Chase and Status - No More Idols ALBUM REVIEW

Hi Everyone,

Sorry this review is so late! Thing is, I couldnt find anywhere that had the cd in stock! Eventually I made the effort to go to the HMV in Birmingham, and found it straight away! After that episode, I ended up in hospital with fluid on my knee. Not good. So all these problems put me back a couple of weeks. Anyway, let's get straight into it.

The long awaited album from these two has been raved about on YouTube, with short 1 minute teasers of each track from the album. So this was something I was really looking forward to!

Looking at the album track list, about 3 or 4 tracks I had heard fully already, which was okay, because out of 15 tracks, it means a lot of them would be released as singles in the near future.

The album kicks off with a track named 'No Problem' with a nice Congo-jungle-infused beat and something which I know to be called a 'Rasta MC'? I might be wrong but hey. The track progresses to drum and bass drop, colliding with a fidgety, high pitched, melody! Great start to the album.

Second track 'Fire In Your Eyes', features the vocal of Maverick Sabre, who also featured on the great track 'Jungle' by Professor Green. This track is what I consider to be 'electric guitar dubstep' which uses big, bassy chords over a 2-step beat! Mr Sabre's vocal really helps this track.

Another top track on this album is 'Blind Faith'. A track you may have heard on Radio 1 or other popular radio stations. The track has these amazing gospel vocals floating over a catchy baseline with orchestral violins screaming out. Honestly, to get the most out of this track, you can't listen to me ramble on about it, you NEED to listen to it. End of.

For some more of Chase & Status's signature drum & bass sound, you should really check out 'Fool Yourself'. The start of this track makes you think "Ermm, what the.." with it's big clump of popping sounds, and a really freaky vocal, which makes you think, is this a man or a woman!? Then you take a look at the album tracklist, and find that it's Plan B. Don't get me wrong, I like the guy, it's just when he does the whole 'man drifting into woman' tone. But anyhow, the track progresses into one of the best melody's I have EVER heard. The only way to describe it is a Transformer on crack. Because seriously, it's so god damn awesome. Just listen to it.


Maybe you want some more dubstep? Easily solved. The track 'Flashing Lights' will cater for your needs. With a feature of Sub Focus, I just knew it was going to be a great track. And how right I was! The track starts with some guitars, abit like 'End Credits'. Then a rather catchy vocal comes in, and it progresses into what I would describe as a breakdown, but I've never heard a breakdown at the start of a song? Anyway, the track carries on into an awesome build up, classic Sub Focus, beeps and flanged basslines. After, it just drops into an incredible bassline. Simple dubstep. Say no more.


If you're not into the dubstep and drum & bass stuff, check out the more down tempo stuff on the album, such as 'Time', 'Midnight Caller' and 'Hitz' featuring Tinie Tempah. Most of those tracks are similar to Chase and Status's old track 'Against All Odds'. If I'm honest, I'm glad there is tracks like these on the album because sometimes, with an album full of drum & bass and dubstep, it could get slightly tiresome. So these tracks give you some breathing space.


Overall, I give this album: 9/10
This is because the album has been created by two brilliant musicians, who cater for everyone's needs. Whether it be dubstep, jungle, or even abit of hip hop, they've got it covered! The album has been long awaited, but my god, it was worth the bloody wait.

If you want to check out the 1 minute teasers on YouTube, you can find them all here: http://www.youtube.com/user/chaseandstatustv

But if I'm perfectly honest, just go out and buy the album! It's worth it!

Remember to comment for reviews of your choice and just give me general feedback!

Thanks for reading!

d|-.-|b

TOP 10 - January 2011

Hi Everyone,

As it's nearing the end of January, I think it's time for my first TOP TEN OF THE MONTH! These aren't necessarily in order of best to good, and may not have been released in January, but it's what I've been listening to the most, this month. So enjoy!

1. Cinema (Skrillex Remix) - Benny Benassi
2. Grand Theft Ecstasy - Feed Me
3. Me & You - Nero
4. Yeah Yeah Yeah - Spencer & Hill
5. Space Junk - Wolfgang Gartner
6. I-tune - Miles Dyson
7. Shoreless - Camo & Krooked
8. Traktor (Friction Remix) - Wretch 32
9. Scatta - Skrillex feat. Foreign Beggars
10. Machine Gun - Noisia

Most of these can be found on YouTube!

Thanks for reading!
d|-.-|b

Modestep - Feel Good TRACK REVIEW

Hi Everyone,

I think I'm getting Chase & Status's album today or tomorrow. So stay locked on for that one! Anyway, found a track here on UKF Dubstep, who are actually a SICK channel on YouTube, so check them out if you haven't already heard of them: http://www.youtube.com/user/UKFDubstep 

So this track has come from 'live' dubstep 'band' from London, Modestep. The first thing I ever heard from these guys was the track 'Sunlight', which actually was REALLY catchy! Simple beats, good vocal, and its just all good!

After hearing Modestep had brought out a new track, I was eager to know more. As I thought, I'd find it on the biggest dubstep channel on YouTube, UKF Dubstep. I was right. There was an actual music video aswell! Not just that annoying blue graphic! So this was interesting.

The track starts with some filtered trumpets and vocals from front-man Tony. If I had to class his vocal, I'd say almost Cambridge/Londoner? It's not aggressive, and it's not gritty. It's quite light to be honest! A typical dubstep beat comes through, and the vocal goes on repeat to bring the track to it's climax. As I said in my '4x4=12' review, the drop is extremely early! I don't know what it is, but drops are getting earlier, and earlier! It might possibly be because of people getting bored of what's going on in the track, but isn't that what music's about!? I think producers need to stop taking tips from people who are impatient!

The vocals really are catchy! And with joyous trumpets and lively beats, the track makes for a really slick tune! Obviously, the only problem is, the one word, which is: MAINSTREAM. This pisses me off. Bigtime! I mean, you want to enjoy a track at your pace, right? So it doesn't help when radio stations play it 24/7!? It completely ruins the song.

The video starts with a girl who has somesort of briefcase. And it seems she 'rents it out' to people who want a good time? I know it sounds funny, but that's what I get from this video. By the way, there is some VERY funny faces pulled in this video, so check it out!

Overall, I give the track: 8/10
Simply because this track is EXTREMELY catchy and enjoyable. The vocals are great! Upbeat melodies! Loud basslines! It's great! Except the fact that it's becoming really annoying, due to mass hysteria ON THE RADIO!

Make sure you do check it out on YouTube though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r26y--evIw

But, make sure you know: THIS IS A UKF EXCLUSIVE! ... You'll get it when you watch the video!

Thanks for reading!

d|-.-|b

LOGO!

Hi Everyone,

VERY BIG SHOUT to Kimbo for making this design for me! Hit up the comment box on what you think!
And also, make sure to check out his blog! http://imscribe.blogspot.com

Thanks again mate!
d|-.-|b

Noisia - Split The Atom ALBUM REVIEW

Hi Everyone,

Going to review a very old album. But who gives a shit? Definitely not me! Make sure you check this blog out within the next couple of days, because I'm going to be reviewing Chase & Status's latest album, 'No More Idols', which is released tomorrow. Anyhow, onto the album.

Quick note: Turn the word VISION upside down, and you'll get the word NOISIA!

Drum N' Bass/Electronic producers Noisia, have been around since about 2002. 'Split The Atom', which was released in April 2010, was considered their 'debut' album. Before this album was released, I had heard the track 'Split The Atom' (recommended by Mixmag). I really liked it! Offbeat synths and jumpy beats. It was all good! Then I heard the Bar 9 Remix. It blew me away! So check the remix! Anyway, from saving me drifting into allsorts of conversation, I'll get back to the point.

First track on the album is 'Machine Gun'. The track starts with a beat I'd expect out of an electro tune! Which is possible, as Noisia cross over genres ALOT. A rather 'electro-vibed' beat and melody comes into play, after the intro. But as you venture further into the song. You see why they call the track 'Machine Gun'. A nasty bassline slowly makes it's way to the beat. Then a filtered, high-pitched wail screams at you. And you could literally imagine loads of people just spraying machine guns at each other. Total carnage. The track has lots of 'vibes' of certain genres such as: dubstep, electro and drum n' bass. If you'd like a more 'skanky' version, check the 16 Bit remix. I found this as it was featured on The Sound Of Dubstep 2. Best track on there to be honest!

In total, the album has 22 tracks! So there's certainly going to be something in there to your liking! Anyhow, the album continues with some very short tracks such as 'Shitbox'. This interested me. It's a 57 second song that sounds like Noisia put it together when they we're stoned! Might just be me, but it sounds as if they've thought: "lets make a beat, that isn't a beat, it's just an offbeat piece of crap. And put a synth here, and a synth there". BUT. The comments on YouTube say otherwise! A lot of people are saying: "WHAT IS THIS SHIT!?". But the majority are saying: "HELL YEAH! MAKE AN EXTENDED VERSION!". To me, this song is a load of crap (possibly why it's called Shitbox). But still, it's different, a lot of people like it. Fairplay.

The album continues with some artists featuring such as Giovanca, Joe Seven and Foreign Beggars. I mentioned Foreign Beggars in my Skrillex review, and they impressed! Also, big shout to 'I'm Scribe' who gave me the heads up on Foreign Beggars! Catch his work at http://imscribe.blogspot.com/! Back to the album. Foreign Beggars feature on a track called 'Shellshock'. To me, with 'Split The Atom', this is one of the best tracks on there. The Beggars throw their lines over the intro and don't ruin the climax of the song either! On the drop, a drum n' bass/jungle beat goes under the track perfectly!

Another notable track is 'Diplodocus'. Very progressive in the way it was produced! Simply because its: kicks, cymbals, synths, then drop! Very catchy with an out-of-time melody! Check this one out for sure!

So the only downside to the album is just the short tracks. I'm guessing they we're probably to fill space? But with more than 12 good tracks, I don't see the need? Lots of genres though which is a good thing I guess!

Good Tracks: Split The Atom
                       Diplodocus
                       Shellshock

Bad Tracks: Shitbox
                    Headknot

All in all, I give this album: 6/10
Don't get me wrong, Noisia are awesome producers. But if you're not used to beats that are off-time and weird basslines, I don't think you would appreciate this album. So it's hit and miss really. Good tracks. But then there's bad tracks.

Remember to check these guys out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NoisiaTV

And keep checking in to I'm Scribe's mixtapes, graphics and stuff! http://imscribe.blogspot.com

ALSO. Comment for what you think I should review, and again, I will be reviewing Chase & Status's latest album in the next few days so CHECK BACK!

Thanks for reading!

d|-.-|b

Professor Green - Jungle (High Rankin Remix) TRACK REVIEW

Hi Everyone,

Just got back from my weekly radio show on TCR fm. You can catch me every Friday! http://www.tcrfm.co.uk
Absolutely nothing on TV, so here goes a track review! Big shout to Charlie Birchley for inspiration for the review!

The track I'm reviewing tonight is Professor Green's Jungle, with High Rankin on the Remix. Short bio of Prof Green: Started MCing young, Got signed, Chart Success. Simple! If I'm totally honest, I haven't heard much off of High Rankin in ages! Probably because of the fact I don't listen to dubstep all that much nowadays!

Anyhow, straight into it. The start of the track is basically the same as the original, on a loop. If I heard it on the radio, I wouldn't be able to recognise it! Which is a bad thing I guess, because if you want the remix, you don't know what you're going to get! The track then progresses into the drop. Now, being totally honest, I don't know what to think. Firstly, if the track was made to sound completely different from original (except vocals), then High Rankin has succeeded. But if the track was meant to sound the same, I don't think it's got that vibe from the original. The original has a really, low, gritty vibe. This has something COMPLETELY different about it. Although I can vaguely hear a synth from the original! Don't get me wrong, it's a good track! Very bassy! Heavy beats! Recipe for a perfect dubstep song! But there's something missing and I can't seem to place it! I think this song is very good when one would like a pleasant SKANK! But it's that thing that I can't place which annoys me!

Suprisingly, the only vocal in there is the chorus! Understandable, but as its dubstep, I still think they still could've fitted in the actual lyrics! Best part of the song for me has got to be the breakdown at 1:36! It's just a really good beat, with the bassline thrown in every 2 bars. Simple, but very effective!

After some consideration, I give this track: 7/10
This is because it is a good standard of dubstep. Heavy. Nice breakdowns. Good off-beat synths. This could be an 8, but it's just that thing that I can't place! VERY ANNOYING!

Give your thoughts, and check this tune out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jycfrp2NNI

Once again, big shout to Charlie Birchley for this one! Cheers Kidda!

Comment for reviews of your favourite music, or even your own tunes!

Thanks For Reading!

d|-.-|b

Deadmau5 - 4x4=12 ALBUM REVIEW

Hi Everyone,
Got another review for you guys, still quite old, but as I've been blogging for under 48 hours, give me chance! But I do have my eye on the new Chase & Status album 'No More Idols'. So anyway, back to this album.


I'm not going to bother going into detail as I'm guessing most of you know who this guy is! Deadmau5's latest venture is his new album, 4x4=12. This I was really looking forward to. His last proper album was 'For Lack Of A Better Name', which brought the sound of the classic, Ghosts N' Stuff. Anyhow, straight into this new album.


The title of the album confused me if I'm honest. But then I check Wikipedia and they told me what he said on a Ustream broadcast: "4 drums there, 4 more over there. 4x4=12". And I still don't get it!


In my opinion, the first track on this album ('Some Chords') really sums Deadmau5 up for me! Rinsed out basslines, solid beats and progressive chords! The start of the track really is epic. Quiet, filtered, basslines roll through the prolonged intro, up until the long awaited drop. This is where the high pitched-low pitched bass melodies come into play. Right through to the ending basslines, I love it! All in the all, the track is epic. And if I had to pick one track out of the album, it would be this, simply because of the colossal basslines and beats. End of.


But now, onto the tracks that follow. Bit of a rollercoaster if you ask me, but still, he wants to explore different genres! 'Sofi Needs A Ladder' has that something about it. It's not epic/amazing/a bomb. When I first listened to it, I got this echoed out synth, then some drums. Then a simple drop at about 1:07! Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but for a 6 minute and 47 second song, that is EXTREMELY EARLY for a drop! But anyhow, the drop is short and sweet. Basslines and congos fade in, and it's all good! Until. This unknown woman just starts shouting! So after I look, I find out she goes by the name Sofia Toufa. Maybe it's just me? But I think she ruins the track. I mean, with a drop coming in that early, you need the vocal to carry the song along, but I don't think she helps to be fair. BUT FORTUNATELY! There is an instrumental/original version called 'You Need A Ladder'. So check it out!


Throughout the album Deadmau5's album, there is abit of Dubstep. I believe the Mau5 enjoys this genre of music, so fairplay to him for trying it out. So his attempts at Dubstep include 'One Trick Pony' with the infamous Sofia Toufa blaring her tones and 'spitting a bar' over the track, which makes it hard to distinguish. Also a good, dubstep-infused, notable track is 'Raise Your Weapon' featuring the contrasting tones of Greta Svabo Bech. I don't blame you if you've never heard of her in your life with a name like that, but anyhow. Her voice simply flows over this track beautifully. And that's a word I don't use often. With this being an 8 minute track, I thought I would get bored, but obviously not! The track starts with an amazing piano softly, then Greta simply lets her voice find it's way through the piano. Further on in the track, a beat comes in, not TOO heavy, but just right. And then there's a Dubstep breakdown about 3 quarters of the way through. Really interesting, as it seems to go just right!


Some other tracks on the album are 'Right This Second' which I feel is rather like 'FML' from Deadmau5's 'For Lack Of A Better Name'. It has a harsh, non-dance beat, and is very quirky and fidgety. But very much a let-down at the same time! It just doesn't have that Deadmau5 'thing' about it. It may just be me, liking only his upbeat, uplifting stuff. But I think this could be improved.


Another notable track on the album is Animal Rights. Probably the most mainstream track to come out of the album! Although I can't blame them! It's pure electro. Jumpy, agitated basslines over a beastly beat. Just pure epic! Wolfgang Gartner features on this one, which probably explains why I like it so much! I think they both had equal input into this because I can hear the Deadmau5 beat, but the Wolfgang messed up synths make it awesome!


Good Tracks: Animal Rights
                      Some Chords
                      Raise Your Weapon (Feat. Greta Svabo Bech)


Mediocre (because none are bad!) Tracks: Cthulhu Sleeps
                                                                  Everything Before


Overall, I give this album: 7/10
This is simply because of the signature Deadmau5 synths and beats. Could be an 8! But I feel the attempt at Dubstep and the 'slow' tracks, make it a 7. But I hope to hear Deadmau5's new album coming this year! He has also stated that he will not be releasing any singles, which means, HOLD ON TO YOUR HEADPHONES, PREPARE TO HEAR TRACKS ON REPEAT!

Everything of Deadmau5's, you can find on Ultra Records on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/UltraRecords

And any requests for reviews... COMMENT!

Thanks for reading!

d|-.-|b

Skream & Example - Shot Yourself In The Foot Again TRACK REVIEW

Hi Everyone,

As I'm in a good mood tonight! And also feeling slightly bored, I am making ANOTHER review!

The track I am going to review is the new Shot Yourself In The Foot Again by Magnetic Man's Skream and the one that Won't Go Quietly, Example. Their new collaboration hit Twitter like the Hiroshima bomb! Example plastered it over Twitter! Didn't hear nothing from Skream, so promotion all down to Example! Anyhow, about the song.

In my opinion, the track is on the brink of being EXTREMELY MAINSTREAM! But hopefully, it won't get to that stage. The track starts with a simple melody and the vocal from Example. Judging by the lyrics, it's about a disaster relationship, blah blah blah, one of them does something wrong and they 'shoot themselves in the foot again'. I must say the lyrics can get slightly repetitive throughout, and also I think they are slightly unoriginal? It might just be me, but they seem slightly stereotypical. Anyway, back to the actual music. If I'm honest, it is the norm for Dubstep. Lots of womps and boinks! The breakdown gives the track abit of a rest, and a good rest at that. But I can't take it out on this one track, as lot's of Dubstep can really get repetitive.

But the video is a different story. I think it's really creative. One thing I didn't know is that Example used to study Film at university. The story (as I guessed) is about a couple, it's the husbands birthday, the wife makes dinner at home, he goes out, she waits, gets mad, he parties, she leaves his clothes by the door, he gets back and walks off, and the killer is, after all that, you see the wife sat on the stairs with a pregnancy test! I think this video is really clever!

Overall, I give the track: 6/10
This is because it is a mediocre track. Something every different from Example. Just the usual from Skream. But the video is rather good! My main worry is that this track is going to go mainstream, which means played every 10 minutes on Radio 1, as the BIGGEST DUBSTEP TUNE OF THE YEAR!

But do make sure you check it out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDmWJbN8bDo

And remember, if you want any requests for reviews, comment!

Thanks For Reading!

Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites EP REVIEW

Hi Everyone,

Tonight, as my FIRST. REVIEW. EVER! I am going to pick something simple, rather old now, and something I like! Easy, I know! But it's my first time, so lay off!

So last October I had a browse through Beatport (as usual) and came across Deadmau5's label Mau5trap. I was having a look through and came across something interesting. A remix of Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars. Now correct me if you will, but I didn't think a remix of that song would be any good. So I check it out and it's actually mediocre! It was by a guy named Sonny Moore. Intrigued, I typed his name straight into YouTube. I was shocked. Simply because all of the tracks I could see were metal/rock tracks?! I got mad, and went to the one and only, WIKIPEDIA. They told me Sonny Moore was in a band called From First To Last. To cut the story short, he left the band for his online handle, Skrillex.

So after searching for some more of his stuff, I came across his new EP, Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites. This really was some new stuff to me. The whole album sounds like you've just lit a boxset of fireworks! I couldn't really class the genre, but if I had to, it would be Dubstep infused with Prog House with some Electro basslines thrown in for good measure. As soon as the first track (Rock N' Roll) starts the intro, you have this fidgety beat with high-pitched vocals and lots of claps. At the 'drop', a gritty bassline comes into play, which I really think is effective. Also, further on in the track, there is a 'breakdown'. This where the Dubstep comes into play. And a quick note, Skrillex absolutely loves his SAMPLES. Bigtime. Anything from "and fuck you!" to "YEAH! OH MY GOSH!" can be thrown in. Which I think creates a good vibe! Messy! But good all the same! This track really sums up the album, so if you dont like it, I wouldn't consider carrying on with it.

One of the defining tracks of the album is the title track, Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites. This Dubstep track I really think creates a new genre! Anyone who is not open minded about music, would call this a mess. But to me, I really see a different side to it. From the filtered intro, to the end, I am always having beats, blaring keyboard, and allsorts of manipulated samples, thrown at me! The sample included is from the 'infamous' YEAH! OH MY GOSH! cup stacking girl on YouTube, which in my view, defines this track! But on the down side, after 2 minutes of it, you might think its rather stereotypical Dubstep, with all the usual WOI, WOMP and YOI samples. On this EP is also 2 remixes of this track from Noisia and Zedd. The Noisia one is really just a classic dubstep 'retake' on the track. But the Zedd remix really is something special. Here comes the electro/progressive house! This really ups the pace, as I think at this point the tracks are getting slightly tiresome. But do check this remix out as it is EPIC.

Some different artists feature on some of the tracks (none of which I knew). They are Penny & Foreign Beggars. As I understand Foreign Beggars are some sort of 'MC/Rappers'? And Penny is some unknown dance vocalist? Anyhow, I feel Skrillex seems to 'make way' in his music for these features, which I think makes the EP almost 'unclassifiable'.

Good Tracks: Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
                      Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites (Zedd Remix)
                      Scatta (Feat. Foreign Beggars)

Bad Tracks: All I Ask Of You (Feat. Penny)
                   With You, Friends

All in all, I give the EP: 8/10
This is because it has really opened me to a new/another 'sub-genre' of music. I think he could go far. But only to a certain extent, at which point, I think the audience would get slightly tired of his samples and hardcore WOBWOBS.

Anyhow, tell me what you think! Good? Bad? Check him out on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOfficialSkrillex

Any requests for reviews, simply comment!

Thanks for reading!

Blog!?

Hi Everyone,

My name's Alex, and I'm new to this whole blogging thing so give me time! I will be reviewing music every 1 or 2 weeks! The genres I am interested in are Electro, House, Dance, Dubstep, Drum & Bass. I will be reviewing Singles, Albums, EP's & LP's. If they're are any requests to be reviewed, just leave a comment with the name of the artist and the name of the track/album/ep/lp! Also, every month, I will create a top 10 of the best tracks around, at that time!

Anyhow, Thanks for reading!
d|-.-|b