Reviewed by John Eden on
Uncarved.org:)
"No, this isn’t some kind of road to damascus conversion, I just
happen to have been given some dubstep tunes that I actually like for a
change. I admit this is a surprise after several years of slagging off
most of the genre for
just not being good enough.
But as usual there are people working at the edges who are doing
good stuff. In my own biased way I am still prepared to check stuff out
if it is recommended by people I respect or if it’s made or released by
people I like. The latter is true here, so the usual disclaimers apply.
Subeena - Boksd/Znare/Pepepe - Agosto Morado /2080 12″ (Imminient IMM004)We gave Imminent’s previous release by Wagawga a nice review in
Woofah, so I didn’t groan when this promo slipped through the
letterbox. “Boksd” is a filmic
night drive tune which is right up my street. Some of the melodies remind me of slightly melancholic techno like Colin Faver used to play.
“Znare” is much harsher - the opening made me worry about an
incoming wobble fest. But my fears were displaced with the arrival of
female MC Violet who I think is spitting in Portuguese (the language I
have had the most troube with)? Subeena seriously messes with her voice
throughout the track, giving it a nice glitchy feel. No doubt this will
get played out the most, but despite its undoubted quality it’s my
least favourite track on this release.
“Pepepe - Agosto Mordo (Subeena Remix)” - reminds me of the tale of
a Czech canary called Pepik which I read to my daughter. Whilst Pepik
is flying over the old town of Prague having escaped his cage, he may
well hear the odd chiming melody. If you liked Orbital’s more ambienty
tracks circa “The Box” then this is for you (it’s not a rip off, it’s
just shorthand - I have to finish this entry before the other half
shows up in a minute).
“2080″ is very special indeed - more great chiming, but this time laid over a great understated crunchy rhythm track.
Subeena knows that you don’t have to smack someone in the face to
make an impact - everything here is in the right place at the right
time."