Instra:mental/Boddika - Vicodin (Skudge Warehouse Mix)/Grand Prix (NL010)

The resurgence of acid tinged electro in 2011 undeniably stems from the work of Instra:mental. Al Green and Damon Kirkham have been prolific both in terms of their collaboration work as well as their flourishing solo projects which have inevitably taken great strides over the past few months. It’s fitting then that this split release on [nakedlunch] should be dedicated to a slice of both, with a Skudge reworking of Instra:mental’s brooding ‘Vicodin’ accompanying Boddika’s first effort since the outstanding 2727 EP on Swamp81.

Boddika’s inimitable sounds have drawn a number of deserved plaudits since his debut 12” on [nakedlunch] back in October 2010 (‘Boddika’s House’ b/w ’Syn Chron’), and ‘Grand Prix’ is testament to just how developed and refined Al Green’s production work has become. Quick fire drum machines align, generating a series of persistent kicks, rapid yet faint hats and powerful alternating toms. It’s the signature acid tinged bassline that sits upon the rigorous beat which really transforms the track. A flurry of dark corrosive lines build with severe energy, developing sounds not to dissimilar from engine’s revving on the start line of the grid. The red lights go down, and the harsh rhythm is reintroduced completed with 808 rim shots to complement the gruelling bassline; the race is underway. It’s relentless, carefully wearing you down and working you into an endless groove.

Skudge give Instra:mental’s ‘Vicodin’ the late night warehouse treatment on the 12”s B-side. The tempo is dropped to allow for the Swede’s to work their routinely monochrome magic. The rhythm patiently shuffles, defined by raw 4×4 kicks which are set against scraping hats and distant snares. ‘Vicodin’’s haunting hook is retained here, although it’s presented in a far more rasping and raw fashion compared to the original, matching the strict drum progressions as the track advances. It’s quite a contrast in style and tone to ‘Grand Prix’, but fits as an apt addition in terms of quality.

Written for Sonic Router

Boddika / Instra:mental - Grand Prix / Vicodin (Skudge Warehouse Mix) [NL010] Naked Lunch by Surus

Instra:mental/Trevino - Pyramid/Chip (3024-015)

3024 Recordings marks its 15th release with a split 12” featuring new material from incomparable duo Instra:mental and the lesser known Trevino. Martyn’s creative imprint has been invincible of late, releasing three original 12”s that suitably accompany the 3024 aesthetic Erosie has so distinctively established in conjunction with each sound. Addison Groove and Julio Bashmore offered the best of the West Country, whilst Damon Kirkham debuted his solo project under the alias Jon Convex last month.

Kirkham returns to 3024 once again, this time for a workout as Instra:mental alongside Al Green (Boddika). The duo curated the brilliant Resolution 653 LP back in April, and each has been carefully mapping their fledgling individual work over the past few months. The weight of this work is so great, and as displayed on the A-side of this release, it shows no sign of declining anytime soon.

‘Pyramid’ is a real electro stepper, relentless in the power of its analogue tools. Resounding kicks directly pave the way for subtle metallic hats, immediately forming a rigid and uncompromising rhythm. Quick fire toms intermittently feature, and Boddika’s corrosive 303 acid lines delicately warm beneath the surface, rising with every stab. The drop is forceful, a characteristic that undeniably defines this record. The driving kicks are met by hammering toms, whilst the abrasive acid synths carefully weave a succession of notes which construct a sound perfectly suited to the ruthless rhythm.

On the flip, Trevino marks his debut with ‘Chip’. Although the 12” may gain more attention due to its A-side, Trevino provides an impressive track for the split 12”. Syncopated bass kicks are interspersed with sharp claps, lending the track the swing and tuck of 2-step. However, the sound does not differ too greatly from the aforementioned ‘Pyramid’ with ‘Chip’ deftly building a surge of dark acid lines that ascend beside glistened synths.

3024 can do no wrong at present, consistently providing 12”s that are high on quality control as well as experimentation. It’s fast establishing a 3024 sound, one which is brilliantly matched by Erosie’s unique vision. Instra:mental have really delivered on this one, and Trevino aptly backs the brilliant opener.

3024-015 Instra:mental & Trevino by 3024world

Jon Convex - 'Convexations' EP (3024-014)

2010 saw the emergence of Alex Green‘s (one half of Instra:mental) solo project Boddika, a trend which has continued with great success into 2011. Now the time has come for Instra:mental’s other half, Damon Kirkham, to launch his very own solo work under the alias Jon Convex. His debut EP has been signed by Martyn’s 3024 Recordings, a label which has grown in stature over the past few months, with strong releases from Julio Bashmore and Addison Groove firmly asserting the label’s glowing reputation. It’s quite a coup, and signals the second meeting of Damon Kirkham and 3024 after the former provided the backing vocals for Martyn’s ‘Natural Selection’ on 3024-002. Kirkham’s debut on 3024 induces a sound which differs from Instra:mental’s past work, whilst it shares the raw and distinctive analogue programming in terms of production style. Kirkham describes the Convex sound as “EPM (Electronic Party Music)”, a seemingly apt description in regards to the ‘Convexations’ EP.

The release opens with ‘Convexations’ and immediately establishes Kirkham’s intentions. A strong rhythm is built from the off, incorporating low slung kicks and firm pads, whilst trailing synths stream along in the distance. The track is forced into full effect by Yamaha acid tones, with subtle tom hits contributing further to the tracks impending momentum. The shuddering bassline is relentless, and the vox'd vocal sample provides a fitting supplement to the arching synths.

The B-side takes things in a very different direction with 'Falling Again'. A razor sharp 2-step rhythm kicks things off, soon to be ordered by the inserted heavy kicks. Vocal snippets recall the chopping and cutting of Todd Edwards, lending the track further garage traits, whilst faint keyboard stabs generate a metallic melody in the background. The track also explores more grounded territory during the break. The 2-step rhythm continues to roll, however things are rather mellow here. The vocal snippets are irregular and more reserved, whilst the melodic stabs are replaced by pensive synth lines It's a lovely effort, possibly the strongest of the three.

The final track is exclusively available on the digital release and will not feature on the 12" sadly. The quality on this one most certainly isn't lacking though. ‘Order into Chaos’ is the “first Jon Convex track the 3024 imprint heard and is responsible for their dogged pursuit of his signature”, admiration the track more than deserves. It’s the track which aligns most with the work of Instra:mental and Boddika, yet entertaining shrewd alterations. Rigid rhythms are encapsulated by corrosive acid synths that bubble and simmer throughout, with underlying TR1000 kicks driving the action for the track’s duration. It wears you down into working up a groove, deadly efficient.

Strong work once again from 3024, with fantastic artwork as per usual provided by inimitable Erosie. Convex delivers a beauty with his first effort, a sign of things to come. Out on 12" and digital on 13/06/11. Purchase.


3024-014 Jon Convex - Convexations EP by 3024world

SCB XLR8R Mix

Paul Rose (aka Scuba/SCB) is at it once again, following his sublime release under the SCB alias with a mix of equal quality for XLR8R. The head of Hotflush, now based in Berlin, provides 1 hour and 8 minutes of pure house and techno. Tracks are wonderfully mixed, with seamless transitions and a tracklist full of exclusives and less obvious deep cuts that sit nicely in Rose's collection. The mix travels between deep house, jacking house, dubby techno and acid trips throughout, sounds which undoubtedly complement each other as evidenced here. The opening chord melody of Recondite's 'Yield' immediately draws you in, and new 12"s from Braille, John Spring, Instra:mental, Jon Convex, and of course SCB's recent effort 'Loss', retain your attention for the following hour. Three turntables and a mixer.

Tracklist:
01 Recondite "Yield" (Plangent)
02 Sven Wiesemann "Emphasized" (Mojuba)
03 Terence Fixmer "Comedy of Menace" (Electric Deluxe)
04 Braille "Leavin Without You" (Rush Hour)
05 Obsolete Music Technology "Relapse" (Machining Dreams)
06 Unknown "Untitled"
07 John Spring "Drummachines" (Airdrop)
08 Shifted "Untitled" (AVN)
09 Sigha "HF029B1" (Hotflush)
10 Deadbeat "Vampire" (Echochord)
11 SCB "Down Moment" (Ostgut Ton)
12 SCB "Loss" (Aus)
13 Instra:mental "Pyramid" (3024)
14 2 AM FM "Desolate Cities" (Mos Deep)
15 Ness "Ancient Crackle" (Sonata)
16 Patrice Scott "2000 Black" (Sistrum)
17 Mike Denhert "Unknown" (Fachwerk)
18 Jon Convex "Order into Chaos" (3024)
19 Rod "Malmok One" (Klockworks)
20 Sigha "Politics of Dying" (Our Circula Sound)
21 SCB "Overlay" (SCB)
22 Portable "Inside Your Mind" (Karat)

Download by clicking here.