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BREAKIN BREAD continue to push their brand
of "DIRTY, BEATBREAKIN' FUNK AND HIP HOP" with a 12" from Natural
Self aka Keno 1.
This single follows 2 recent releases from Natural Self that have
caused a bit of a stir. "The Sound b/w Foundation" 7" (released
at the end of 2004) has been rocking eclectic dancefloors the world
over. "The Ritual" Mix CD (released May 2005) has been getting interesting
reactions as punters get to see where the man is coming from.
This 12" takes the listener deeper into Natural Self's world as
he builds towards the release of his full LP in the Autumn.
If you didn't already know, Natural Self has a distinctive production
sound that is a hybrid of many musical styles with hip hop and funk
at it's centre. It's instrumental, atmospheric, layered and very
visual. The main elements are hard drums, mad percussion and all
sorts of instruments thrown in.
The production style is left of centre but he also incorporates
live music into the mix and on this release he introduces vocals.
Alice Russell (of Tru Thoughts) complements the production very
nicely with some heartfelt singing.
Side A "I Don't Need This Trouble" (Vocal and Instrumental)
This is a vocal funk tune and something Natural Self has been working
towards for a while. Alice Russell (of Tru Thoughts)delivers vocals
that complement the production very nicely. The beat is programmed
and certain other elements are sampled but to us it's still funk.
As the man himself says "The mode of creation doesn't define the
genre of a piece of music, although I'm sure some people would disagree.
I had an opportunity to do something with Alice so I took it. I
would have been crazy not to. She has one of the best voices around,
no question".
This is the first song Natural Self has written vocals for and Alice
helped him turn it into a song. Let's hope it's the first of many…..
B1 "Foundation Pt.2"
This track follows on from "Foundation" released last year on Natural
Self's 7" single. "I wanted to expand on the Roots vibe with it's
triumphant horn sound and Nyabinghi drums. (Nyabinghi is a Rasta
style of drumming and the word itself means "Death to the black
and white oppressor"). The horns are a mix of several samples and
lots of John Style's Saxophone (of Quantic Soul Orchestra). I'm
particularly pleased with the result production-wise as I think
it's very hard to tell which is which."
B2 "Back to the City"
On this track Natural Self went for a real expansive feeling, "like
looking across a big city and imagining all the things that are
going on in a single moment." The drums work differently on this
one. They don't come at you hard with the kick and snare but work
more like a rhythmic pulse. Like the heart beat of the city maybe....?
B3 "Raising The Power Of The Earth To The Sky"
This is on a very similar tip to Foundation Part 2. Natural Self
wanted it to be simple and sound kind of old. It's got something
of that same kind of 'Roots' vibe.
All in all we hope you agree that Natural Self has produced a well
rounded EP that showcases his style perfectly. With that unique
sound of his, he gives us a record that can rock a dancefloor as
well as help you chill with a smoke. In fact, every track has a
different mood. Give yourself some time, get the stereo sound proper,
have another listen and wonder what kind of madness Natural Self
will bring you on his full length album…….. ENJOY!
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