Review: As ever with JohnnyPluse, we are in for a treat as he lands yet again onto BulaBeats for a phenomenal display in breakbeat brilliance across twenty incredibly well produced originals. There is something on this project for everyone, from the colourful landscaping and bouncing drums of 'You Are Home' to the more tribal percussive smacks of 'Eat Your Government' and junglist inspired arrangements of 'The Wiggle'. There are a couple of clear stand-outs across this twenty track bonanza, including the euphoric drum breaks of 'Fantastic' and the smooth harmonies of the disco edition of 'Liquid Gold'.
Review: The Irish breakbeat giants Bulabeats make their start to 2018 in fantastic form with this high energy collaboration between label founder JohnnyPulse and renowned Leeds based MC Coppa. The duo combine for a classic sounding UK hip hop arrangement entitled 'Never Get Old' which takes us through the day to day story of an average person overcoming obstacles and having a good time. This release comes complete with JohnnyPulse's dubbed out riddim version and a very exciting ska infused rethink entitled the 'Maars Reskank'.
Review: Bulabeats are back on it with this new compilation of high-powered Ska & Dub, taking us through the entire reggae wheel, and landing on some pretty unexpected territories along the way. Johnnypulse, Mo Matic and JPSTOL get together and fill us with heartical delights from start to finish, but their tunes aren't limimted to a dub tempo per se. On the contrary, a dubwise feel is added to slamming jungle beats, raucous d&b breaks, and even a little grime sensitivity for the South London massive. If you're into all things 'dubby', then this is certainly one to check. Big up, Bulabeats!
Review: Feel your pulse: check. Feel the love: check. Johnny and the lover troopers ride the archives and combine the ultimate 'best of' compendium having announced that this summer's album Dos Tonas will be their final long player together. Smashing the last three years and grabbing their wiliest, wittiest and funkiest jams Storm Troopin For Life is the sound of an Irish collective getting deep into the groove and creating their own unique party-smashing sound. Fused with punk-like spirit and sense of mischief, there's no filler whatsoever... Just drop the sunny-side skanks of "Dos Tonas" and watch the damage for yourselves. Essential for all modern day funk aficionados.
Review: This is such a cute and happy track, the pleasingly whiney American vocal reminds us of Darwin Deez and Vampire Weekend's beer soaked college escapes, singing of short skirts, unemployment and free houses evoke happy sunkissed blurry images. Syncopated guitars and robotic sirens bring the breakdown to different places. 'The Breaks Mix' is very similar to the original however the breaks are a lot more prominent. While Ewan Hoozami remix brings a different vibe completely, keeping the happy go lucky vocal, but adding a weird, twisted, candy floss glossing. The bounciness is amplified and sounds of fairground are added as well a ragga samples and a dubbier sub.
Review: Irish bass and breaks fanatic Johnnypluse teams up with The Stormtroopers Of Love for another wicked episode of Bulabeats, this time turning in something significantly different from their usual array of offerings. We have a special, tailor-made Juno VIP version of "Talkin About The!", a slow, lo-fi groove that's infused with everything from reggae influences to Motown soul - the result is something utterly hummable and just on the right side of cheesy. "I Got 2 Moves" is a different sort of beast altogether; the breakbeats are out and in full motion, while the vocals pay respect to early era hip-hop rather than Detroit funk. PARTEEY!!
Review: Last year, Bulabeats founder Johnny Pluse released both a solo album and an album with his live band The Stormtroopers Of Love. He's presumably been touring both ever since, but now he's back with his band for this four track EP. The title track lives up to its title with "Skanky Town" fuelled by a speed up ska sample, a trippy fairground organ and a skippy garage beat. Elsewhere "The Nite Club" is dreamily delayed dub (which also appears in an even more dubbed-out "Dub Version") and "O Jesus Funk" - a bizarre electro-house/breaks mash up guaranteed to kick-off any self-respecting party.
Review: Funky Irish all-rounder Johnny Pluse and his The Storm Troopers Of Love moniker, is well known for party-fuelled attitude. Here they return with Rebel Bass, their first new track since March, and they're bringing some serious fire to the table too! "Rebel Bass" is an effervescent anthem fusing hip-hop, pop and rock for a hands-in-the-air hit. Dusty Tonez also appears to provide a tougher electro-funk rework, whilst Barry Krishna recasts the tune as an awesome exotic disco groover. An instrumental and raw samples are also on hand for all those budding remixers out there too!
Review: The Stormtroopers Of Love were born kicking and screaming into this world when Johnny Pulse (boss of Ireland's Bulabeats Records) decided he needed a live band in his life. Described as being 'a live fusion of hip-hop, funk, dancehall and ska', Ape Panic delivers all this and more (especially here on our very own Juno Deluxe version). Highlights include the badass bottom end attack of "Rebel Bass", the nasty breaks jam ""In The Heat", the piano-led shuffle of "Pull The Cord" and the jump up DnB fun of Leygo's remix of "Blast & Blast". Proper good times music!
Review: Hailing from Ireland, Johnny Pulse (of Stormtroopers of Love fame) launched his Bula Beats label back in 2005 with the release of his debut album, Funky 5 Years Ago. Since then he's established himself internationally as a top hip-hop/breaks producer. Here he has decided to reissue a newly remastered edition of his well-received 2009 long player, How Much For The Monkey. Originally only available on physical formats, now we can all get to shake it to fun big beat jams like "The Market St Hustle " and "Funky Time" digitally too!
Review: Bula boss and his ever-dependable, consistently romantic Storm Troopers get their swing on with the ska-packed "Blast & Bounce". Igniting with a slow-burning bassline and a classic late 90s big beat riff, the riddim track is perfect for any MC chatter or acapella creativity you might want to apply. For something more instantly gratifying dive deep into Leygo's remix: With a hook that's straight out of the Two Tone play book and drums straight off the back of a three day non-stop carnival, it really will blast and bounce you to smithereens.
Review: They might share the same title, but each of these four versions is an individual tune in its own right... The original riddim mix is a warm-skank packer, the jungle mix is all about the classic rifle amens and sneaky drop into "Under Me Sleng Teng", Leygo's remix takes the riddim and fits it snugly in bright coloured tropical swimming trunks while Frankee More gets busy on a treacle-thick glitch fix. Serious monkey business.
