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Steppas Delight Review

12-05-2008 - 01:00

Soul Jazz Records based in Soho, is an eclectic dub inspired connoisseurs choice of a label that always seems to push quality underground music to crate diggers and music lovers alike. This is their third dubstep compilation after the two volumes of the Box of Dub series, and is laden with tracks that aptly show the sparse and varied dubstep sound over 2 CDs.
 
Opening with the military chords and deep syncopated undertones of Kode 9’s 9 Samurai, CD 1 seems to focus a percentage more of its attention on the “Present” or recent past of dubstep. Offering 10 solid tracks including Benga’s bass heavy, stripped down and aptly titled Evolution, the low end shudder of Loefah’s remix of Search & Destroy’s Candy Floss and the energetic ragga infused Poison Dart by The Bug with Warrior Queen on vocal duties. This is undoubtedly a mixed bag of beats that all seem to succinctly fit into context from one track to the next for the listener.
 
Soul Jazz have also undoubtedly captured the themes and modes of the dubstep scene by representing the works of the army of international producers offering an insight into their perception of the South London born scene.  Finland’s Tes Le Rok features with his melodious dub heavy remix of Uncle Sam’s catchy Round The World Girls also does Japan’s and DMZ favourite Goth Trad with the industrial and haunting sounding Genesis. The first CD is expertly rounded off by the rhythmic and intricately deep musings of well respected Dutch producer/DJ Martyn’s Broken followed by the tribal subterranean sound of Shackleton’s amazing Blood On My Hands.
 
CD2 proverbially kicks off second half proceedings with TRG’s tripped out roller Broken Heart followed by Bristolian Joker’s paranormal and sinister Gullybrook Lane. The levels are raised when Quest aka Conquest takes over the baton of the Steppa’s Delight marathon offering solid half step beats with delayed and reverbed percussion stabs intertwined with oriental melody rolls and glorious piano undertones on Hardfood.
 
The CD has no sign of slowing pace when the twisted fidget bleeps of Ikonika’s Please ring out slightly clasping one’s mind with its brain curdling melody and sub low bass section and dips its “stepping” hand into the days of garage with its intense 2-step beat that emerges after 3 minutes. Within dubstep production, the rule that rules are obliterated and the rule book is torn to shreds is encapsulated by Geiom’s Reminissin ft Marita. Its zapping snare, offbeat kicks and cavernous bass are beautifully accompanied by sensual serene synths, harmonious melodies and Marita’s haunting and relatable vocals- absolutely blissful. With worthwhile tracks by Antisocial’s Silkie, Shonx and Gatekeeper ft Grizla the epic Steppa’s Delight is wrapped up by the scintillating harmony of Roll With The Punches, entangled within a complex almost electronica/folk-like beat.
 
The forward thinking production and track quality of the disc is impeccable and undeniably affirms a prosperous outlook for the future of dubstep for years to come the world over.
 
Gladly the CD offers a vast array of tracks that were previously limited to vinyl or those monstrous speakers at DMZ or FWD and encompasses the full spectrum of the dubstep sound from the dirty to the devilish all the way thru to the delicate.  An extra bonus for the DJ and avid wax collector is that it is available on two double vinyl packs, where you can Martyn and Shackleton on the same vinyl.
 
The whole ethos of the CD is to showcase and support the dubstep scene and culture from its pirate radio and fruity loops roots thru to its modern day position of being up the most exciting and credible British born music since jungle/D&B to take on the globe. It does this so incredibly not only with the hand picked choice of 19 tracks but also with its memorable photography and extensive informative cover notes.
 
Once again Soul Jazz Records have brought us not just an audio masterpiece but a complete package that is a must have collectors item for every member of the dubstep community from Croydon to China.
 
For Optimal Use:
Strategically place your speakers one in front and one behind of your position, put Steppa’s Delight into your disc changer, crank up your amp, sit back, recline on your Lazy Boy, and receive just under 100 minutes of free bass-weight back massage!’ 
  

Disc 1
  1. Kode 9 - 9 Samurai
  2. Benga - Evolution
  3. Search & Destroy - Candy Floss (Loefah Mix)
  4. Plastician featuring Skepta - Intensive Snare
  5. Uncle Sam - Round The World Girls (Tes La Rok Mix)
  6. The Bug & Warrior Queen - Poison Dart
  7. Goth Trad - Genesis
  8. Seventeen Evergreen - Ensonique (Bi-Polar Man Mix)
  9. Martyn - Broken
  10. Shackleton - Blood On My Hands

 Disc 2
  1. TRG - Broken Heart
  2. Joker - Gullybrook Lane (Instrumental)
  3. Quest - Hardfood
  4. Ikonika - Please
  5. Silkie - Dam 4
  6. Geiom featuring Marita - Reminissin'
  7. Shonx - Canton
  8. Gatekeeper featuring Grilza - Shade Darker
  9. Peverelist - Roll With The Punches

Article Wrote By: Nick Hussain
Original Source: Data Transmission

User Posted Comments

  • cixxxj - 14-05-2008 18:33:08
    the phrase "fruity loops roots" has made me laugh :) Just preordered this GEM

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