
(Dropping) Weird Science There is so much going on in music and art that no one gets exposed to, and I want to give people an easy link to this amazing underworld. This blog is not just a little off the beaten path; I can't even see the path from here, and I like it that way. Please join me and my friends as we put a brand new flavor in your ear and drop some weird science. PS - I also reserve the right to litter this blog with my own photography and insane, self-indulgent rants.
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Thursday, October 10, 2013
Review: Photek at SD Union
Well, SD Union has barely given us 2 weeks to recover before another installment is coming up this Saturday, `10/12 at The Merrow in San Diego. I guess you have to take FREAKING ADAM F when you can get him! This has got to be his first appearance in SoCal in a hot minute, at least at a small venue. That being said, I'd better get this review of the more than comparable Photek before this one rolls out.
First, let's talk about The Merrow. The venue used to be The Ruby Room but has recently changed management/ownership, so not much has changed for the SD Union Denizens. I do miss the graffiti on the wall outside the club, and the bar staff still needs to work out a few timing kinks, but otherwise the drinks are still a great price, the new decor is nice and they have some great local craft beer options, so for the most part it's pretty much the same, just classed up a bit.
So Photek (along with Adam F) is what I call a "second tier" producer; this is the group of DnB talent who came out with releases within a year after the first tier/inventors Hype and Goldie, with his first release out in 1992. What this means to me is that these guys are OG to the thousandth power, and have done more than most of us can comprehend to shape the scene that we've all come to know, and you can also go ahead and frigging give them credit for Dubstep while you're at it. Something I didn't know is that he's also been nominated for 2 Grammys. So, while I never doubt SD Union's ability to pull big names (especially since J Majik 18 months ago), I was still surprised, if for nothing else than he hasn't been in SoCal since about 2006. We're taking it next level this year!
As is my horrible jaded scenester custom, I didn't get to The Merrow until around midnight, missing Will Guise, Evlo, and resident Ghost MD. I'm sure they laid it down, however, and one of these days I will have to stop being a dickhead and come early. I did catch the end of Adia Break's set, and that definitely got the crowd going and ready for Photek. MCs CSD, Subliminal, and resident/founder/birthday boy along with Eric Yo, Ridda, were also on hand to amp the crowd and host.
Photek holds a special place in my heart not only for shaping DnB as a whole but being instrumental in creating darkstep and techstep, which readers have seen me laud in other posts and with which I identify more than any other sub-genre. In this area, he did not disappoint. Photek's set consisted of many of his own classics, current sick tracks which also had lots of dark flavor, and dubplates that I bet we couldn't even date because none of us will get our grubby little hands on them. Not just tracks, Photek's set had a nice overall dark n' grimy feel, and with me still on such a high from Wreckignition, it was like methadone to help me come down.
It was also Ridda's birthday as I mentioned, and what better way to celebrate - jeez. Apparently there was a little cake mishap, but who needs a frigging cake when you've got Photek on your birthday? Pssh, not me! Beyond that there was a great chill vibe and everyone seemed to have tons of fun. Great party as always.
So now we have Adam F (Breakbeat Kaos), jump-up OG, coming in on Saturday and I'm barely over September's parties. The event will be at The Merrow once again, and cover is $10. For more information, go to the SD Union: Adam F event page or SD Union's Facebook page. Be there or be frigging stupid!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wreckignition is Back! For me, it's Like they Never Left
Ahh Wreckignition, how do I love thee? As I've said an annoying number of times on Facebook, as a devout Junglist in the 90s who tended towards the dark beats, Wreckignition was my church. I would liken it, however, to more of a Thesomophoria; an ancient and secret hedonistic Pagan festival dedicated to celebrating the darker, more dangerous elements of life. Bass music is definitely in this category; respect and use it properly, and it will be there for you in a way nothing else can. Exploit or disrespect, well, anyone who went to underground parties back in the day knows exactly what could happen. Truly Tantric, baby.
Now that I've waxed spiritual for a moment, let's sum it up in laymen's terms: Wreckignition was probably the most badass monthly underground event stateside that you can think of in the late 90s-early 00s. It started in 1997, and I believe it was the first all-dnb party I went to on the West Coast. It sadly ended in 2003 but I think many of us stopped going in 2001-02, or at least I did. Adulthood, careers, desire not to go to jail, etc. took over for a while, but I remember when it was announced that it was ending, and I definitely got choked up. I remember thinking something along the lines of "this is the watchword of the decline of dark drum and bass in the US," as we knew it, anyway. Wreckignition straddled a period in SoCal and in jungle and dnb in general that saw the darkest, ground-out beats and sounds in its history. This was a period from whose grumpy, glowering womb sprung the Usual Suspects "Killa Bees," Krust's "Warhead." All the classics: "Scorpion," "Cops Don't Like Us," I could go on. All the staples that every self-respecting basshead should know came out of there, as well as some of the best dark and ragga pieces out of RAW, CRS?, and APX-1's crew. It was quite polarizing back then, actually; you really had a much clearer divide between jungle and drum and bass in the first case, and then very clear divisions between jump-up, darkstep, hardstep, ragga, liquid, etc. in the second. I honestly don't even recognize DJs like SS and Loxy from where they were in this period. I remember a lot of us fought against merging genres, to the point of heated arguments and actual physical fights. Now, looking back, it really was a natural progression/evolution of the genre, and I feel we're all united and just dedicated to making good music. I do miss those days though, or at least the music and the parties, and Wreckignition was a place for all of us darkstepper/ragga heads to go where we knew we would hear exactly what we liked.
But again, adulthood happened, and while I still listen to classic dark dnb more than any of the new stuff, I've quite content to go to smaller events at bars and clubs: Respect, SD Union, The Rhythm Lounge, etc. gave us legit places to hold our 21+ all-dnb events, and while I was happy to be free of any drama associated with the old parties, something was lost in translation. It got so lost, in fact, that I didn't even realize how much I missed it. So, it might be understating to say I was excited when I saw in about May of this year that Wreckignition would be coming back. I instantly recognized what I was missing: excellent SoCal djs spinning classic darkstep and ragga somewhere under a freeway in downtown LA. That was the other great feature of Wreckignition: it was almost always exclusively local talent. Wreck crew Don and founder Deacon, E-Sassin, Machete, RAW, CRS?, APX-1, Devas, Hazen, Havok Mega. We have some crazy good talent here in Southern California, and it seems lately that you can't pull the kind of heads you used to with that kind of lineup. I know we're all old and tired and pregnant or whatever, but if the only names that get you out of your jammies lately have to come from England or Europe, examine your conscience; there's plenty to piss yourself over right here.
The first installment of the recently resuscitated Wreckignition was on August 31, and as I remember most of them in the past, it was located under a freeway overpass in downtown LA, but it was also totally legit and secure. The neighborhood wasn't too bad either, so it was nice to see they classed it up a little. That seemed to be the overall feel of the night as well: still capturing the old feeling and the old culture, but also making sure things were updated and not too over-the-top or too ghetto, adapting to current times and our more adult sensibilities. For example, there were still art pieces by jungle art legend Spectr, but an absence of any of the old military accessories we used to use to mark DnB parties (Wreck used to be champion at that). There were two areas of sound and the lineup included everyone I mentioned above as well as Heretic, Sixfootunda, Direct Feed, Circut, Prime Mover, Clutch, Caelum, and Impostor as well as Kemst, Werd, and a number of other MCs. I unfortunately got there quite late so I missed many of my favourites, but the sets I did see; Machete, Deacon, CRS?, APX-1, and RAW were all bangers. Some did fully darkstep sets, while others spliced in ragga and even some full-on reggae. It was also 21+ (thank God) with a bar and Wreckignition t-shirts for sale, and Drumz clothing rolled out as well with a new line and the revival of the gasmask tshirt (!) There was even a massage station (which I meant to avail myself of) and a food car magically showed up at around 1:30. Perfect. The whole night had a classic feel with a thoroughly modern bent. It was so nice to re-connect with this shared reality all of us oldschool SoCal heads have, and also bring newcomers into the fold and see them experience a part of being a junglist that they may not ahve heretofore experienced.
Sorry you missed it yet? You should be. Luckily there will be another installation soon, on October 19. Lineup TBA. I highly recommend getting signed up for their email list at www.wreckignition.info. That's the way to get the most up-to-date information including chances for guest list, early venue info, etc. More info also on the Wreck Ignition facebook page, and get ready to have your brains blown out with bass. I'm so happy it's back (as if you couldn't tell)!
Now that I've waxed spiritual for a moment, let's sum it up in laymen's terms: Wreckignition was probably the most badass monthly underground event stateside that you can think of in the late 90s-early 00s. It started in 1997, and I believe it was the first all-dnb party I went to on the West Coast. It sadly ended in 2003 but I think many of us stopped going in 2001-02, or at least I did. Adulthood, careers, desire not to go to jail, etc. took over for a while, but I remember when it was announced that it was ending, and I definitely got choked up. I remember thinking something along the lines of "this is the watchword of the decline of dark drum and bass in the US," as we knew it, anyway. Wreckignition straddled a period in SoCal and in jungle and dnb in general that saw the darkest, ground-out beats and sounds in its history. This was a period from whose grumpy, glowering womb sprung the Usual Suspects "Killa Bees," Krust's "Warhead." All the classics: "Scorpion," "Cops Don't Like Us," I could go on. All the staples that every self-respecting basshead should know came out of there, as well as some of the best dark and ragga pieces out of RAW, CRS?, and APX-1's crew. It was quite polarizing back then, actually; you really had a much clearer divide between jungle and drum and bass in the first case, and then very clear divisions between jump-up, darkstep, hardstep, ragga, liquid, etc. in the second. I honestly don't even recognize DJs like SS and Loxy from where they were in this period. I remember a lot of us fought against merging genres, to the point of heated arguments and actual physical fights. Now, looking back, it really was a natural progression/evolution of the genre, and I feel we're all united and just dedicated to making good music. I do miss those days though, or at least the music and the parties, and Wreckignition was a place for all of us darkstepper/ragga heads to go where we knew we would hear exactly what we liked.
But again, adulthood happened, and while I still listen to classic dark dnb more than any of the new stuff, I've quite content to go to smaller events at bars and clubs: Respect, SD Union, The Rhythm Lounge, etc. gave us legit places to hold our 21+ all-dnb events, and while I was happy to be free of any drama associated with the old parties, something was lost in translation. It got so lost, in fact, that I didn't even realize how much I missed it. So, it might be understating to say I was excited when I saw in about May of this year that Wreckignition would be coming back. I instantly recognized what I was missing: excellent SoCal djs spinning classic darkstep and ragga somewhere under a freeway in downtown LA. That was the other great feature of Wreckignition: it was almost always exclusively local talent. Wreck crew Don and founder Deacon, E-Sassin, Machete, RAW, CRS?, APX-1, Devas, Hazen, Havok Mega. We have some crazy good talent here in Southern California, and it seems lately that you can't pull the kind of heads you used to with that kind of lineup. I know we're all old and tired and pregnant or whatever, but if the only names that get you out of your jammies lately have to come from England or Europe, examine your conscience; there's plenty to piss yourself over right here.
The first installment of the recently resuscitated Wreckignition was on August 31, and as I remember most of them in the past, it was located under a freeway overpass in downtown LA, but it was also totally legit and secure. The neighborhood wasn't too bad either, so it was nice to see they classed it up a little. That seemed to be the overall feel of the night as well: still capturing the old feeling and the old culture, but also making sure things were updated and not too over-the-top or too ghetto, adapting to current times and our more adult sensibilities. For example, there were still art pieces by jungle art legend Spectr, but an absence of any of the old military accessories we used to use to mark DnB parties (Wreck used to be champion at that). There were two areas of sound and the lineup included everyone I mentioned above as well as Heretic, Sixfootunda, Direct Feed, Circut, Prime Mover, Clutch, Caelum, and Impostor as well as Kemst, Werd, and a number of other MCs. I unfortunately got there quite late so I missed many of my favourites, but the sets I did see; Machete, Deacon, CRS?, APX-1, and RAW were all bangers. Some did fully darkstep sets, while others spliced in ragga and even some full-on reggae. It was also 21+ (thank God) with a bar and Wreckignition t-shirts for sale, and Drumz clothing rolled out as well with a new line and the revival of the gasmask tshirt (!) There was even a massage station (which I meant to avail myself of) and a food car magically showed up at around 1:30. Perfect. The whole night had a classic feel with a thoroughly modern bent. It was so nice to re-connect with this shared reality all of us oldschool SoCal heads have, and also bring newcomers into the fold and see them experience a part of being a junglist that they may not ahve heretofore experienced.
Sorry you missed it yet? You should be. Luckily there will be another installation soon, on October 19. Lineup TBA. I highly recommend getting signed up for their email list at www.wreckignition.info. That's the way to get the most up-to-date information including chances for guest list, early venue info, etc. More info also on the Wreck Ignition facebook page, and get ready to have your brains blown out with bass. I'm so happy it's back (as if you couldn't tell)!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Review: New Label Shoot Recordings to Release first Tracks on Limited Edition Transparent Vinyl September 16
If you've been following the trajectory of Calculon n' friends via Rubik Records and their other independent releases and mixes over the last year or two, you may have noticed a trend away from your standard Drum and Bass. Initially, releases and mixes from Calculon, Sinistarr, Austin Speed, and Chrissy Murderbot looked like they were moving with the trend towards Dubstep, Juke, and Trap beats, but after listening to a number of these pieces, I think that may be oversimplifying a little, and cramming these artists towards a box into which they don't quite fit. The new tracks and mixes coming from the stateside faction of Rubik seem to be more experimental than just your standard Trap or Juke, but I don't really like that term, either, as it can be even more limiting than the more specific genres I just mentioned.
That very quandary seems to be the impetus for Calculon's creating this new label, Shoot Recordings. "The sound is way different. We released a Juke Jungle EP on Rubik recently, but it's better to do a new label," said Calculon today when I was bugging him about all things Shoot. Rubik is still alive and kicking, in case you're wondering, and I agree with Calculon's reasoning here. Rubik is already such a brand, especially in England, and while Calculon has certainly taken it in some new directions, this new indefinable format is probably suited to a separate label.
Now on to the actual tracks. The first release from Shoot Recordings will feature two tracks on a cool transparent record, and are available today exclusively on Triple Vision Records' website, and it will be available from all other major retailers on September 30.
The A side of this record is a tune by Chrissy Murderbot called "The Original," and it certainly is. With a pseudo-trap beat laying down the bassline, the track samples some chopped-up Old School DnB snares as well as some classic 808 tick-beats and Dancehall vocals. If that wasn't enough, there's a Darksteppish (I am spell-check's worst nightmare right now,) descending chord progression throughout the track, which, oddly enough, ties it all together.
The B side is by Pawn, normally known for his work with Smog Recordings in LA, called "Your Words." This track also has a core beat that sounds pretty Trappy to me, but the slower tempo could push it into Dubstep territory. The opening of the track is highly syncopated, but it smooths out after about a minute, and by the middle there is literally nothing but the base beat and more 80s-inspired ticks. It ends abruptly, leaving the listener wanting something more, but the only option is to re-play the track? Did someone say rewind?
Confused yet? You should be. These new sounds are designed to push the boundaries of all those different specific genres and pigeon-holes that have been created out of the emergence of Dubstep, Trap, etc. in the past few years. But a label for this stuff? They don't have one yet. "I don't know what to call this music," said Calculon. Good, so that makes two of us. It also makes Shoot Recordings the only label you can give these tracks, and that's exactly what this crew have done.
For more info on this new sound, check this interview Calculon just did with Kraar UK, which includes an exclusive mix by Chrono.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
The Beatkillerz "Sheep Killerzzz" EP out September 12 on itunes - Not Smart to Miss this One
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Beatkillerz TM Logo used with permission. |
Founded in 2007 by main MC Catfish and Havok Mega, who mastered this EP, The Beatkillerz then brought in Ethyx soon after to lend his MC and production style, and have been writing and performing since that time. If you've seen their energetic and chest-thumping live shows wherein all 3 emcee (Catfish prefers the term "emcee" to "rap", though it'll probably kill me to use "emcee" as a verb throughout this article), man the decks and tweak the sound, then you've been anticipating this EP drop for a while like I have.
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Album art used with permission. |
This is not to say, however, that the lyrical stylings of Catfish and Ethyx are just tacked on for good measure, or are somehow boring and not important to the album - far from it. The MC skills of these two are featured heavily either as a tag-teaming duo or separate, and Catfish and Ethyx's styles, like the beats, are a many-splendoured thing. Catfish's vocal timbre is young, fun, and a little nerdy sounding - kind of like a white Humpty but with tighter enunciation which allows him to spit really quick circles around the beats, creating another layer to the track (though I'm not sure if he likes his oatmeal lumpy). Content-wise, his writing ranges in topic from fun, silly jabs at the ridiculousness of social conventions in "Table Manners", to the more serious, psychedelic, and intellectual musings of "Dementia" (easily my favourite track on the EP), to the joys and perils of growing up SoCal in "Cali Sun", where Catfish identifies himself as "a modern-day Spicoli": probably a better description of his lyrical style and attitude than I've attempted to present in this whole article. Ethyx's lyrical style sounds a little more conventional, but whether he's backing up Catfish or they're tag-teaming, his vocal weight and speed can easily stand up to whatever Catfish is putting down. It makes for a great duo, and they complement each other stylistically quite well.
Overall, the EP really has a great flow to it, moving seamlessly from song to song and telling a story on the way and hearkens back to the days when an EP or LP would be seen as a whole body of work, not just the random fragmented songs which comprise it. Remember those days when you would go to the store and purchase a record or CD and listen to the whole thing all the way through, expecting the artist to take you on a journey through his or her world and what he or she was going through at the time? Remember when you couldn't mention "Mother" without talking about "The Wall" in all its greatness, or talk about "Let Me Ride" without thinking of the whole new genre Dre's "The Chronic" ushered in? Remember when every track was a banger, and you weren't constantly flipping through you ipod or Pandora to get to a track you really liked? Ok I know I'm waxing jaded old lady nostalgic now, but that's what this EP does, and it's really a nod to Havok Mega's mastering skills but also to the way I know all 3 of these guys wanted the record to sound and make the listener feel. Each track can stand on its own, but the body of work that is "Sheep Killerzzz" deserves to be listened to as it's own playlist on your ipod.
As mentioned, "Sheepkillerzzz" will be out on itunes on September 12 and is available for pre-order now. The EP is also available for sale on The Beatkillerz website, and I recommend that method because all profits go straight to the group where, as you know, on itunes there is a significant cut taken. They've made it convenient on the website to pay by Paypal or by credit card in the Beatkillerz shop. While you're there you can listen to clips from the EP and buy yourself a cooler-than-everything Beatkillerz tshirt (both women's and men's styles and sizes available), and if you want to book the guys (who wouldn't), booking contact info is on the site as well. I've also got some links below to their Soundcloud page, Savageland, because I feel I've done a rubbish job of fully explaining this album but hopefully I've piqued your interest enough to want to listen for yourself and say "that bitch doesn't know what she's talking about. This is way better than she described," because it is.
**All website images and track links used with permission from artist.**
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Please Check Out My New Photography Page
One of the more positive contributors to my not posting for so long, my new page features my real photos, not these wacky slapped-together pics I post on the site. Check out the page, LKL Studio Art Photography. Please also "like" the fb page and follow me on Twitter at @studioLKL I hope they're a little more artistic in your minds, and no I don't do weddings.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Burny Worm Guy? Anyone?
The pics I've posted here are a little old, but I've seen them popping up again. The cool thing here is that the black stickers for this artist are actually singed, and then the worm itself is scratched onto the surface. I've seen this technique a few times, but this is with a worm! 10x better, right? If you know who this artist is, please comment below and you could win!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Review - Hybris at SD Union: American Jungle Filming Party
There were forces at work during this landmark show that I, as a mere attendee to the American Jungle taping at SD Union with Hybris headlining, was unaware. I have, in spite of myself, been following American Jungle's progress around the country as they film at different parties and interview the various local heroes who gave birth to, or have worked hard to maintain the stateside Jungle and Drum and Bass culture, and based on what I've seen it looks like it will be a pretty good representation. In San Diego alone, I was impressed with the range of DJs and MCs they spoke to; oldschool heroes like Havok Mega and Uncut, Brand New Heavies from the Organized Grime Crew like MC CSD, Proof, and Gum-B (who's actually been around for a long time but OG is the new project), and trenchmasters like MC Ridda and Eric Yo!, who have been slaving away trying to keep the DnB cruise ship from going Titanic lo these 7 or 8 years while the others have been busy regrouping or being in high school. It was a great mix, and if these guys have been nearly as thorough in other cities, and all this great material also makes it into the finished documentary, we're in for a great ride.
When I say I wasn't aware of all the players, it's because I still have no idea who the dudes are who are touring and doing this work, but that's ok. They're clearly insiders to know as much as they do about whom they should hit up for filming, and if they're also promoting themselves and trying to make connections at the same time, I for one will applaud their efforts. That is, as long as they stay true to the scene and I don't see this shit on MTV after Teen Mom. Deal? Deal.
Since I'm hardly fully informed about the project, however, I've found it difficult to finally get this review down on virtual paper. The best I can do is give readers my own experience of the event, and hopefully that will suffice. At the very least more connections will be made.
When I first got to the Ruby Room at around 11:30, I was surprised to see that it wasn't completely packed. Between Hybris (Metalheadz) and the taping, I expected people to be lined up around the block. A little shy, are we San Diego? People did start to filter in a little later though, and once Hybris was onstage, it was properly packed. Other featured DJs that night were Organized Grime's SubKillaz, of whom I am becoming more and more of a fan, and DJ Evlo. Us vs. Them's Volz rounded out the lineup, and the event was hosted by Ridda and CSD.
As a crotchety old Junglist, I really appreciated American Jungle's muted presence at the event. Ridda did merch giveaways onstage throughout the night, and I saw some people being interviewed, but I was happy to see that they made sure not to stick any cameras in anyone's face, and they stuck to the sidelines and didn't disrupt the flow of the party. They were definitely there, but didn't make a big deal about it and it seemed like they were trying not to make the party all about them. Yet another indication that these guys really get it.
What this party was all about, as it should have been, was Hybris. I don't believe I'd seen Hybris live before, but I've definitely been digging his tracks for a few years now. They're reminiscent of that great time in DnB around 1999 when jump-up and darkstep were first merging - his tracks are dark and grimy but higly danceable and the whole party was definitely on its feet dancing for the entire set. I believe I caught a few minutes of my two favourite tracks by him as well, "Not Human" and "Please Exist" (off the Prague Connection EP) but don't quote me, as I may have had a few adult beverages and dreamed it. If you're not familiar with Hybris, click these links or here is a video of him live another party:
As usual the SD Union vibe was fun and not too heavy, and I credit Ridda and the Technical Support crew for really keeping things together after the SD scene split up into crews and rivalries back in 2005. It was good to see everyone out in full force, and to see that the San Diego scene will be well-represented in American Jungle. I missed one installment of this monthly in June, but the next one is coming up next Saturday, July 13 and will feature Ben Soundscape from the Insiders. SD Union is tagging this as "Pride After Dark" as it falls on the weekend of pride and will be in Hillcrest at The Merrow, which is the new name for the Ruby Room after the shift in ownership. Check the SD Union July event page for info and updates.
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Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
What the Hell is Going on Here?? I Must Know Who Did these Stickers!
I'm calling these stickers the Tittongues. I think they pretty much speak for themselves - these things have been going up all over the place lately, and I think they're hilarious! But no signature, nothing - BUT professional-style stickers! I keep trying to grab one for my fridge collection, but as you can imagine they come down almost quicker than they go up. The bottom ones were actually on the electrical box outside of my building, so missing those really chapped my ass. Who takes them? I'm hoping it's a combination of rabid but confused fans like myself, and people who are horrified/titillated by them (also like myself). We must find this artist! If people respond, I'll re-implement the prize policy, so take a look. It's not like you can un-see them now anyway. Oof.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
New Review: Junglist Fridays with RAW at Kava Lounge SD
Now that we're in sight of Bulletproof and Dub Chamber's monthly collaboration event's second month, I think it only appropriate to give those of you who weren't at the first event. Junglist Fridays was kicked off with a bang on May 17, featuring Socal's, and, let's face it, international legend, RAW (we can't keep him to ourselves forever), and our OG prodigal son did not disappoint.
I hadn't been to the Kava Lounge in a while, but were it not for RAW (Woofer Cooker Records, Dub Chamber), I'm sure the fun, pesudo-hippie vibe I've come to know and love would have still been there. RAW, however, is still capable of turning pretty much any room into La Casa ca. 1998 and I'm still not sure if it's the beats or the man. Probably a combination of the two if I'm honest.
The supporting DJs, Sixfootunda (Tonz of Drumz, Dub Chamber), Rebellion (Special Technique, Dub Chamber), NKey (DnBtv.com), and Dregen (Dub Chamber) certainly set the mood that night, and I found myself dancing pretty much as soon as we walked in. A great surprise also was that MC Tez is back in the mix, and helped host with Oozi and Reflex.
Then it was time to be transported back to a magical time in DnB history, a time when beats and peeps were hard, rough, and full of soul. RAW's set was ragga-heavy but not so much that it made me feel like I was growing dreds. There was a very impressive selection of old hits with some modern tracks thrown in for flavor, just how I like my jungle (being the crotchety oldschooler that I am).
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RAW at Kava Lounge 5/17/13 Photo by LKL Studio |
The next installment of Junglist Fridays will be this Friday, May 28 and features RAW's long-time partner-in-bass, CRS? (Tonz of Drumz, Dub Chamber). We can also look forward to Quest with MC Reflex (Bulletproof, Dub Chamber) whom I haven't seen in a while, the always impressive Peacemaker (Special Technique, Drumz SD), and Joeyanimals (Future SD). Hosted as always by our benevolent residents Tez and Oozi, Junglist Fridays will once aain take place at the Kava Lounge on Kettner and is 21+ with only a $5 cover. I expect this monthly to be a great success going forward and they have even more heave hitters coming up in future. More info can be found on the Junglist Fridays event FB page. See you suckers there!