- The Smooth one is back after quite an absence from the breaks scene - and this time he has a good reason - he's currently working on his long awaited debut album. The first single "Keep it Movin" from his forthcoming album sees him team up with breaks MC Chickaboo who is known for her work with Timo Maas (Shifter) and Rennie Pilgrem & BLIM (2Freaks).
Side A. JJS Ritzy Disco version
The Ritzy Disco version showcases JJS' house side, going on a dancefloor oriented 4 to the floor tip and it sounds like JJS' has been influenced by the likes of Etienne De Crecy. Deep melodic basslines, percussive beats and funky synth hooks with a distinct reggae/dub flavour to them, only to be helped out by MC Chickaboo with her deep ragga styled vocal output. On the flip side is a dub version sans-Chickaboo for those who love the vibe but don't need the lyrics (well most of them)
Side A. Album version
The dancehall flavoured album version is more designed for home listening than the floor (but who am I to say eh?) filled to the brim with reggae flavours - echoey drums, dub style bass line which JJS then breaks up even more during the bridge. I'm definitely digging this one and the Ritzy mix I can only hope that the rest of the album is just as good.
Side B. Vandal remix
Vandal's shrugged off the reggae flavour from the previous two tracks in favour of heavy basslines and big dancefloor oriented breaks, similar in style to Soul Of Man and Stanton Warriors (espeically when they're on the remix tip - which has been a lot lately!). It gets a little bit repetitive at times but this remix works best as a DJ tool thanks in part to the extended vocal breakdown in the middle. Fans so far are the likes of Meat Katie, Krafty Kuts and Ali B!