Digital / Insight/ Visionary / Alix Pirez & Sabre- PRG006 (Progress) Digital / Insight/ Visionary / Alix Pirez & Sabre- PRG006 (Progress)
This first of 4 EPs that make up a large chunk of the “9th Wonder” album, and judging by the quality and depth of these four tracks, you better strap up and be prepared for the full length! Digital starts things off as only he can: his dark and dubby “Murder” is a nice throwback to his throwback jungle tactics. A fat bass drop rumbles underneath a heaping helping of percussion and synth’s. One for the true dub rockers. “No Love” shows newcomers Insight stepping up with an equally infectious number. A more prominent bass-line lays the basis for the break-heavy drum track. Vocal wails and keys echo in and out, trying to keep up with the drums. Solid work from such a bright star. Canada’s Visionary continues to bring their most exciting work to the HMG stable of labels, and “Soul Fire” is up there with the cream of the crop. A warm, mutating bass-line plays centre stage in this track, elevating the crisp drums and bleeps to another level. A true highlight, and a surprisingly deep track from those boys. Alix Perez, one of the highlights of 2006, links up with Sabre to bring forth “Recession”. Sombre notes dominate the intro, from sullen keys to gentle guitar strums, and it drops ever so softly; this is the most moving tune of the bunch. An understated bass-line brings the sounds into place, with each note and instrument in deep conversation with each other. Progress and the whole HMG family are making a statement with this release: we are the 9th Wonder.