Review: After such a massive year in 2019 with their 25th anniversary celebrations, you could forgive Metalheadz if they took their foot off the gas for a second as we hurtle into a new decade. But no, if anything they're ramping up again. And Adred's debut album is proof. From that introductory headbutt of a tune "Amenity" right through to the turbo-charged emotions and floatiness of the finale "Left Behind", the longstanding NYC artist has created a monster of a debut album here. Dedicated to his father, featuring the likes of Commix, DRS, Jamal, Strategy, Dave Owen and exploring every shade, style and sound that's inspired and drove him for the last 16 years of production, Adred has delivered a quintessential Headz album here. Essential.
Review: We're not quite sure how Chilly manages to put out so many releases, to be honest, because they're just always on it. Always on a mix of labels, this time it's Audio Overload. The title track is refreshingly futuristic, creative synth work and stepping drum smacks forming archways of diving bass force, a joy to listen to and we'd imagine pretty devastating on the dancefloor. 'You' sees Chilly on more familiar territory - naughty jump up that makes you want to hit your nan. 'Forget Me' is different again, a pummelling, fluid back end laid out beneath a rolling set of drums. Yes mate!
Review: Coming in with the reggae, junglist vibes this week is Chopstick Dubplate, who are releasing on their own label alongside Natty Campbell, an MC and vocalist who, if you don't know, sounds absolutely mint above a ragged jungle beat. 'Chicken Shop' is the title tune and deservedly so, featuring a bubbling, bouncing and banging bassline which sits perfectly beneath the flowing lyrical business being conducted by Campbell above. This EP stretches to seven tracks and highlights well the reputation that Chopstick Dubplate have cultivated over years in the game. Top stuff.
Review: Coming in hot with the filthy minimal approach this week is Concept One on Incurzion Audio, the Wales based imprint which never fails to make us wince with beautifully crafted, tightly edged music that seems more befitting the urban sprawls of London than the rolling hills of South Wales. Either way, Concept One has smashed this one, with four-tracks that, to put it simply, bang. The title tune barks at you with a grate of energy, fluid energy moving underneath and giving it a lovely, lively feel. The VIP of 'Monsoon' is a penetrating halftime number, whilst they team up with JAK for the jungle flip of 'Delta' and the distorted perfection of 'Gutters'. Sick, sick stuff.
Review: Faysha is landing on Dutty Bass Audio with an unsophisticated but incredibly fun release, one which, if you hear out live, is certain to get you moving. There's a carelessness and a freedom to these tracks and it's a tangible sense of kinetics. The title track kicks things off in style but it's 'Hey Mr Policeman' that really takes the cake, a winding, foghorn heavy track that flips between wobbling shimmers and jump-up stabs. It's a wicked track and definitely the highlight of the release. 'Ting A Ling' is another absolute banger but one that's deep and bouncy in all the right ways. Sick release.
