Tokyo Prose At Juno Download

Review: Since 2007, New Zealand based drum and bass label Samurai Music has been putting out quality tracks from the scene's biggest players and newcomers alike. Channelling their deeper, more experimental output to sister label Samurai Red Seal, it's this imprint that launches Tokyo Prose to the music buying public with their "Introducing" eight-tracker. With all tracks upholding the label's high standards, there isn't much to dislike, however the melodic vocal samples and computer game effects of "LPK Sound" and "Royale's" infectious warped bass stabs stand out above the rest. Calibre-esque piano, string and vocal rollers come courtesy of "All You Want", "Rose Without Rain", "Echoes" and "Saving Grace", while "Knucklehead" goes on a darker, more minimal tangent. Flipping the style again, "Apogee" delivers an enchanting, ambient soundscape, making this a varied and accomplished first release.

Review: Tokyo Prose deserves some serious props. His track record has been faultless. Largely riding shotgun with New Zealand label Samurai, he's not dropped a dodgy record yet. And this is one of his best. "Raised By Wolves" first appeared on Samurai's Ways Of The Samurai compilation last year. Now up for full release, it glistens with soft-jazzy edge and an overall Good Looking groove. Previously unreleased "Status Anxiety", meanwhile, is a true gem. Emotional with hints of ice and plenty of star-gazing, this is what the running man dance was invented for. A stellar release.

Review: Two top-notch remixes of Tokyo Prose - "Echoes" and "LPK Sound" - delivered to us direct from Samurai Red Seal HQ. First up, man of the moment, and highly acclaimed dubstep / 2-step / D&B producer Synkro steps up to the fore with his remix of "Echoes"; immediately we are plunged into a subterranean world of deep, immersive music. With a tinge of Burial to its crackling tips, and murmuring waves of sub bass adding beauty to the hushed soundscape, this one's a beauty. Consequence's remix of "LPK Sound" takes us on yet another journey into the unknown with hissing, taught clipped beats, and yearning atmospherics.