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Artist - Various Artists
Title - Shapes 08:01 LP
Label - Tru Thoughts
Released - 02.06.08
Posted 07.05.08
Press Release
Compiled by Robert Luis, Shapes 08:01 is the latest instalment in the must-have
series of Tru Thoughts compilations. This first collection of 2008 is headed in
a deeper, more song-based direction, giving a tantalising taster of some of the
best current music on the label, including a handful of exclusive releases.
Tru Thoughts have snapped up an incredible array of exciting
new talents of late, and this eclectic CD offers a chance to check out some of
the latest additions to the roster, alongside a host of more familiar faces such
as The Quantic Soul Orchestra, Hot 8 Brass Band, Nostalgia 77, The Bamboos and
Alice Russell. The cream of the Zebra Traffic contingent is represented too,
with contributions from Up Hygh (including an exclusive Owusu remix of “Be
Known”) and Dirty Diggers with “The Goodun Tune” remixed by Umod (aka Domu – BBC
Radio 1Xtra). New signings Milez Benjiman, Kylie Auldist, Unforscene and Saravah
Soul are currently on their debut outings for the label, which have variously
grabbed the attention of the likes of Gilles Peterson, Domu, Mark Lamarr (BBC
Radio 2) and been played on Radio1, BBC 6Music and XFM amongst others.
Unforscene provide the opening track, “ Full Of Lead”, a prime example of their
masterful, cinematic productions; an atmospheric combination of modern and
classical soundscapes and perfect beats. Having been players in the thriving
Bristol music scene for a decade now, Unforscene have signed to Tru Thoughts to
release their highly anticipated third album “Fingers and Thumbs”. There is a
refreshing diversity among the line-up of new acts showcased here, ranging from
the punchy, Afro-Brazilian funk of Saravah Soul’s catchy debut single “Nao Posso
Te Levar A Serio” through Kylie Auldist’s powerful and distinctive funk-laden
soul on “Community Service Announcement”, produced and backed by Lance Ferguson
and The Bamboos. Add to that the slick beats, wobbly basslines and twisted
future sounds of Milez Benjiman’s “Crazy ‘Bout Ya” and it is a sure sign of
exciting times and sonic surprises ahead.
Hot 8 Brass Band’s star is most certainly in the ascendancy and “Fly Away”, with
its gospel-infused vocals and characteristically ramshackle jazzy sound, was one
of the highlights of their “Rock With The Hot 8” album. This track was also
recently featured on the Word Magazine cover-mount CD. After their sell-out UK
tour in February and their appearance on The Culture Show on BBC2, Hot 8 Brass
Band are in huge demand and will be back to play The Big Chill festival in
August and a string of other dates around the UK.
Long-standing Tru Thoughts crowd-pleasers The Quantic Soul Orchestra, fresh from
their triumphant UK and European tour, appear here with the first ever CD
release of “She Said What? (Version)”. Speaking of Quantic, there’s also a sneak
preview of the latest in Will Holland’s series of musical personae, with his
Flowering Inferno dub version of Me&You’s “Brown Paper Bag”, the Roni Size cover
that sent rooftops flying last year. Expect to be hearing more from Flowering
Inferno this summer, as it’s the name under which Quantic is releasing a series
of gorgeous deep dub/reggae influenced singles and an album in the next few
months.
Kinny announces her return with “Back Street Lust” featuring Diesler, a heavy
soul stormer taken from her forthcoming album. Nostalgia 77’s mesmeric recent
single “Quiet Dawn” appears as a treat to all those who missed it, complete with
the remix by former Tru Thoughts artist Bonobo, and Belleruche’s Northern Girls
(Yam Who? Remix) is given its first outing on CD, having attracted high praise
from Daddy G and DJ Andy Smith. Another exclusive treat on this CD is the killer
Grant Phabao remix of Alice Russell’s “Humankind” which is destined to become a
firm favourite this summer, with spine-tingling vocals and the trademark Grant
Phabao magic.
To round up this stunning selection, Natural Self is back on
Tru Thoughts, the home of his first releases, and he is on earth-shaking form as
he proves with this self-penned, self-produced track, “Feet Keep Moving”, on
which he also provides the vocals. Definitely one to watch in the very near
future, this is an upfront taster of his forthcoming album, “The Art Of
Vibration”.
Tracklist
1 Unforscene - Belly Full Of Lead
2 Me&You - Brown Paper Bag (Flowering Inferno Version)
3 Alice Russell- Humankind (Grant Phabao Remix)
4 Up Hygh - Let Me Looz (featuring Leafnuts)
5 Milez Benjiman - Crazy 'bout Ya
6 Up Hygh - Be Known Feat Eska (Owusu Remix)
7 Dirty Diggers - The Goodum Tune (Umod Bass Remix)
8 Belleruche - It'll Come (Yam Who? Remix)
9 The Bamboos - Bring It Home feat Alice Russell (Lanu Remix)
10 The Quantic Soul Orchestra - She Said What? (Version)
11 Kylie Auldist - Community Service Announcement
12 Saravah Soul - Nao Posso Te Levar A Serio
13 Nostalgia 77 - Quiet Dawn (Bonobo Remix)
14 Kinny - Back Street Lust feat Diesler
15 Hot 8 Brass Band - Fly Away
16 Natural Self - Feet Keep Moving
Review soon come. We only put word to the best music, so trust us this is a winner! Put the release date in your diary now or check back later to read the review.
Rating - 10/10
Reviewer - PT
