Breakage is one of the most in demand and respected producers in the scene at the minute. Fact. His latest LP entitled Foundation, coming on Shy FX's Digital Soundboy imprint, has been one of the most highly anticipated long players of the past year if not more, ever since it was declared "forthcoming" nearly 12 months ago. The album dropped into my inbox this morning and so it appears the time has actually come. Let me tell you know, all the hype around this producer and this album is deserved, in fact it doesn't do it justice.
On Foundation, Breakage is continuously switching up styles, showing he has range and variation beyond that of any other other producer around. On tracks such as Justified and Higher, he takes us 20,000 leagues down to the depths, with his trademark almost white niose-esque bass. Then on title track Foundation and Old Skool Ting, which featured on Commix's FabricLive 44 complilation early last year, he shows his roots in jungle with some proper hands in the air Amen breaks. There is no one sound to this album, Breakage's sound is what Breakage wants it to be. His sound is so unique and yet undefineable. It's Breakage.
Stand out tracks? Justified featuring Erin on the vocals has been one of my favourite tracks ever since I first heard it at the latter end of last year. The deep vocals crackly and echoing, as if it was recorded in the shower, along with that Breakage bass make this track easily the standout for me. On a big system, this tune is serious!
Open Up is another favourite of mine, it's got a sick marching rhythm to it with a Reggae vocal sample. And then there's Speechless, another big track from the LP. This one has got a proper rock vibe to it, with Donae'o on the vocals this time. I could go on and on....
One track that is sure to cause a lot of hype is his collaboration with elusive producer Burial on a track called Vial. Dark garage vibe to this track, aspects of both their production style coming to the foreground and the result is sick! As well as these, tracks such as Hard ft. Newham Generals, Run 'Em Out ft. Roots Manuva and Higher all feature on the album. As well as Over ft. Zarif, which has got a really nice 2 step garage feel to it, and Temper ft. Kemo. For those of you on a non-140 drum & bass ting, Foundation is a proper Amen track, hands in the air business indeed, and Old Skool Ting are the ones for you.
Foundation is definitely gonna be an early contender for album of the year, Breakage shows why he is so respected and proves his weight in gold. It's a musical journey through styles all put together perfectly in a 17 track long player. What's next for him? Who knows, but everyone will be watching!
Release date: 22nd March
Label: Digital Soundboy
Breakage myspace
Sounds good, not his debut LP though - This Too Shall Pass was brilliant.
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