Bass Culture France レコード& CD

Review: UK house king Mr G is always a pleasure to hear and write about. That's because his own personal variety of house music is just so damn lively, upbeat and, well.. fun. He is back on Bass Culture after a lengthy hiatus from the French label, but "Transient" is a masterful return to the imprint thanks to a deep, grainy rhythm with a glorious cascade of percussion. "Crumple Zone" on the flip is darker and less welcoming than its predecessor, but the old-school b-boy still manages to get that trademark Mr G vibe into the arrangement. Solid house music, as per usual.

Review: Autoreply boss OCH continues to be inspired by his relocation to Sweden, with this 12" for D'Julz's Bass Culture adding to releases for Systematic and SECT so far this year. It's not hard to see why he chose to call the lead track "Improvise" with OCH working that lead detuned synth line over a neck snapping beat in a manner that translates as the result of creative freedom in the studio. Equally, you can probably guess the nature of "Ultimate DJ Tool" but OCH reserves his best work for the flip with "Chill Haze" primed for the darkest rooms and the biggest sound systems. "Ultimate Kommunikation" retains the crispness of drums displayed elsewhere but opts for a dubbier tone that lends the EP some semblance of balance.

Review: Ben Sims on D'julz' Bass Culture imprint? You better believe it! The Hardgroove head honcho and all round techno legend delivers three cuts of bangin' and dusty house that's full of attitude under his new Ron Bacardi alias. "Rock Your Body" features massive drums and a cavernous bassline this side of Shed or Special Request plus mysterious, crooning vocals; it's wicked! "First Effort" is jacking, funky and a downright loopy workout reminiscent of classic DJ Sneak. "The Money" is more like the Sims we know on this tough and tribal DJ tool that delivers all the funk and 'oomph!' so typical of his sound.