Kavain Space, widely recognized as the inventor of footwork, released two very different RP Boo records on Planet Mu last year: Classics, a collection of his earliest productions (rawer and roomier than the percussive barrage that would later define the genre), and Fingers, Bank Pads & Shoe Prints, an album of fresh material that explored new structures. On The Ultimate, Space continues to take an unconventional approach to percussion.
Though this EP contains some of Space's busiest arrangements, it also has some of his sparest. On the brief "Bang With The Funk," the quiet shreds of melody make the knife-edge drums sound sharper. "Electric Energy" hinges on a harshly chopped Lenny Kravitz sample, which Space uses as a canvas for some of his best percussive gymnastics. But at five minutes long, the track is a lot to take in, as challenging as it's intoxicating. Space excels at keeping dancers on their toes. "Bu'Moon," with its ominous horns and threatening vocal samples, sets the scene for a battle, and the track feels like it could change direction at any moment.
There are a few spots on The Ultimate where Space loses his way. "The King" is almost uncomfortably empty, while the title track is old-school footwork that's dismantled, before completely falling apart. These ideas seem meant more for experimental music fans than footwork aficionados, which has been Space's path lately: uncompromising, sometimes difficult and sometimes brilliant.
Though this EP contains some of Space's busiest arrangements, it also has some of his sparest. On the brief "Bang With The Funk," the quiet shreds of melody make the knife-edge drums sound sharper. "Electric Energy" hinges on a harshly chopped Lenny Kravitz sample, which Space uses as a canvas for some of his best percussive gymnastics. But at five minutes long, the track is a lot to take in, as challenging as it's intoxicating. Space excels at keeping dancers on their toes. "Bu'Moon," with its ominous horns and threatening vocal samples, sets the scene for a battle, and the track feels like it could change direction at any moment.
There are a few spots on The Ultimate where Space loses his way. "The King" is almost uncomfortably empty, while the title track is old-school footwork that's dismantled, before completely falling apart. These ideas seem meant more for experimental music fans than footwork aficionados, which has been Space's path lately: uncompromising, sometimes difficult and sometimes brilliant.
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Published /
Thu / 1 Dec 2016 -
Words /
Andrew Ryce -
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Tracklist /
A1 The Ultimate
A2 Bang With The Funk
A3 The King
B1 What Am I?
B2 Bu'Moon
Digital: Electric Energy
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