next up, a track entitled ‘Bad Things’ has begun to surface.
‘Bad Things’ is straight up killer, primed for the dancefloor. Rolling 808s weave with undeniable effect, deep bass kicks reverberating whilst rim shots sit somewhat closer to the surface. The rhythms progress and evolve throughout, proceeding to incorporate sharp hats and the legendary 808 cowbell. Strands of electro glistened synth stabs open every 8 bars, while invariable sub bass and quick fire Spank Rock vocal samples lend further weight to the precise beat. The sampling on this one cannot be underestimated, it’s a perfect fit.
Whether or not it will see a release remains to be seen. The only thing that is for certain is the fact that Addison’s stride will not be stopped.
Addison Groove arrives on Pinch’sTectonic imprint for his third release. ‘This Is It/Make Um Bounce’ represents both signature Addison production work as well as exploration of new sounds, which prove to be ever so effective on the indelible ‘Make Um Bounce’. Following the ‘Work It/Sexual’ 12” released on Swamp81 back in March, which marks his strongest work to date, his latest release goes someway to reproducing that sort of form. Addison is an extremely talented producer, and nobody can work an 808 like him, as evidenced on ‘This Is It/Make Um Bounce’.
‘This Is It’ is the heavy stepper on this two track affair. Opening with juke’s pounding 808 bass hits and flurry of alternating beep tones, the track shows closer ties to previous works such as ‘Footcrab’ and ‘Work It’, a trait further endowed by the repetitive female vocal sample stating “k y’all this is it, kk y’all”. The signature Addison break soon dawns, and it produces the real defining moment and turning point of the track. The frenzied opening is instantly turned on its head, with a mellow and introspective sound arising. A blissful synth chord melody plays alongside warm diva vocals, elements quickly adapted for the dancefloor by the pulsating 808 bass kicks.
The B-side entitled ‘Make Um Bounce’ is likely to be the track turning most heads on this release. It’s set at a tempo much slower than anything Addison has produced before (133bpm). The style is also different, with a sound that seems to combine elements of the electro and classic Chicago house. A rolling 808 pattern echoes Chi-town’s past, with energetic acid synths bubbling beneath the surface whilst the incessant resonance “y’all gonna make um bounce” hypnotises. The 808 rhythm continues to hammer away in a fashion comparable to the vocal sample, working up a formidable storm in the process.
As per usual a heavyweight release from Addison, going some way to confirming his status as one of the most talented producers around at the present. Give him his 808 and he will undoubtedly create sounds that delight. The 12” is out now, be sure to purchase. Also keep a keen eye out for his wonderful 12” forthcoming on Martyn’s3024 imprint, due for release on May 2nd. Make Um Bounce.
New Addison Groove material forthcoming on Martyn's 3024 recordings. A year between his first and second 12" releases, it seems as if Tony Williams has been refining the 'Addison Groove sound' over the past 12 months, and this is something which will be evidenced in a prolific run of releases over the next couple of weeks. 'Work It/Sexual' (Swamp009) asserted the development of the Chicago juke-infused UK bass sound that Addison has been slowly but surely perfecting, with frenetic drum programming, pounding 808 hits, constantly shifting synth tones, infectious vocal samples as well as beautiful introverted breakdowns that delight upon every listen. 'Sexual' demonstrated Addison's strongest work to date, but this may just be outdone by two forthcoming releases.
Addison's next release is for Pinch's Tectonic imprint, with the 12" due for release on the 18th April. Two tracks feature on this single, titled 'This Is It/Make Um Bounce'. Previews of the tracks are currently unavailable, although both tracks are filtering beneath the surface in select mixes. I've only had the opportunity to experience a brief clip of 'This Is It', and it undoubtedly rivals 'Sexual' in terms of quality, Addison providing a wonderful balance between blissful and the bastard.
Addison's following 12" will be released through 3024, with release date set for 2nd May. This will be another two track single, featuring 'It's Got Me/Minutes Of Funk', forming yet another killer release. These are two tracks which Addison has been sitting on for a good while now, with 'It's Got Me' featuring in his mix for Mary Anne Hobbs back in April 2010, and 'Minutes Of Funk' included in Jackmaster's URB mix in October.
The A-side ('It's Got Me') is the stepper, with intricate drum programming that forever builds and progresses, with each snare initiating varying synth chimes. A repetitive vocal soon accompanies, leading up to the brilliant breakdown, in which repetitive cowbells sit comfortably alongside a soft synth melody. These elements are soon joined by pounding 808s, handclaps and a hypnotic vocal that forces movement. The B-side is an equally brilliant effort, a smoother track more along the lines of 'Sexual'. 'Minutes Of Funk' situated around a rolling 808 rhythm, with flickered hi-hats filling the gaps in between. Looped vocals samples feature throughout, and resonate in the mind along with a lovely synth melody which emerges from beneath the breakdown. Listen the the track preview's in the bar below.
Undoubtedly two of the finest track's you'll hear this year, with Addison further cementing his reputation for creating what 3024 themselves have termed a 'one man genre'. 'It's Got Me/Minutes Of Funk' are evidence of Addison's strongest work yet, challenging the quality of his previous release which itself has made a huge impact. And this is without full exposure to his next release, 'This Is It/Make Um Bounce', which promises to please likewise. Three killer releases within the space of three months. 2011 is the year of Addison Groove.
'3024's West Country themed takeover climaxes with the 2 previously unheard tracks from one man genre Addison Groove. Marrying hyper kinetic drum programming and dusty-crate dwelling loops to gauzy electronic textures and introspective breakdowns has marked the artist formerly known as Headhunter out as exactly the kind of resolutely unclassifiable Producer 3024 set out to support, and the below tracks are the strongest evidence yet of the increasing refinement of the Addison Groove sound.
Wrapped around the physical version is probably Erosie's most elaborate sleeve design yet, with the chromatic splicing a perfect partner for the contents it flamboyantly protects.'
If I could convey my sense of joy at receiving this 12" through the post last Friday morning I would, but I'm afraid words just wouldn't give the feeling justice. Originally due for release on the 28th February, the date was pushed back, but thankfully only two weeks. It's been 8 long months since I first heard and fell in love with the wonderful b-side 'Sexual', which surfaced at the end of Ramadanman's mix for Mary Anne Hobbs back in August. Ever since, endless repeats of a short two minute clip have been endured much to my dissatisfaction, however, such a prolonged wait has made ownership of the 12" all the more satisfying.
'Sexual' sounds beautiful in its full duration on wax. 808 beats drive the track along at 144bpm, with the sensuous subs, infectiously looped sample and Detroit house pads creating an effortlessly smooth rolling vibe. For me it's the track of 2011 so far. 'Work It' is another excellent production from Addison, more inclined to fusing elements of juke and straight electro, with pounding 808s, rousing acid basslines and a killer vox'd vocal sample. Two killers from Addison, and you'd expect no less. The quality of the 12" and the artwork is second to none also, a mark of Swamp81's work recently. Fine 180g vinyl delivered in the sleeves and artwork by the brilliant Ashes57. I couldn't ask for more.
Swamp81 and Addison provide the best to date in 2011.
Addison Groove is on fire. 2011 has marked an important year for Addison's production, prolific both in terms of quality and numbers. ‘Work It/Sexual’ set the tone, with Swamp81’s ninth release marking his strongest work to date. Shortly followed up by first-rate releases on Tectonic and 3024 (not to mention the white label remix of Photek’s ‘UFO’), the supply of Addison material has met its demand. The most recent signs indicate the Bristol-based producer has no intention of letting up on the works under his inventive moniker at present. Last month, Jackmaster included a new Addison dub in his mix for an audio/visual collaboration alongside Plomp&Clout, a track which demonstrates progression and experimentation with the ‘Addison sound’. Next up, a track entitled ‘Bad Things’ has begun to surface.
Addison Groove
