Marc Reck

The Night Times had a much deserved respite for a few months, so the reviews i submitted in July (and descriptions) are a little out of date as new releases. Nevertheless here’s 8 of the 10 that got in the paper, with the updated versions and unprinted ones as text underneath.

———————————————

September Edition Breaks Reviews by Marc Reck

www.marcreck.com / www.mrelephant.com / www.projectxpresents.com

Mr Elephant Radio hosted by Marc Reck – Every Monday on www.rhubarbradio.com

——————————————————

Rennie Pilgrim – Rich Rule Us (Rennies Friction Mix)

A new one from Rennie Pilgrim always causes a big stir of interest, and this is a corker! Proper funky breakbeat action which builds into a butt shaking bass heavy roller. Even though it sounds real fresh, you can tell it’s Rennie on the controls, and the sound takes me back to the early botchit releases. Prob my favourite of his releases since the seminal emit collect remix, and is out on TCR in September.

Dfnt – Wake Up – One The Edge

Dfrnt is releasing a beautiful album entitled Metafiction, which fuses dubstep, chillout, idm, dub techno , and breaks, and is real a joy to listen to. This first track on the album is the perfect opener, and one i’ve been using to open some of my breaks sets with. Wonderfully produced, and with a nice deep vibe throughout, this track, and indeed the whole album will takes you places.  Due for release in September 2009, there are promo mixes available on his website, or you can hear one on our 8th mr elephant radio show on rhubarb – www.mrelephant.com

Si Begg – The Bleeps  (Shades Of Rhythm Remix) – Mutate Records

This is a massive tune! I followed Si Begg ever since i started playing breaks, and Shades of Rhythm made some the first vinyls i got to play with, back when i first got interested in djing. Apt then, that this should take me back to those days, with a classic melody, and that rolling old school break and bassline. Apparently Shades of Rhythm reformed just to remix this track, and they’ve done an stellar job. This reminds me of warehouse parties and raves in fields, but still sounds like a fresh new release in 2009, and on the dancefloor it goes off in a big way! The e.p as a whole is a really great release, and it was hard to pick one of the 4 remixes as they all so strong. Due out on mute records in Aug/Sep, i heartily recommend you check this one out!

Flore Feat Shunda K – The Test – Botchit Breaks

Flore’s eagerly awaiting debut album “Raw” is set for release this coming October, and this track, from her latest album sampler e.p , is a taste of things to come.  A versatile and talented dj and producer, I first became aware of Flore’s talent back when her first white label remix (of M.A.R.R’s -Pump up the Volume)was rockin the floors in Brum back in 2004. 2 years later she came down on her U.K tour to rock our 2nd Rockfall event, has travelled all over the world, and gained countless recognition from all the big players with her productions and remixes on Ibreaks, Mofo, & Labrock. This latest track is one of 4 released on the pioneering Bochit Breaks label , and is a huge roller with a proper dancehall feel thanks to the slick beats, low bassline, and some sharp vocals from Shunda K.

Drumattic Twins – Crazy Love’  (Peo De Pitte rmx) – Finger Lickin Records

Drumattics are back with their new Deep Throat E.P on Finger Lickin’. Best remix for me is the huge Peo De Pitte Remix which i’ve been rinsing it at many a breaks gig, and on the breaks part of our radio show. Definitely expect to see this on many a breaks chart right now this is one party breaks track that’s on very good form.

Silenta – This is My Time – Rocstar

This new release from Silenta, which features on his debut e.p “This is my time”, is one damn fine funky little number, loaded with classic funk flavours and enough bounce to bring the british sunshine out. A perfect mix of breaks and funk coupled with a nice bouncy ska feel and plenty of nice touches to keep your attention, this track takes you to a nice sunny place, giving nods to various genres as it goes about it’s business. A very strong debut release from Silenta

Caper Ft Sweet Irie – Jump Up – 10 Again Stone

More  dancehall inspired breakbeat, this release from Caper does exactly what it says on the tin. With a dubstep garage style bassline, and a ragga style infectious vocal from man Sweet Irie, this gets the room bouncing and the asses shaking. With a instrumental version on the flip.

Beat Assassins Ft Sweetie Irie / Boom Style (AC Slater Remix) – Mofo

Beat Assassins are well on this month , and this is a great release on Mofo. Top pick for me is this remix from Ac Slater, which is  a wobbly, phat, four to the four bassline bouncer, which reminds me of early house clubs i used to go to. Great old school sounds, mixed with proper uplifting vibes, and a nice dirty bassline. If you like dirty house or party breaks you’ll love this. Available now!

Breaking News – People’s  (Xim & Bass Remix) – Dusted Breaks

Seriously cool nu school breaks action here. Nice dark  rolling nu school release which kicks like a mule, and rolls like a penguin! Drop the lights and start your engines, this is out now on Dusted Breaks

Anatomic – We’ve found love (601 Remix) – Supatronix

Prob my favourite release on the London based Supatronix label. Been keeping a keen eye on all of 601’s releases since rinsing their remix of Not Your Slave by Hidden Forces back in 2006 for my Fear & Love mix. Quality production, dub guitars, an infectious vocal hook, and their signature phat bassline style means this is a surefire dancefloor smasher. Out now.

Here’s the breaks charts for the May/June issue of the Night Times

Update : Here’s the scanned in version, or click for a readable version here

Jadell – Break to the Beat – Rocstar – This track is the first i’ve heard of Jadell, and i love it. Classic drum loops and rolling funky ass stabs. Perfect for dancing, great fun to scratch to, and all round feel good record, with plenty of changes to keep you locked all the way through. Break to the beat will be released on the 31st May 2009, with a one week online exclusive on beatport on 25th May.

Rob Sparx – Fixed Up – Z Audio – The first track of his new album Trooper this is one great opener for a breaks set. Sounds like something awakening, and reminds me of one of my favourite progressive breaks mixes by Phil Kaye. After the intro, it rolls smoothly into a nice subby kick and line, with nice percussion, and sun kissed soundscapes, setting the scene to take your set wherever you choose. There’s a load of great tracks on the album, and a series of remixes to follow, (which if you’re a dubstep fan, you def need to check out.) Trooper is due to be released in May on Z Audio label, and you can catch Rob Sparx in brum at After Dark at the Que Club on 6th June.

Mr No Hands – Chuggy – No Handed Music – This is probably my favourite track to date from the producer (hands down and one that sets off every dancefloor i’ve dropped it on. This was out back in January but i still play it at most opportunities, and its a great release which builds suspense and energy on the floor. Chuggy is an apt title, with a great rolling feel, some slick beats, choice rhythmical vocals and a proper nice “chuggy” bassline. Buy it on No Handed music now!

Rico Tubbs – Party Time (Splitloop Remix) – Menu Music – There’s a load of great Rico Tubbs remixes on this double remix ep – Knuckle Sandwich Remixed, and a host of styles to choose from, (electro, dubstep, breaks, fidget, acid house, drum & bass, etc). This track from Splitloop was one of my personal favourites, and has all the elements of a proper party breaks track (doing exactly what it says on the tin!) Knuckle Sandwich Remixed is set to drop in May/June on the mighty Menu Music Label, and is definitely one to check out whatever your style.

BBB – Let The Bass – Standard Audio – Released back in March, this one has been tearing up the floors ever since, and is a huge tune, that will rinse out any breaks floor. Old school vocals, a charging bassline, some awesome edits, alongside some infectiously funky licks keep you locked from start to finish, and when it drops, it really drops, with some of the best build ups i’ve heard for a while. Big, big room breaks, and a must have record released on Standard Audio…and available now.

Black Canvas – We Fear Not (Ed Solo & Skool Of Thought mix) – Cool & Deadly – The new Black Canvas album aptly entitled Rise, is being released on Tayo & Skool of Thought’s Label , and features a whole range of styles, with some cool remixes from some big names, including Chase and Status and of course these boys. Ed Solo & Skool of Thought have all of their signature elements in full effect with this track..nice tightly produced breaks, those dirty bouncing basslines, their fine use of reggae guitar licks and sun kissed arpeggios, and all working nice and sweetly with Black Canvas’s choice rhythmical vocal melodies. Black Canvas album will be out Cool & Deadly in June 2009, and well worth checking out.

Here’s this month’s breaks reviews for the Feb/March Issue of the Night Times

(updated post) and the scanned in copy and readable version

Funkanomics – Circle Kid (Funkanomics Remix) – (Rocstar Records)

A huge party party breaks track which manages to keep you gripped from start to finish, with really well edited drums, a proper party bassline, great vocals from Nine Lives the Cat, and really cool edits all the way through. Awesome release from Rocstar due out on April 6th 2009 and plenty of variety and funk on the remixes.

Paul Lyman – Breakthrough (10 Rapid Remix) – (Dusted Breaks Records)

This one’s due for release on the 20th April 2009, and looks set to be a big crossover track. With a huge Miles Dyson esque bassline which feels dirty (and slightly wrong), and an array of marching drums, expect to be feeling this on breaks, electro and/or techy dancefloors near you soon.

The Prodigy – Warriors Dance – (Take me out the hospital records)

I’ve been waiting for this track to come out ever since hearing it on an mp3 recording of their gig at the rainbow warehouse in may 2008. The Prodigy are back in full effect with their new album “Invaders Must Die”, and for me, this is one of the two stand out tracks (with Thunder being the other). The vocal on this is so infectious, and the drop really goes off on the dancefloor with it’s old school style beats and grimy synth bassline. This release, quite simply, rocks!

Run Riot – Charge – (Charge Ep) – (We Are Live Recordings)

Another one set for the crossover floors, this release from Tom Young is set to blow up when it gets its release on May 25th 2009. Run Riot has only been in existance since January, and this debut ep should see the essex born producer see big things by the end of 2009 with its techy edged roll beats, filthy basslines and uplifiting synth layers. Watch out for the charge!

Alphadrive – Chronos – D-Form Records

Since forming in October ’07, Alphadrive have quickly gained a reputation for being one of the freshest live dance acts around. Showcasing “a perfect fusion of danceable dub, breaks and electronica” and with an already impressive gig list, these guys are definitely one to watch on the live breaks front. This track features an infectious vocal, some slickly produced beats and bass, a nice driving gated build, and some lush breakdowns. Reminds me of a cross between Hybrid & Subsource. For more info check out www.myspace.com/alphadrive

Dj Icey feat Nikki Carrabello – Glance (v2.2 Mix)- Zone Records

I love a lot of what Dj Iceys put out, and as a dj he can mix it up and rock it out. This release is testament to his diversity and looks set to be igniting breaks and dubstep floors alike. Probably best put as a breaks track with a dubstep drops,this track features lots of edits, grimy wobble bass, alongside some nicely edited male vocals, lush female vocals and a spectrum of beats – Good bassy system required.

To kick us of this year on the Night Time’s chartage front, i thought i’d share the 5 classic breaks tunes in my record box, that are pretty much guaranteed to set any big room breaks venue right off. These are not new, but they are big phat crowd pleasing breakbeat stonkers!

I’ll post the clipping when i find a copy btw as its been out since xmas

No Good – Cut & Run – An absolutely massive remix of the Prodigy’s “No Good” that always gets everyone up and jumping around. This never fails… (so much so i have been told off for playing it…again

Fasten Your Seatbelts – Pendulum vs Freestylers – Another sure fire crowd pleaser, and one which slots into pretty much any set with it’s bouncy ska fulled break, and hands in the air breakdown. Everyone knows and likes it, and probably another one i really shouldn’t play so much

When i was a yout – Ed Solo & Skool of Thought – A classic reggae tune magically turned into a dirty breaks banger. Everyone loves the vocal, and the drop seems to be heavy enough to satisfy the most underground of dancefloors, whilst the reggae stylings ensure it’s not too heavy for everybody else.

Boom Blast – The Freestylers – I’ve been playing this for almost 5 years now, and i’ve never tired of it. An awesome vocal (from their Mc Million Dan), and a proper bass tearin rhythm, coupled with some dramatic strings and a huge drop, ensure that this track really is enough to set off any dancefloor!

King Of The Bongo – Cut & Run – And last but not least the other track i generally always take to the underground clubs is this stunning piece of heavy breaks. When it kicks the room explodes, and pretty much always generates vocal response from young and old.

Here’s this months top 5 breaks reviews for the November/December edition of the Night Times

Update : Here’s the scanned in version and the readable version is here

Krafty Kutz – Happiness – Finger Lickin’

A happy tune to kick us off this month, aptly titled happiness and with that signature A-skills funkiness, and Krafty Kutz bassline. One that looks set to put a smile on any dancefloor’s face.

Stanton Warriors – Blaze (Baobinga & Id Remix/SW Edit) – Punks

Making a great track more dancefloor friendly with a nice dollup of darkness from the Baobinga & id camp. I prefer the stantons edit of their remix as its a little more rollin, but make sure you check out other version as they are pretty similar.

Noisia - Seven Stitches - Division Recordings

A wicked techno influenced breaker from the boys more known for their choice d+b cuts. This one’s been doing the rounds for a few months now, but still tearing up the dancefloors, whilst providing djs with a heavy bridges to other genres.

Double S - From Day (Cardpusher Remix) – True Tiger

Technically dubstep but drop this in a peak time breaks set and watch it go off, This is a wicked track with plenty of cool edits and grimeiness for anyone who likes to mix it up.

Plump Djs – Listen to the Baddest - Finger Lickin’

Another crackin track from the phat ones with plenty of changes to keep things fresh and that rolling plump djs break.

Break The Box vs Lbj - No Rules (Joebot Mix) – Big Square Records

Heard this one on Joe’s soundcloud account this week and definitly deserves a chart. With it’s drivin beats and rolling acid synth lines this is a top remix from the spectrum resident. – Check out more at www.joebotdj.com

Here’s this month’s breaks reviews for the Night Times. Grab a free copy from your favourite local dancing establishments

Update : Here’s the scanned in version (with additional reviews from Bensun), and the readable version is here

Blind – Cut & Run – Crisp Biscuits – First up is another killer remix from the kings of booty breaks. Cut & Run might be a little bit naughty, but they’ve made 2 of the biggest crowd pleasers in my box, and pleased many a dancefloor with their cheekiness. This one samples one of my favourite Streets tracks, with a beautiful break down, nice buildup and the trademark cut & run nu-skool heaviness.

Stanton Warriors – Shifting Gears – Plump Djs – Finger Licking – Staying on the more party breaks end of the spectrum we’ve got this remix from the Stantons. Its got a great vocal, and those trademark stanton style beats, basslines, and noise.. It might not be breaking barriers, but it is done very well.

Western Soul (Groove Diggers Remix) – Parker – Rocstar – Lee (Cut la Roc) sent this promo a while ago and it has its big release back in May, but as i wasn’t reviewing back then i thought i’d best get in quick. Probably my favourite out of the many Parker remixes, and definitely one of my favourite groove diggers remixes to date, this one build up all the way through, dropping some great techno style sounds, with a nice use of the 303 acid noise, whilst still keeping that funky breaks roll.

Loose Caboose (Bassbin Twins Remix) – The Electroliners – Twitch – This weeks classic breaks track is from 1993, and takes you back as soon as as you hear it, with its 303 acid noises, old school beats, snare rolls and horns. Reminds me of the old Raves, and early Que Club days and so one i’ll most definitly be dropping at the Atomic Jam que club return next month.

Braveheart Breaks (Scratch Record) – Dj Ritchie Rufftone – And finally this weeks “not strictly breaks track” is my first scratch record i recently bought from Jibbering. With plenty of sounds and those essential standard scratch noises, but done in an intuitive way, this is one piece of vinyl i’m trying to play with every day. Great for anyone who is getting into their scratching.

The Napt, Slyde, and Golticin & Quest reviews on the scan are by Bensun

I recently started a role as breaks reviewer for the Night Times, where i get to review 5 or 6 of my favourite breaks tracks around at the mo. Here’s the first one for the Aug / Sep Issue.

Update : Here’s the scanned in copy and the readable version is here

Apocalypse VIP, Artist : Screwface vs The Autobots, Label : Broke Recordings

A welcome re-rub of a massive classic, well timed with the Dark Night still showing on some big screens. The original Apocalypse was a huge orchestral track with heavy breaks and that extremely cool batman hook, which destroyed dancefloors in 2005/6. This remix has been re-edited with some nice fills, intelligent changes, and a cool ragga style vocal that thankfully hasnt been over used.

If you haven’t got the original, i suggest you check em both out, but if you have then this is definitely worth a look.

Frequency (Miles Dyson Remix) Artist: Slyde Label: Finger Lickin

Ok, so this isn’t technically breaks, and the Napt remix is all over the breakbeat scene at the moment, but for me, that rocket up your arse breaks style bass line coupled with those driving Miles Dyson rhythms, delivers a dancefloor bomb that will set off breaks, techno, and electro house headz alike, and one which generated a huge response at our recent Project X Presents gig.

Take The Weight, Artist: Plump DJs, Label: Finger Lickin

Not a new release as such, but i’ve only just bought it, and it rocks! Still on the rocket up your arse type tip, this is fast becoming one of my new favourite tracks, with the plumps phat rolling beats taking us up to a huge siren based breakdown, which literally has the crowd screaming for the massive drop. Essential for all you people who like to set it off, and another one that rocked the PXP big style.

Drop the Bomb, Artist: Plaza De Funk, Label: Brighton Breaks

Best breakthrough dj at Breakspoll, Plaza de Funk has been riding high in the breaks charts for sometime now with this. With a fingerlickin party style to it, and a nice tempoooo slooowww breakdown taking us to chemical brothers style hip hop bridge, this has all the makings of a classic party breaks roller.

Woppa, Artist: Bassbin Twins, Label: Bassbin

I bought two tracks from the Bassbins this month. One on Cool and Deadly called Pigpen, and this one on Woppa. Both have that nice dirty grimy feel to them, with this one just edging in front to set those monkey arms a-swinging. If you not heard them before, the twins have a very distinctive sound, and are another artist that fit well with a range of genres from dubstep to breaks. This Woppa track is one of my favourite with it’s rolling break, phat bass, and choice edits. Definitly one to raise the anticipation on the floor.

Tamborzao Con Scratchy (Original Mix), Artist : MC Gringo & DJ Beware, Label : Man Recordings

A nice cut up scratchy party style breaks track, with some nice edits, choice scratches, and live fills. One that is likely to get the asses shaking, and leave you plenty of places to go in your set.

I’m in the process of moving sites, and thinking about reformatting the whole breaks chartage thing. As i play such a wide range of music, and because i been using Last F.m quite a lot again recently, i’m thinking about a new approach to try and represent more of what i’m playing month to month, (as opposed to listening to 500 breaks mp3s every month in the hope to find 10 good enough to chart!)

There needs to be a new way to accomodate this new territory, so i will hope to be back in 2008 with a new website, a different approach, and a better reason to chart.

1. Live For The Weekend (Diverted Remix)- GROOVE DIGGERZ – Breakin Even
2. Champion Sound (Hardcore Will Never Die Mix) – Q Project – C.I.A Recordings
3. Rhythm Rock You (Dopamine Breaks Mix) – Vinyl Life – Rexhouse Breaks
4. Steelz Loves The C*ck (Nectarios Remix) – The Beat Monkeys – Brighton Breaks
5. Acidkids – Vinyl Extended Mix – Markus Lange & Daniel Dexter – Whirlpoolsex Music
6. Dope Pope (Maelstrom Remix) – Rob Reng v Thief – West Records
7. Cowboys – DUSTY KID – Kling Klong
8. Mantrakoma – DUSTY KID – Kling Klong

1. Daylight – Dilemna – (Bombtraxx Records)
2. Wassup – Mi Loki – (Tricksta Recordings)
3. 4 Bit (Extended Mix) – Uberzone – (Functional)
4. Steam (Extended 12 Mix) – Fresh – (Breakbeat Kaos)
5. Freeze Dried (Cd Edit) – Backdraft – (Passenger)
6. Get Raw (Ils Mix) – Mi Loki (Tricksta Recordings)
7. Ragmash – E The Hot – (Mantra)
8. Web Of Deceit – Paradox (Friendly Fire Records)