The Groove Thief

FLeCK and Blue Hill combine dub forces for a heavy-hitting EP:...

Sun, 12 May 2013 01:15:52 +0800

FLeCK and Blue Hill combine dub forces for a heavy-hitting EP: Zippin’ Up My Roots. Exploring where rootstep meets future jungle, each tune reinvents a reggae classic for the late-night dancehall. Bookended by versions of FLeCK’s “Love In The Community,” this features seven original productions and a Duckem remix. The original alternates roots and jungle vibes; Duckem explores the crossroads of dub and breakbeat. Blue Hill’s initial tune is the swirling “On That First Train,” full of echoes and skank. Alternating tracks, FLeCK’s “Chalice” is heavy future jungle with a wicked vocal while “Too Much Informers” gives Jacob Miller’s “Tenemant Yard” a funky reverb-laden update. Then “Smokin” combines deep bass and meditation before Blue Hill’s “My Dub Is Bionic” lets the horns lead into a well-paired beat, creating a tune that’s driving yet haunting. “Junglist Princess” is upbeat and more than does the wicked Tapper Zukie vocal justice. Other originals by Barry Brown, Lackley Castell, Guinney Pepper, Linval Thompson, and Dub Specialist. Free download available via Original Dub Gathering.

Dub Caravan and Hornsman Coyote unite forces for an inspiring...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:12:23 +0800

Dub Caravan and Hornsman Coyote unite forces for an inspiring dub journey. “Tribute to the Fathers,” with its skanking guitar and brooding trombone, makes Breath of Peace instantly captivating. The well-produced tunes continue from there: “Natty On Board” is mellow yet uplifting, while “Innocent Blood” and the matching instrumental is also solid. “Burning In The City” has a nicely layered and funky groove; “Make I Win,” the second vocal track, is catchy, with the right blend of roots tradition and innovation, while the Version lets the horns shine. Other standouts include “Air Raid,” which has the air of a spy film, “Spanish Town,” which mixes Latin horns and strong percussion, and “Egypt,” which is heavy in all the right heady ways. “Trail of Tears” and “Machine World,” the final two tracks, add Native American influences and crunched guitars, respectively, to lead this adventure to its close. This album is loaded up with impressive tunes - and while the groove is clearly and rightfully a priority, the quality of musicianship and attention to detail rewards multiple listens of these lush dubscapes.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://dubcaravan.bandcamp.com/album/breath-of-peace-2” data-mce-href=”http://dubcaravan.bandcamp.com/album/breath-of-peace-2”&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Breath of Peace by Dub Caravan, Hornsman Coyote&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Dubmatix has just released Rebel Massive, a huge album loaded up...

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:44:00 +0800

Dubmatix has just released Rebel Massive, a huge album loaded up with classic reggae influences and modern dub wizardry. That alone is impressive, but then the guest vocalists really shine: from legends like Eek-A-Mouse, U-Roy, and Horace Andy, to dnb standout Tenor Fly and the versatile Longfingah. Where to start…

Oh yes, the anthemic “Pull Up Selector” which comes fully-equipped with a fun and frenetic video:

Big bass, great vocals, this is what a reggae single needs to be.

“Black Market War Dub,” the only instrumental, more than holds it own, full of Dubmatix’s distinctive style of slow crushing bass and well-crafted layers. “Seeds of Love & Life” (feat. Luciano) is another stormer, and the early W~rm Dub Mix is spectacular as well. Lots of great tracks here, all sorts of reggae vibes to satisfy!

Here’s the full album preview, plus that remix and a jungle version from Marcus Visionary:

Stepping Between Reggae & Dub Vol. IV.xx Direct from Hong...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:12:28 +0800

Stepping Between Reggae & Dub Vol. IV.xx

Direct from Hong Kong: a dub/reggae holiday mix.

This was years in the making, though the end result is nothing like it would have been back then…

Simultaneously celebratory and conscious, this is loaded with bass-heavy remixes and refixes, plus some key edits and a penchant for mashing up the past and future. Jamaican roots and dub originators give way to talented modern musicians and producers from Austria, France, Greece, Italy, South Africa, the UK, and the US.

Representing Colorado and Hong Kong, The Groove Thief continues the increasingly influential “Stepping Between Reggae & Dub” mixtape series, now on its fourth volume.

.the future of dub is the present.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD

Big Mixtape and Live Show. Big Live Show and Mixtape. 13...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:03:00 +0800

Big Mixtape and Live Show. Big Live Show and Mixtape.

13 April: I’ll be opening up for Steppa Style at Backstage in Central, Hong Kong. 11pm sharp, but I’ll forgive you if you’re a bit late rolling over from Beertopia!

CLICK FOR THE EVENT PAGE

The whole dub / reggae spectrum will surely be covered, but extra bass is assured.

15 April: I’ll be releasing my latest mixtape, the succinctly-titled Stepping Between Reggae & Dub Vol. IV.xx. The date is to give all ears ample preparation time: this is a conveniently-timed herbsman’s mix.

Some track info might show up early on my Facebook page if you’re interested…

Thanks for reading/listening - how you’re choosing to spend your valuable time is truly appreciated.

TGT

Hailing from Budapest, Burkus König play live dub full of...

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:15:00 +0800

Hailing from Budapest, Burkus König play live dub full of echoes, haunting tones, and a pulsating rhythm section. Latest track “MonszunZe” builds to a wild crescendo before the beat drops, keeping the vocals and Eastern European instruments a secret until late into the track. EP 0% SEMMI features five nice cuts, with the dark “Kos” providing the soundtrack for an isolated night-time forest while “Inbusz” features some catchy vocals atop an inviting groove. DU3normal was evidently so inspired, since his heavy remix takes nothing away from the power of the original yet lets his distinctive steppers style come through as well.

Rubadubstep Emergency begins with an auctioneer settling prices,...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:33:00 +0800

Rubadubstep Emergency begins with an auctioneer settling prices, before the wobbly bass-laden digital reggae begins from Fogata Sounds. Incorporating some older productions from the team (best known for Krak In Dub, but also featuring Hug Ho and Nino Selecta), sounding freshly polished here, as well as new tracks just for this release: this is modern French reggae at its heaviest. Featuring an impressive lineup of vocalists, often competing for best effort on high quality riddims, Capleton gets things started on “Rise (Remix)” before Alborosie takes on the same instrumental with “Rainy Day (Remix).” Both vocalists call for action against Babylon, a refrain that Tippa Irie continues on the sparser yet still powerful “Loud & Clear.” Next, Solo Banton comes full-force on “In The Place,” spitting fiercely over a striding riddim. Lone Ranger, the veteran MC, follows with “Step It” - same riddim, and another quality track.

The second half of this features two tunes with Troy Berkley, Fogata’s in-house MC, with “Matta” the clear winner as the on-and-off fast-paced beat matches nicely with MC Troy’s varying vocal styles. “Slow Motion” features a huge vocal from Demolition Man, while Capleton returns, with Luciano at his side, for the massive “Bun Babylon,” a slower-tempo assault on the status quo. “Can’t Get We Out (Remix)” is another heavy tune, with Mad Cobra and Luckie D sharing mic duties. The album continues with Steppa Style - “See The World (Remix)” which features a nice digital groove and some conscious globe-trotting lyrics. After this bevy of diverse vocalists, hailing from Jamaica, Italy, Britain, Bermuda, and Russia, the album ends with “Roll Deep (Dub Version),” a striking instrumental apparently waiting for the right MC…

Previous reviews of Fogata, including some of these tunes, can be found here: Wicked Man, Bun Babylon / Can’t We Get Out, Rise / New Start, Loud And Clear,

After a quick sample, a heaving dubbed-out bassline emerges as...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 22:03:50 +0800

After a quick sample, a heaving dubbed-out bassline emerges as Hope One’s Scientist Beat Tape Side B begins. Coming out of “The Wilderness,” this trend continues as the Hong Kong-based producer digs deep into dusty samples, inspired beats, and hazy swirling effects. In one sense this is instrumental hiphop - in another this is the origins of dub pushed to the present.

“Hearticulation” builds up to thunderous drums and a warning flute; early release “Aggressive Construction Co.” features catchy chopped vocals and a strong low-end groove; “Shaolin inna Babylon” bangs away with equal force in half the time. “Saturn x Hope” provides transportation to a glitchy dub jungle, setting up the relatively melodic closer “Self Help Dub.” With sounds equally influenced by early 70s Jamaica and the current clouds of sound, this is another quality release from Dub Temple Records.

&lt;a href=”http://dubtemplerecords.bandcamp.com/album/scientist-beat-tape-side-b” data-mce-href=”http://dubtemplerecords.bandcamp.com/album/scientist-beat-tape-side-b”&gt;Scientist Beat Tape (Side B) by Hope One&lt;/a&gt;

Also check out my review of Side A, as well as Dub Temple’s fresh all-Hong Kong podcast featuring Hope One and Hidden Dragon.

The outer depths of funk get thoroughly explored on my latest...

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:39:00 +0800

The outer depths of funk get thoroughly explored on my latest mix, full of digital riddims, afrobeat horns, and other gems. Thick grooves come from as far afield as the non-rapping Beasties, the rock dunes of Mali, and Diplo gone hippie. A classic comes from Booker T & The MGs, Amadou & Mariam collaborate with Santigold for some future Afro-funk, while Antibalas brings a conscious vocal to the mix. Regardless of influences, this is “Just Funking Around.”

1. Onra - A New Dynasty

2. Crookram - Eugene Et La Cerceau

3. Morbo Y Mambo - Gorila

4. Antibalas - Dirty Money

5. Budos Band - Up From The South

6. Beastie Boys - POW!

7. Booker T & The MGs - Green Onions

8. Tinariwen - Cler Achel

9. Amadou & Mariam (feat. Santigold) - Dougou Badia

10. Robot Orchestra - Studderstep (Interlude)

11. 2000 Tons of TNT vs. DJ Chamber - Burning Mysteria

12. Diplo (feat. Jahan Lennon) - About Th

Crafted, assembled, and edited in Hong Kong using Ableton Live on a MacBook Pro. Much respect goes to all the artists.

DOWNLOAD = http://bit.ly/167IBbJ

2000 Tons of TNT vs. DJ Chamber - Burning Mysteria (TGT Mashup) DOWNLOAD = http://bit.ly/13UORzC

Just a quick post, but I have just made a new instrumental...

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:02:18 +0800

Just a quick post, but I have just made a new instrumental reggae mashup.

2000 Tons of TNT “Reggae Mysteria” vs. DJ Chamber “Burning Beat”

Check it out, fun vibes on this one!

DIRECT DOWNLOAD = http://bit.ly/13UORzC

Jstar is releasing a cleverly-titled compilation of his...

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 19:21:00 +0800

Jstar is releasing a cleverly-titled compilation of his bass-laden remixes and dubs later this month on vinyl. Already streamable, these are some heavy tunes covering a wide spectrum of low-end theories. Remixes: from the dubbed-out hip-hop of Dj Vadim’s “Watch That Sound” (feat. Emo) to the horn-laden reggae-hop of “Ya Ya” from The Empty Heads feat. MC Sirreal to the mellow smoker vibes of “Ten Feet Tall” by Mr Dero / Farina Miss. Jstar takes Madness into late-night dubby-electro, Dub Terminator feat. Ras Stone into bad man territory on “Bad Mind,” and - the definite standout - Capitol 1212 feat. “Oh me, oh my this is Tenor Fly” into the land of mystical grooves, complete with an epic vocal-led break. The instrumentals aren’t exactly slouching, The Unlimiters’ “Loophole” ventures into psychedelia yet mantains a dub aesthetic, ”Fish Finger Tentacle Dub” builds up to some glitchy grooves while “Regulate Rock (Jstar Dub)” ends the album on a super funky note that feels restrained at four-and-a-half minutes. Jstar is at a crucial crossroads of dub, reggae, and bass, where a myriad of influences can be blended together to still produce a cohesive track, and here, a surprisingly cohesive album:

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://jstarmusic.bandcamp.com/album/licensed-plates-2” data-mce-href=”http://jstarmusic.bandcamp.com/album/licensed-plates-2”&amp;amp;amp;gt;Licensed Plates by Jstar&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Hong Kong’s J-Hoon, triumphantly returning from...

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:38:00 +0800

Hong Kong’s J-Hoon, triumphantly returning from Manila, combines soulful hip-hop and funky boom-bap on his full-length Noodles. To prepare Hong Kong fans for tonight’s vinyl release party, he’s just released a free exclusive EP featuring two album tracks alongside some more experimental tunes. “Remember The Days” is a nod to the classic story-telling golden years of hip-hop, while “Shotgun” is a darker more futuristic vision of beats and rhymes. “I Get High” starts with the expected sample before dropping some chopped claps and then a nice flow emerges amidst the loops. “Clever Claire” is soulful yet digital in honor of J. Dilla, while Cantonese closer “舉高手” [By Raising Their Hands] ends things on an appropriately melodic mellow note. The EP is available for download, and Noodles is available for streaming or purchase as well if you want to support local HK hip-hop!

&amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://j-hoon852.bandcamp.com/album/hk-exclusive-2013-ep-free-download” data-mce-href=”http://j-hoon852.bandcamp.com/album/hk-exclusive-2013-ep-free-download”&amp;amp;gt;HK Exclusive 2013 EP (Free download) by J-Hoon&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

and also:

&amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://j-hoon852.bandcamp.com/album/noodles” data-mce-href=”http://j-hoon852.bandcamp.com/album/noodles”&amp;amp;gt;Noodles by J-HOON - NOODLES&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Here’s a video of “You and Me” as well:

Blog favorite DU3normal returns with his first full-length, a...

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:30:13 +0800

Blog favorite DU3normal returns with his first full-length, a dubbed-out journey into Flow Frequency. As the artist explains, “During flow, people typically experience deep enjoyment, creativity, and a total involvement with life. That’s what I feel when I’m creating dub music.” Featuring some quality collaborations, including big tunes featuring Ras Jahsua, DuBioLin Jam, Bandulu Dub, Phoniandflore, Injham, Sensi-T, and No Finger Nails - this is electro-influenced modern steppers dub at its finest. Heavy bass and inspiring melodies unite on tracks like “Spring Cloud” and “Sitar Dub,” while “Steppa Anthem” and “El Sonido Al Universo” both feature quality vocalists. This is an engaging and consistent release, showing an artist who has honed his craft and is now pushing his musical vision forward. Previous DU3normal reviews are available for the Plug EP and the Meetology EP, as well as plenty more tunes up on Soundcloud. Available as a free download from Dan Dada Records:

<a href=”http://dandadarecords.bandcamp.com/album/du3normal-flow-frequency” data-mce-href=”http://dandadarecords.bandcamp.com/album/du3normal-flow-frequency”>DU3normal - Flow Frequency by DU3normal</a>

NagualX pushes dub forward into the realm of jazz, while keeping...

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:58:58 +0800

NagualX pushes dub forward into the realm of jazz, while keeping a strong focus on heavy riddims and basslines. With several strong tracks, including the recently released and fittingly-titled “Be Strong,” alongside a live party dub and two “Illegal Dubplates” mixes, there is a lot of fresh interesting music available from this artist. Hailing from France, NagualX captures the vibrancy of the country’s strong dub/reggae movement but wisely avoids predictable trappings of the genre and instead has forged a very unique sound, perhaps most comparable to some of the jazzier cuts from Attack Released. Well worth the listen:

2000 Tons of TNT re-imagine the vintage on Reggae Mysteria....

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 14:38:00 +0800

2000 Tons of TNT re-imagine the vintage on Reggae Mysteria. Funky upbeat instruments like the excellent title track and the following “Cougar Communion” are sharp and well-polished, the latter featuring some wicked keys. While certainly retro-inspired, this is an updated and varied take on the past as the garage-rock of “Shot In The Dark,” the slightly-Eastern funk of “Tiger Uppercut,” and the well-passed melody on “Rabo De Toro” all show. This is dirty garage rock with ample funk and early reggae influences, but great cuts like “Electric Pyramid” don’t deserve to be pinned down by genres. “Theme For Ambu” features some nice heavy drumming and another wicked keyboard solo, before “I’m Feeling Lonely” closes with its skanking guitar. This is a unique mix of musical styles, coming out of San Diego, CA, that is pushing the past forward in all the right ways. Hopefully their follow-up, expected in 2013, will continue the inspiring trend:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://2000tonsoftnt.bandcamp.com/album/reggae-mysteria” data-mce-href=”http://2000tonsoftnt.bandcamp.com/album/reggae-mysteria”&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Reggae Mysteria by 2000 Tons of TNT&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

01/01/13 UPDATE: Here’s two new tracks (currently available for free) as a new album preview:

&amp;lt;a href=”http://2000tonsoftnt.bandcamp.com/album/harvest-moon-wonky-digital-single” data-mce-href=”http://2000tonsoftnt.bandcamp.com/album/harvest-moon-wonky-digital-single”&amp;gt;Harvest Moon/Wonky Digital Single by 2000 Tons of TNT&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

DJ Enso may be famed for running the revered club XXX and for...

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 19:48:00 +0800

DJ Enso may be famed for running the revered club XXX and for throwing down banging late-night bass-music sets, but he can also assemble one mean mixtape as he proves with Future Dancehall フューチャーダンスホール Vol. 1. Drifting between jungle, hip-hop, and dancehall, the success of the ongoing “Future Dancehall” nights is elevated to a higher level through studio production and the inclusion of some of Hong Kong’s choicest MCs. XXX-regular Rahyym joins Ngabo on Major Popular’s “The Ruler,” 10z and Kafe Hu appear on a Dub Phizix & Skeptical track, while local Cantonese legend Masta Mic, EKORB, as well as my regular partner in crime MC Loki Dolo combine forces on an exclusive Enso refix of DJ Zinc x Dope Skillz. Big tracks from Rebel MC, Million Stylez, Collie Buddz (DJ Yoda remix) and The Bug keep the beats heavy while the styles switch. Hopefully this will become an ongoing series since Hong Kong is certainly in need of more mixtapes and proper releases…

The mix is available on Soundcloud, or you can DIRECT DOWNLOAD and get the jungle-thug (?) artwork as well. Enso recently appeared at the Clockenflap music festival, so check out his bass-fueled live mix as well:

This Friday night 07/12 Germany’s iLLBiLLY HiTEC roll into...

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 01:29:34 +0800

This Friday night 07/12 Germany’s iLLBiLLY HiTEC roll into Hong Kong with MC Longfingah to drop their digital reggaetronics upon XXX. Also on the bill are Blood Dunza, Christian Di Phat Selekta, and yours truly The Groove Thief. I’ll be starting the night off from 10:30 to midnight with funky dub building up to digital reggae. A True Skool x Heavy Hongkong collaboration, this is going to be a fun night of BYOB house-party reggae vibes. Come early, stay late, and drinks are closer now that 7-11s been supplanted as the nearest convenience store…

Check out my review of iLLBiLLY HiTEC from earlier this year, and here’s a new video to get you warmed up:

Full-power Flappage is about to invade Hong Kong, so it seems...

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:05:00 +0800

Full-power Flappage is about to invade Hong Kong, so it seems foolish to ignore this monumental musical event! You might think the city would have other regular musical festivals, but that is sadly not the case as profit is routinely prioritized over anything else in this supposedly international city. Sure, HK always has a lot of shows going on, but it’s “see and be seen” over musical quality all too often. At least Clockenflap, the hopefully now annual music fest, is supporting true musical diversity (especially if we ignore the lack of reggae music…). Nonetheless, there’s a lot of great bands and DJs that will be braving the inclement weather this weekend!

Time Out Hong Kong has some solid write-ups, including a feature, their Top 10 acts, local bands not to be missed, an interview with Team Clockenflap, and a helpful map.

The Groove Thief’s official recommendations include:

Saturday:

Azealia Banks, Noughts and Exes, Uptown Rockers, !!!, DJ Enso XXX and Dan F

Sunday:

De La Soul, Brandt Brauer Frick, Magnetic Soul vs Heavy, Bassmen 3, Kid Fresh, Yao and Tiga

Now if only these acts were scheduled so they could all actually be seen…

The Groove Thief - 0:20 Massive Mix Here’s 20 minutes of...

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:29:00 +0800

The Groove Thief - 0:20 Massive Mix

Here’s 20 minutes of bangin’ reggae straight from Hong Kong! Huge tracks from Krak In Dub and Mungo’s Hi Fi bookend an uptempo modern digital mix with featured instrumentals and riddims from Black Chiney, Dub Breakah, FreeRoots & Youngheart, and Riddim Tuffa. A literal anthem appears from High Tone and Pupajim alongside a classically-inspired track from Collie Buddz, a tough vocal from The Beast, and Numa Crew’s alter-ego Gangsta No Play. Made for a mixxtape battle, this is loaded with choice tracks.

Available on both Mixcloud & Soundcloud as well as DIRECT DOWNLOAD.

Astroboter’s Beat Sutras Vol. 1 pushes instrumentals...

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:13:08 +0800

Astroboter’s Beat Sutras Vol. 1 pushes instrumentals forward, deftly combining diverse source materials into surprisingly cohesive and inventive beats. Music aside, this is an interesting artistic endeavor: not only due to the limited cassette edition available in addition to the now-standard digital release, but also with pairs of tracks being released gradually (or the whole twelve in exchange for your email). As for the tunes themselves, they are heady multi-layered genre-crossing productions. “Ex Voto” is the clear standout (with 8 of 12 tracks publicly available), its hip-hop drums are funky, a nice vocal sample emerges, and then it methodically fades before rebuilding. Everything starts with the simple beauty of “Mara (Prologue),” and “Sounds of Psylence” is thankfully psy-funk not Psy. The majesty is in the details - these beats are well-crafted and deceptively simple. Eastern influences abound throughout, so the theme of Sutras is far from indulgent, and tracks like “Maester & Scholar” and “The Flood” elegantly glide through their short run-times. Latest public releases “Isca” and “Fire Sermon” are both mellower instrumentals. Get these free beats in your head now:

<a href=”http://astroboter.bandcamp.com/album/beat-sutras-vol-i” data-mce-href=”http://astroboter.bandcamp.com/album/beat-sutras-vol-i”>Beat Sutras Vol. I by Astroboter</a>