Music Reviews - April 2003 - Testube Babies Posted by on Apr 1, 2003 - 8:25:00 AM

MARC JOHNSON + DMF “JAM BUSTA” (BABYDOLL)

Babydoll step up with there latest offering, and what a fine one it is!!!

In a period where the market is literally saturated with hard trance, a good hard house record is becoming increasingly hard to find...in 'Jam Busta' one has been found. DMF (of 'Full Metal' fame) teams up with Marc Johnson on this one and the result is (for me) the best hard house track I've heard in a while. A full bassline coupled with a 303 riff drives the track along nicely, and coupled with some wicked hard stabs gets you sweating before the break even arrives! The peak of the track is full of energy, 2 main riffs which complement each other perfectly, coupled with simple yet effective key changes. This is not the busiest track I have ever heard but is a perfect example of how keeping things relatively simple can be massively effective. More like this please!

Clubtheworld rating 4/5.

OVERLOAD “ DUEL” (TOOLBOX RECORDINGS)

So Toolbox returns with its latest offering, Overload’s “Duel”. This track originally came out on white label in 2000. It received big support back then by the likes of Paul Glazby and key players! Now it returns for a full release on Toolbox and also features two Cracking new remixes! First up is the Simon Eve mix, Simon uses a lot of the main elements from the original making this a good 2003 update. Good use of the acid and main riff keeps this mix interesting! If you like the original then you will love this mix. Next up is the Testube Babies remix! This mix is a lot different from the others, only using the main riff from the original! Wicked rolling bassline and acid keep this track growing and growing towards the breakdown. Then that fierce riff returns to complete the climax. Wicked stuff! Make sure you grab a copy!

Clubtheworld rating 5/5.

INGO VS BEN KAYE “BODYBURN” (VACUUM RECORDINGS)

Vacuum co-founder and inspiration, Tom Ingamells, makes a return for the 12th installment under his legendary Ingo guise and is joined by Ben Kaye.

The opening sequence of the track lets you know that this one is going to take no prisoners as we're exposed to the crispest percussion, the chunkiest bassline and an awesome riff. The trancey break calms the nerves slightly before building to a breathtaking climax. Guaranteed to burn up any dancefloor!

Ben Kaye's version toughens things up quite considerably as we're taken on a ride to the dark side. Pounding beats, frenzied percussion and a bubbly bassline set the tone for a remix that is going to cause serious crowd chaos!

Clubtheworld rating 3/5.

BK  “STAY HIGH” (NUKLEUZ)

I think BK has been getting mixed feedback from this track as it was press released as a follow up to last year’s biggest tune “Revolution”. I however think this is a wicked track, very clever and different! The original mix is a bit like Underworld on Acid!! Tripping vocals throughout and a solid groove to back them up!! Chunky rolling bassline and percussion keeps this track with the techy feel. A big swirling filtered breakdown gives the clubbers a rest but then its straight back into the groove with no holds barred! The Dub mix is very similar just without so much of the vocal. This mix is for the more underground sounding set!! Really like this!

Clubtheworld rating 4/5.

ANNE SAVAGE “HELLRAISER” (TIDY TRAX)

On the A side we have “Hellraiser” a techno Hardhouse crossover with some great production work that gives the whole track plenty of drive and theres plenty going on no matter which layer your listening to It kicks off at a good rate of knots with a dark edged techno baseline and heavy use of filters and percussion that regularly come in and back out of the tune…I could see this being a bit hit with DJs who have a creative edge and are willing to mess it up some….Into the break and we have a spooky vocal that quickly gets overtaken by a couple of layers of crazy peak time squelch to bring back that driving baseline. A nice piece of work with a bit more to it a than a lot of the competition.
On the flip we have the metallic rolling track “Four Leaf Clover” that kicks or with a layered rolling beat underneath a techy top end…the whole thing has a slight filler tune feel about it, but its far from cheaply done and the production is nice and tight.
If you like Techy Hardhouse then this is definitely for you.

Clubtheworld rating 4/5.

PROJECT MAYHEM “TAKE HOLD” (SHORT CIRCUIT)

Justin bournes Short Circuit imprint is now only on its fourth release but it has definitely made its mark as one of the scene’s most leading in demand label wise!!! This is just due to pure quality releases and this new one certainly is that. The original is a tough hard houser with clever filters and dark stabs! Also a well recognisable vocal dotted here and there!! On the flip is the real gem! A quality remix by frontman Justin Bourne and Nukleuz boy James Lawson. Quality chunky bassline and filtered synth stabs take this track through to the break! Then in comes the killer riff in true short circuit stylee!!

If you are a fan of Short Circuit or a fan of James Lawson material then this is definitely for you.

Clubtheworld rating 5/5.

If you would like any of your tracks to be reviewed on clubtheworld.com then please feel free to drop me an email at alan@testubebabies.co.uk. Cd or vinyl preferred please.