- Funky and futuristic Detroit breaks.
- The Detroit electronic music landscape could, in a broad sense, be described as the land of Cybotron and Dilla. Futuristic takes on soul music with drum machines and synthesizers are the rudiments of this forward-thinking musicianship. Jason Hogans is a prime example, drawing on different genres to make engaging music for the mind and body. On Malletts Creek, his debut EP for Sound Signature, elements of dub combine with complex polyrhythmic drum machine workouts. It's an honest, evolutionary take on breakbeats—many others try to use breaks in an interesting manner, but rarely do these experiments sound as coherent and enjoyable as on Malletts Creek.
"Daydreamer" is a light breakbeat affair, while standout "Do This Proper" is a prime piece of oscillating funk. The ghost of Bernie Worrell haunts this track, with a bassline that oozes the P-Funk influence embedded deep in the DNA of techno. I could see "Do This Proper" working for both hip-hop heads and dance music DJs, depending on the turntable speed.
The B-side has more of a traditional Sound Signature vibe, starting with the detailed drum programming of "Blue Blessed Rider": swung and loop-oriented with an R&B influence. The loop gives way to a satisfying release towards the end, but it feels a little repetitive up to that point—the only misstep I can find on the EP.
"For My Solids," on the other hand, is a masterclass in chopped-up breaks. This is the best type of broken beat, where jazz elements are layered in modern production techniques. Blown out drums lead us out with "Kitchen Hype," with the walking bassline and funky piano vamp imitate a futuristic jazz trio. Malletts Creek is the epitome of electronic music from the Midwest, where the funk flows from the Great Lakes into all aspects of art.
Tracklist01. Daydreamer
02. Favourite Coffee Mug
03. Do This Proper
04. Blue Blessed Rider
05. For My Solids
06. Kitchen Hype