Kapsize At Juno Download

Review: Not to be outdone by fellow Magnetic Man cohort Skream arising on the Non Plus imprint, the imperious Benga conjures up two hot steppahs for Kapsize. Perhaps a playful retort to all those "stadium step" slights aimed at the Croydon triumvate, "Faithless" marries a jagged guitar riff to an abrasive 4/4 beat whilst the bass heavy lower end gives proceedings the requisite swing. For us it is all about the "Where were you in 96?" hardcore dynamism of the B Side "Acid Lies", where a spacious industrial beat is attacked from all sides by the most devious of acid lines. Subtle klaxon pitching and ruff neck attitude patrol the nether regions with aplomb.

Review: Joker gives his recognizable and self-named sub-genre of "purple wow" a bit of a contemporary twist in this latest release on his own label, Kapsize. "Skitta" is all crunchy, snappy beats which trip over each other aggressively, underpinned by those iconic Joker synths, 80s influenced to the max. The accompanying "I Thing You Should Know" brings in the lyrical talents of East London grime outfit, the Newham Generals, who add some urban grit to the synth-drenched psychedelia of the main piece.

Review: The sixth release on Kapsize marks a departure from the norm, as previously it has remained an output for head honcho Joker's work only, but here L-Wiz, the dubstep duo from Sweden, take to the helm. Blending beautiful, hypnotic synth lines with stunning melodies and plenty of bassweight to make your speakers shake, it makes for essential listening, make no mistake. First up, "Straightjacket" eases us in with a delightful mélange of chiming SFX, deftly rounded beats and swathes of synths wrapped round a velvety b-line. It's got that same enticing pull that characterises Joker's "Purple City", but with a more pared down ambience. The layered melodies and textures are executed with a half step swing, a touch of R&B plus the kind of nocturnal bass that make it a defiant dancefloor staple. Up next, L-Wiz take things on a more easy-like-a-Sunday-morning tip, with hazy, swooning synths, dreamy atmospherics and a pervasive sense of nostalgia. An outstanding release, which comes highly recommended, not just by us but by also by the likes of Plastician and 2562 who have given it the heavyweight support it deserves.