Breach - 'Fatherless' (PTN004)

Finally, after a 3 month wait the 'Fatherless' EP has arrived with a release on the new sub-label of Ramp Recordings, PTN. This strand of the label is focusing more on UK Funky/house releases in the form of Doc Daneeka, Hackman, Hypno, and now the jewel in the crown; Breach's 'Fatherless'. This release is Breach's (aka DJ, singer and producer Ben Westbeech) first attempt at the UK bass format, and he adapts with great success. The title track 'Fatherless' has been a favourite with the scenes most talented DJ's and producers over the past couple of months, receiving play time in the sets of Joy Orbison, Gilles Peterson and xxxy.

The title track of the release, 'Fatherless', is without doubt the cut which will receive the most attention and play. It's an absolute dancefloor killer, and will surely develop into an anthem for the UK Funky underground sound over the next few months or so. However, it would be wrong to dismiss this as merely a track for the dancefloor, with it's brilliant production demonstrating the multiple talents Ben Westbeech has to offer. For a track which is largely dancefloor orientated, it is wonderfully poised and builds nicely, patient in releasing the tracks drop.  The track teases you, adding layers onto the original tribal style beat which acts as the base of the track. Extra percussive elements are placed alongside the beat to add to the tribal sounding effect, a quality which the the swinging synths also contribute. As we reach the 1 minute mark, the unforgettable 'Fatherless' vocal sample as well as the looped flute are introduced, and culminate with the tracks previous beat and strong bassline to form the tracks drop as the track nears 1:45. At this moment the track reaches the mark which it will no doubt be remembered for, but the intricacy behind its introduction should not be overlooked. After this point the track works you into a frenzy, with the beat, which gives an impression of a tribal sound, as well as the swarming flutes and hypnotic 'fatherless' vocal clips forcing you into a groove.

'Fatherless' is backed with 'Man Up'; a track which is overshadowed by the brilliance of its A side, but yet is still a production of the highest quality. 'Man Up' is quite similar to 'Fatherless' in its format, and adopts the tribal sound heard in the previous number. The track once again is a slow and patient progress, which doesn't set off until the 2 minute mark. The first 1:30 slowly builds, with the gradual introduction of on beat synth chords and intricate syncopated percussive arrangements to accompany a bongo sounding beats and tribal chanting. The track then breaks at 1:30, leaving just the strong beat and vocal cries, until the track erupts dead on 2 minutes with the introduction of forceful bass, reserved streams of synths, and a female vocal sample which recalls the repetition of vocals in Addison Groove's work. It's a very strong track which if separated from a shared release with 'Fatherless' would gain the attention it deserves. Doc Daneeka also provides a remix of 'Fatherless', a version of the track which evades much of the profluent elements of the original, rather kicking straight into action with an enhanced bassline that makes the track further suitable to DJ sets.

Make sure you give a listen to this one. You can by the EP on 12" now by clicking here. On this showing, Ben Westbeech certainly has a promising future in the UK Bass scene with work under the alias of Breach.