London Zoo

Description

Product Description

London Zoo was born of three key moments. An introduction to the thriving Dub-Step scene (of which The Bug is very much a pioneer before it carried a name) and it’s key producers (via Kode 9) where Kevin realized there was others on the same sonic trajectory as himself, an introduction to Warrior Queen via his work with Wayne Lonesome on the Razor X Productions project, and a Mary Anne Hobb’s Breezeblock session which introduced him to Flowdan (Roll Deep), and Ricky Ranking. All three of which figure heavily in the end result and live presentation. The Bug is the main project for Kevin Martin, a producer who over the years has also been behind a diverse range of projects. He is part of Techno Animal / Ice / God (all with Justin Broadrick of Godflesh / Jesu), King Midas Sound, Razor X Productions (with the Roots man), Pressure and Ladybug.

Amazon.com

The Bug, aka Kevin Martin, has built up all kinds of cred in the 20 years he’s spent tinkering around the edges of space jazz, ambient techno, and sub-genres (dancehall, illbient, grime, etc.) that float under the radar of the casual dance fan. His raging experimentation and massive, thumping drum machines are volatile and ominous, a taste that takes a little time to acquire. On London Zoo however, Martin merges the dark brashness of his beats with a game cast of MCs and vocalists bent on slamming The Man and venting about a political and spiritual malaise. It’s an effective combination of music and words, and produces a relatively approachable—and exceptionally timely—record. The emphasis on dub and reggae patois makes the lyrics hard to discern, but there’s no missing the flowing, wrathful passion. “Angry” sets the pace early, as Tippa Irie tears into Bush, Katrina, and a manufactured climate of fear. Flowdan’s Rasta delivery makes an impact as well, especially the dub-step bomb throwing session “Jah War.” Martin understands tonal contrast, and so Zoo’s women are just as hot; check out the brutal dystopia of “Poison Dart,” with Warrior Queen’s filthy, spitting diatribe. Meanwhile, quieter non-vocal tracks like “Freak Freak” give the listener a needed breather. London Zoo is a volcano of a record, belching bass and vocal lava flows into the air with righteous fury. Buy this and watch your sub-woofer erupt.–Matthew Cooke