Review: Hospital's most prolific vocal talent - Degs - is back on the label this week with the follow up release to his sensationally good debut album Letters from Ndegwa, a fitting remake that takes the best elements from the original and flips it in style. There's heavyweight drum & bass flavours courtesy of Bladerunner, AC13 and more, whilst Kikuyu Soul takes things downtempo in serious style. It's the latters remake of 'Colour My Soul' that really stands out, as loping hip-hop drums nonchalantly stroll beneath Degs' supremely soulful vocal overlay. Winslow also takes a crack at the tune, flipping it into a classic Hospital roller replete with sub-heavy bassline and euphoric, hands-in-the-air moments. Bladerunner gets dark and bouncy on 'Sleepless', whilst dreamteam Phil:osophy produce the basis of another sick sprayout version. Top release.
Review: Songwriter, singer, MC, producer, absolute G: since landing on Hospital exactly two years ago in 2018 Degs has consistently peppered us with vibes by way of beautiful releases and powerfully energetic and inspiring shows. Now he levels up with his debut solo album Letters From Ndegwa, a widescreen bounty of musical D&B featuring collaborations with the likes of LSB, Phil:osophy, Unglued, Logistics, Pola & Bryson, S.P.Y and many more. Ranging from the touching almost-beatless ballads such as "4 Days" to the outrageous gully energy of tracks like "The Roots" via raw funkular missions like "Levitate Your Mind", this album doesn't just wrap up why Degs is one of the most exciting artists to join Hospital but a shining example of just how versatile and musical D&B artists can truly be. What an album.
Review: Is there a doctor in the house? Hospital kick start the new decade with another stupendously massive V/A collection in the form of its latest Sick Music compendium. An album series that consistently lives up to its name, Sick Music 2020 does not disappoint in the slightest; from the powerful soul thrust of Degs and Unglued's "Levitate Your Mind" to the deep pads and sultry kicks of Tolima Jets' "Clams" via Urbandawn's truly electrifying euphoria/gully head shock "Egregor", this one covers the full spectrum from an exciting and super diverse range of artists. Look out for some fantastic remixes lurking in the mix, too; S.P.Y absolutely crushes Kings Of The Rollers' "You Got Me" and Serum flips Todd Terry's house classic "Bounce To The Beat" with a new sense of funk and groove. And these are just a few examples; this is a fantastic snapshot into how 2020 will sound... And it sounds great!
