Review: What more could we ask for eh? Roska and Serocee link up once again, this time for a dancehall delight entitled 'Intro', seeing Roska expand his production range yet again into a slower yet incredibly impactful bashment design. Serocee arrives with the perfect vocal for this one, providing a super rhythmic line which brings the whole track to life. Now, in addition to this, Zed Bias had to get involved, providing a sumptuous UKG flip of the original track, throwing Serocee's vocal into an autotune unit with some incredible results. Both versions of the track are instant killers in our opinion, adding two more crackers to the long list of RKAS bangers!
Review: Following on from an excellent single drop on RKS, Murder He Wrote is back at it again with a feature length LP, celebrating the future of UK funky across eight wavy originals. This is a real lesson in the breadth of UK funky, from the minimal, percussive lead sounds of 'Club Soda' and 'Watch The Tempo', to the beautiful vocals of both 'Lapse' alongside Roska and Maddy Ellerby and 'Say It Twice'. From here 'Stopwatch' gives us some experimental flavours, alongside the nostalgic piano lines of 'Smokes & Lazers' and crunchy LFO action of 'Watch the Tempo'. Finally, 'That Love' provides us with a euphoric drift between potent subs and colourful percussive patterns, rounding off an excellent selection indeed.
Review: Despite their incredibly consistent catalogue, it feels like Roska Kicks & Snares as an imprint has become even more special over the past year or so, with every new release levelling up the labels output. For their next selection, we see them welcome MOTU for a vibrant 8 track selection simply entitle 'Motu Collection', showcasing his quite frankly outstanding skillset, jam-packed with rhythmic gems left right and centre. From the wavy bass manoeuvres of 'Screwball' to the more carnival style drum work of 'Yeah Riddim' and stripped percussive magnificence of 'KCU', MOTU well and truly has UK funky covered. We also wanted to send a nod to the vocal collaborations on this one, as Nico Lindsay returns in fine from on 'Have To Know' alongside Killa P's electric performance on 'Tek Weh' and the mega collaborative flavours of 'Move', featuring PRM Project, DJ Polo, Roska & Blase Vanguard.
Review: If we are talking about consistency, there are few figures with a more celebrated run than Roska, one of the true cornerstones of UK funky and its history within underground dance music. He returns to his home imprint RKAS for a wavy selection, kicking off with the swirling vocal melodies of Elle Delaney and the spacey chords on 'Give Me Some More'. Next, Aleisha Lee is enlisted to supply some smooth vocal additions on the groovy flavours of 'Tonight', before Tasty Lopez arrives for a blissful addition on the bouncy composition of 'Static'. From here, Aleisha Lee returns for more vocal work on the almost drill-like instrumental arrangements of 'What's Right', giving us a throwback feeling towards early grime creations. Finally, Roska rides out solo on the crunchy drum designs, pulsating sub movements and progressive chord movements of 'Internal Sunshine' to see out this fabulous new collection in style.
Review: Earlier in the year, Roska's "Kicks and Snares" record label kicked off its tenth birthday celebrations with an EP of new cuts showcasing "different strains of UK funky". You'll find more of the same on this scintillating sequel. Veteran producer Boy 8-Bit kicks things off with the swinging, layered tribal drums, fuzzy bass and lilting synthesizer melodies of "Back 2 Back", before Lobby stacks up heavy percussion hits on the formidable drum workout that is "Jet 2". Majora's "Sway" is a sweet, melodious and effortlessly soulful UK funky vocal number, while Ramzee's standout "Nobody Cares" is a boisterous but surprisingly deep, rap-fired peak-time workout. Finally, Tickles smothers a typically rubbery UKF groove with lashings of ultra-deep chords, heavy bass and a sprinkle of '90s style US garage organs.
Review: As one of the most consistent releasers across the UK for bass music in general, it always a pleasure to see a new Champion drop appear on the shelves, especially when it's alongside the legendary RKAS imprint! We begin with the sliding bass tones and vibrant rhythms of 'Expensive', which sees Champion seriously excel at showcasing his funky roots. On the flip, 'Medium Drink' switches up the flavour with a moogy approach, focussing on the intense rhythmic syncopation of the percussive lines, bringing classic Champion energy to a very well decorated table!
Review: In a genius link up, we see Roska and Jammz pair off for a piece of rhythmic and vocal mastery as the duo put together a dynamic three track project on the infamous RKS imprint. On 'Jamm' we are treated to vibrant percussive waves in typical Roska fashion with catchy hooks from Jammz. The vocal's increase in intensity on 'Don't Get Gassed' as Roska provides some dancefloor heat complete with powerful horns and punchy sub tones. We then wrap up with the carnival inspired arrangements of 'Energy & Stamina', which focuses on intense drum lines and effected vocal stabs, tying up a very special project.
Review: Funky is alive and well in the UK and this brand new two track project from Leda Stray on the infamous RKS imprint sums up exactly where the scene is at. To kick off, 'Alley Cat' is a samba inspired shell down, focussing heavily on specific percussive and vocal riffs, supported with smooth bass patterns and sparkling atmospheric additions. On the other side we are blessed to the carnival inspired energies of 'Vibe Lane', which is packed with a tonne of rhythmic energy as well as some fantastic original vocal samples from inside the dance. Great stuff on this one and perfect for the summer!
