Funkbias - Last Forever/Heaven Sent (SWAMP012)

Swamp81 continue their exceptional run of releases with the debut release from Funkbias. The imprint's twelfth release presents the collaboration work between Zed Bias and Rinse FM’s Funk Butcher. The duo’s production work neatly fits the Swamp81 aesthetic, combining vibrant rhythms and neat chords with clipped vocal snippets. There’s something distinctive about the two tracks on display here, a sound quite unique and inimitable.

The A-side is the more identifiable, receiving regular play from Swamp head honcho Loefah, Boddika and Oneman over the past couple of months. ‘Last Forever’ is also most certainly the more upfront track of the release. A rugged rhythm pounds away, with bottom heavy kicks providing the base for precise layers of intricate percussion. Striking synthlines sporadically pierce the surface, whilst an unrecognisably frenetic vocal sample is scrupulously ordered. The elements combine with great efficiency, and the further additions of swelling basslines and sharp claps lend the track its full groove.

Switch to the flip and you’ll find ‘Heaven Sent’. There’s an infectious quality attached to this track which has led me to place the needle on the B-side more often than not. From the initial opening arises a series of soft piano chords that warm the high pitched vocal snippets and subtle toms. The drop takes things in a different direction, introducing the track’s shuffling polyrhythms against a backdrop of surging subbass. The tougher sounds of the multifaceted percussive arrangements take precedence, although it’s soon juxtaposed by the reintroduction of the uplifting chord melody. Crashing toms grow in power, and crisp claps fall on every fourth beat.

It’s an impressive debut from the duo; buy on sit material as per usual from Swamp81. Pressed on 180g vinyl with exceptional artwork from the gifted Will Bankhead (Trilogy Tapes, Honest Jons, Doldrums etc), it’s another essential Swamp 12”.

Swamp81 x 502 Recordings at Cable

We Fear Silence presents Swamp81 at Cable on the 23rd April, and the night they have in store promises to match the quality of the label's recent releases. Loefah's Swamp81 imprint has gone from strength to strength over the past few months, with killer 12" releases from Pinch, Boddika, Addison Groove, and most recently FaltyDL. And, of course, there's the small matter of the signing of 'Sicko Cell/Knock Knock' for the label's 14th release. The night at Cable is a sign of the growing Swamp brand.

Swamp81 will head up the main room, with a line-up that will bring many to tears. Shortstuff and Reecha will warm the crowd, building for the arrival of Ben UFO, FaltyDL and Boddika. Joy O will then provide his wonderful blend of the blissful and the bastard, with an exclusive 2 hour mix from head honcho Loefah in the midst of this talent. Excellent.

If that wasn't enough, room two will be hosted by the increasingly reputable 502 Recordings. Oneman's imprint has two 12"s in it's back catalogue to date, from Fis-T and Jay Weed respectively, with a huge 12" from newcomer Teeth to be released very soon. 502 will be displaying it's array of talent, with the brilliant Visionist, Fis-T, Jay Weed and Teeth all playing in the second room. Oneman will also be contributing another of his revered sets with the help of everyones favourite MC Asbo.

23.04.11. 10pm-6am. £9 advance tickets/£12 OTD. Attendance is vital.

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.