Martyn’s 3024 imprint is really impressing at present. Following the excellent ‘Batty Knee Dance’ 12” from Julio Bashmore, the label’s 12th release is formed by two tracks from Bristolian Addison Groove. The new 12” will feature two previously unheard tracks from Addison, further displaying his producing talent. As mentioned in the 3024 press release, Tony Williams (aka Addison Groove) has really forged a unique sound, creating in some sense a ‘one man genre’. Nobody works 808s like Addison, developing a juke-infused sound that fits nicely alongside the numerous mutations and convergences of different genres and styles in UK bass music. Frenetic drum programming, pounding 808 hits, constantly shifting synth tones, infectious vocal samples as well as beautiful introverted breakdowns that delight upon every listen; Addison has refined a particular sound.
‘It’s Got Me’ constitutes the A-side, and is more in-line with previous Addison material such as ‘Footcrab’ and ‘Work It’. Addison wonderfully samples the opening tones of Bob James’s ‘Nautilus’, a soft sound around which the track’s rhythm is built. 808 kicks soon arise, with toms progressively pounding away whilst snares delicately sound in the shadows. Spacious claps and vocal snippets lend the track its stepping rhythm, leading up to a characteristically beautiful Addison breakdown. Repetitive cowbells combat a lovely smooth synth chord melody, continued through the additional company of pulsating 808s, alternate claps and the hypnotic vocal sample.
‘Minutes of Funk’ is more relaxed in tempo and tone, fitting the ethereal qualities that ‘Sexual’ evoked. The track slowly constructs its rhythm, with subtle 808s sitting next to gliding synth lines and a constant looped vocal sample. Muted hi-hats and consistent toms are soon incorporated, along with a suitable sub-bass after the minute mark. This advances up until the track’s breakdown, where a sublime chord melody is established, an element the track soon revolves around. 808s hit alongside the driving toms and vocal snippets, whilst drifting synths form the backdrop. 5 minutes of 808 funk.
Brilliant work once again from Addison and 3024. ‘It’s Got Me/Minutes of Funk’ is just as strong as Addison’s previous Swamp release, and could potentially prove to be superior over time, although ‘Sexual’ still steals it for me. The artwork for the 3024 release is a fitting cover for the tracks, with Erosie providing the goods on the sleeve once again. Released on the 2nd May, this 3024 Addison release is simply essential. Addison cannot be stopped. 02.05.11.
Listen to the preview below.
