Techno

You thought I was gone, but I’m back. I’m counting the elements way beyond rap, all of which are going to be under review in today’s blog post! I’m ready for the weekend!

Earlier this year, Charli 2na (of Jurassic-5 fame) teamed up with Krafty Kuts (engineer and producer of Instant Vibes Records) for their collaborative LP, “Adventures Of A Reluctant Superhero”, which takes the old-school rap style of Charli 2na and mixes it with a comic book aesthetic mixed by the skilled DJ, Krafty Kuts. “Guard The Fort” is the lead single of the record, a track that lovingly Krafts (pun intended) some playful, skit-heavy hip hop in a way that is exciting and crowd-pleasing for fans of both artists.

“Guard The Fort” contains heavy sampling from Kuts, which clashes with an instrumental style from Charli 2na. This track gets the superhero concept off to a good start, as he bemoans his task of protecting a homeland from an enemy attack. Charli chants: “Dark days the carpet is laid for the prophets of rage/(We’re called all) arrogant narrow-gazed and clench fists/Breaking down barriers barricades and fences” over subtle violin arrangements and a wonderfully 80’s cartoon-style bassline from Kuts. However, in the end of the final section, Charli 2na begins to make commentary on the state of the hip-hop genre in it’s current form, as he hurles a harshness towards a style that feels too “tried and tested” in the mainstream – “Nothing sounds genuine/mumbling and mimicking” and “In the jagged rhythm inject a little skill in them” suggests that Charli is questioning the authenticity of hip-hop in today’s culture. However, he later shines hope on the political context of hip-hop in the future, as he implores the new generation of artists to: “Find that timeless energy and side blast” and “We’ll be here forever while they (pave) the way time passes” as Charli presents an idea that he’s his very own superhero of the rap genre. The track is a little bit on the short side and, in regards to the various comic book themes, I feel there is a more room for story left to tell, but it’s a still a very solid and fun track that conveys a nice message and it doesn’t feel over-indulgent on nostalgia.

Pictured: DJ Krafty Kuts
Pictured: Charli 2na

Thank you for reading this post! I’ll be back tomorrow with a special themed post on the winner of this year’s Mercury Prize award! Also, don’t forget that another weekly edition of #ScuzzSundays is coming up in two days’ time! If you liked what you just read, why not follow the blog to get notified when every new daily post is up and why not like the Facebook page here?: https://www.facebook.com/OneTrackAtATime/

If I asked you to like and follow the blog, Would You? It’s time for your Thursday post!

Halogenix, a moniker for a guy simply known as Laurence, is an EDM DJ and Producer, from North London, who is currently signed to Critical Music and he is managed by Primary Talent. There isn’t much background information available about him, as he likes to carry the 90’s traditions of an electronic music artist remaining hidden from the general public eye. “Would You?” is a single from “Gaslight”, a 4-track EP, which was released by Critical Music Records on June 7th, 2019. A few of his regular collaborators include SOLAH, Shades, and Noisia. He has also worked alongside Drum & Bass legend Goldie and Wilkinson, as well as produced remixes for Maverick Sabre, The Glitch Mob and Banks. He was nominated in the “Best Production” category at the Drum & Bass Arena Awards of 2017 and he was also a member of Ivy Lab, a UK Drum & Bass trio who were influential within the indie dance scene of 2018.

“Would You” has an altered electronic drum beat, which bounces and winds with the ever-shifting and dynamically altering synth melodies as the vocals twist and contort underneath the electronic instrumentation of the track. It’s a very calm and relaxing track to listen to, even if the low-pitched modulation of the vocals add a slightly darker mood of paranoia to the overall sound. It is a track that flips between a light and dark ambient texture, while pulling influences from more obscure genres, such as the Acid House and Vaporwave circuits. The track rolls along at a good pace and the stylistic arrangement is very reflexive. This captures the ethereal context of the track. I feel the signature beat is a little bit conventional and it gets a bit tiring at 5 minutes, so I would have refined the track slightly to make it feel a bit tighter. However, it’s still a very decent track that feels right at home at house parties or late-night festival slots.

Pictured: Cover Artwork For “Gaslight” EP (2019)
Pictured: Halogenix (Laurence), performing at a live gig, taken from the Critical Music Records biography page

Thank you for reading this post! I’ll be back tomorrow with a look at a Karaoke Classic pop track from 1972 that…, well, if you’re so vain, then you’d probably think this song is about you! If you liked what you just read, then please go ahead and follow the blog to get notified when every daily new post is up and like the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/OneTrackAtATime/

One Track At A Time

Today’s Track: Charli 2na & Krafty Kuts – “Guard The Fort”

Today’s Track: Halogenix – “Would You?”