Review: There is always a high level of quality with Time Is Now releases, with this latest five track collaborative display from Ell Murphy paying testament to that. The first link up on the project sees DJ Crisps join the fun as the pair deliver a breaksy belter by the name of 'Freedom'. Next, Stones Taro gets involved on the beautiful arrangements of 'Hours', which again lands with a real level of finesse before the more bouncy garage pulses and groovy chord switches of 'Letting Go' take us somewhere different. The delicacy of the percussion and rhythmic expression within 'Blue' alongside Picasso is something truly special, followed by the jittering drum stutters and oldschool garage flavour of 'Close', which sees Tuff Trax deliver as always. A fantastically creative selection to say the least!
Review: According to the blurb provided by Sounds of Sumo, Tapok is a "mysterious new artist". Whoever he or she is, the revivalist two-step garage fare offered up on this debut EP is rather tasty. Opener "Freedom" is particularly potent, with sub-bothering bass and cut-up female vocal samples riding a snappy but punishing two-step rhythm. "Just Say No" is a little sweeter, with jaunty organ keys, a bouncier groove and an early Todd Edwards feel to the production. The 4/4 inclined "Summer Magic" is excellent, too, with humid strings and swirling chords providing a little sun-kissed beauty. The package also contains a superb old skool jungle rub of "Freedom" by Kingsin, and a tropical tinged bruk-up rework of "Just Say No" by the Ange Numa Crew.
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