ALBUM REVIEW: The Ends Of The Earth
- Posted on September 17, 2008 5:59 PM
- 0 comments
Broke
The Ends Of The Earth
Review by Chris Carruthers
With genres coming and going on the dance scene more than ever, and production and mixing becoming more accessible, it takes something special to stick; with Breakbeat it’s not hard to understand why the genre has that staying power.
Rapidly progressing in a range of directions, this amalgamation of definitive genres, from hardcore to electro, jungle, oldskool and even reggae, the influences of which shape its relentless development. It’s no wonder with features of so many different styles that its popularity is widespread and still growing, despite being distinctly difficult to define at times.
One strain is becoming increasingly infectious and respected worldwide as a genre of its own, dubbed Nu-Skool Breaks. The conventions of which are basically devastating bass lines, not dissimilar to those seen in Drum and Bass releases of late, huge bass kicks and snare hits and that unmistakable dark, epic feel that wouldn’t be out of place in a sci-fi space fight, all tied together at a slow, bouncing 140 bpm.
Mastered by only a few labels as yet, Ctrl Z’s hardcore beats notably being one of them, the ability to pull this off effectively is seemingly rare. Broke however, demonstrate with this 3 disc stormer, they’ve got what it takes.
With one disc comprising of full length versions of the tracks that are mixed, appropriately, and incredibly well by the Autobots in the second disc. A beautifully considered set up as we are able to fully appreciate the tracks in their own right, as well as an absolutely huge set with the variety of elements making up each track, sitting seamlessly together.
The mix opens, setting the scene with a massive orchestral intro, vox samples and lyrics from Freestyler MC Navigator, before dropping into a trademark break from Screwface, a pioneer of the sound, featured heavily on Hardcore Beats releases. We’re told in no uncertain terms to brace oursel,ves for a raw set of the highest standard. Fortunately the showcase remains completely dynamic, with huge drops, grimey bass lines and deep breakdowns with superior soundscapes leading into a progressive array of samples and licks, surprisingly led by well placed lyrics and vocal tracks. This is definitely notable since the genre doesn’t necessarily lend itself to the raps and vocal lines seen in other genres, yet the competent and considered production works it perfectly.
Another prominent feature the genre is known for are the influences of so many before it, highly recognisable with samples of basslines, vox and breaks from a number of oldskool tracks sitting beautifully in the mix. If I’m not mistaken the cutting edge bass effect seen in oldskool classic, Dominator, ten years before, creeps in with great effect. With a constant nod to all these major genres beforehand as well as contemporary features of Bassline, UKG, and a heavy hip hop influence definitely recognisable.
With the recent re-release of the definitive Congo Natty LP (all those original junglists will be hot onto this one) a couple of the tracks blend that jungle amen break with the thick nu skool bass line, to create a hugely dynamic interpretive sound.
Overall a beautifully realised, immaculately produced set of tracks, pushing the genre forward whilst giving a cheeky heads up to the best of a decade of dance music, you can say with confidence this is what the future has in store, and it looks good. Naturally to some the sheer power with which the tracks are delivered could be too much, however to even those, I bet to experience this off a proper meaty system would be enough to turn you into a part of the breaks generation. Few other genres maintain such a distinct individuality whilst allowing such an array of genres to play as significant a part.
Ultimately tied together with fantastic, dynamic production there is much to learn from the Broke crew. I am confident I’ll be hearing many of these tracks ripping up dance floors in the years to come, as the breaks craze infects DJs and producers of all styles. Massive props to Broke for this well timed, well realised, very well produced piece.
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