Boddika - '2727' EP (SWAMP011)

2011 is Swamp81's. Their 11th release comes in the form of a 4 track 2x12" from the prolific Boddika, who can claim an equal hold over the year's proceedings to date. Since the release of Addison Groove's 'Footcrab/Dumbshit' the imprint has been outstanding, delivering each and every time in terms of both the quality of music and the artwork in which the 180g vinyl is packaged in. Limited vinyl only releases provided in the finest sleeves curated by Ashes57, Swamp81 have set themselves apart. Boddika's strongest work to date on the '2727' EP further reinforces this ever developing reputation of quality control, proving to match the quality of Addison Groove's 'Work It/Sexual' (SWAMP009).

‘2727’ forms the EPs A-side, and it develops into a real electro stepper. The introduction is intricately programmed, with machine percussion delicately knocking away, whilst toms clash and the repetitive vocal sample sounds. The drop is quite something, with muscular kick drums and heavy subs drowning out the previous tentative percussion. Signature gritty acid synths arise during the break, with hi hats setting a rhythm of their own in the shadows. Bass kicks soon dominate once again, alongside the resounding vocal sample and sharp tom hits. ‘Sometimes’ on the B-side takes a different route, adopting a style close to jacking house. A steady 4/4 rhythm is immediately set, built upon by ever so slightly off beat claps. Acid chords soon loom whilst lofty synths ascend, set into a structure by the jacking beat, deep subs and precise claps.

‘Soul What’ is the track with real soul on this EP. Jarring bleeps and sharp percussion set things off, with female vocal murmurs replacing the latter. This leads up to pulsating bass kicks, installed with perfectly programmed 808 rhythms, intermittent claps repetitive vocal samples. The break is what makes this track special though. A beautiful synth chord melody is established alongside the infectious soulful cries of “oh yeah”. Delicate percussion is smoothly incorporated, preparing for the development of the track under heavy kicks and sub bass. ‘Rubba’ provides the highlight of the four here though, with a delightful synth chord melody progressing alongside 4/4 808 rhythms that transform over the minute long introduction. Heavy bass kicks and razor sharp toms battle away with the flowing synth melody working away on the surface. Coarse acid lines contrast the lighter melody, gaining real prominence in the second half of the track. Fully formed percussive arrangements batter away whilst the acid slowly decays, hesitantly replaced by the wonderful earlier melody.

Quite simply an essential 2x12". The double gatefold pack is beautiful, the perfect accompaniment to four killer tracks. Ahses57 adds the wonderful details and finishing touches once again. Swamp81 and Boddika on top form. You know what to do.

2727 EP
a - 2727
b - Sometimes
c - Soul What
d - Rubba

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.

Addison Groove - 'Work It/Sexual' (SWAMP009)

Addison Groove - 'Work It/Sexual'

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.