Customer Reviews

Bedrock Breaks

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Plucked from premiere progressive-breaks label Distinctive following a triumphant string of Y3K releases, breakbeat guru DJ Hyper now gets a flashy marquee appearance from John Digweed's vaunted Bedrock company.

Hyper leaves most of the progressive elements behind, forging a sound that probably won't resonate with fans expecting tougher, yet still Bedrock-y dance music. Certainly there's a big selection of jerk-rhythm, knob twiddle acid tunes that just occupy time ("Sudden Journey," "Premiere," "Future Abuse").

The Heads Down mix sputters in spots but still delivers key tracks. The star collaboration of "Retox" proves as advertised, with Fatboy Slim's cut up filter fun matched with Freq Nasty's dizzying bass groove. "Addicted to Bass" plies an obvious/brilliant vocal that makes it a certain smash, while those impossibly funky chaps the Plump DJs show off two big remixes for BT (blockbuster "Smartbomb") and Brothers Love Dubs. The Late Night set fares better with PMT and Hyper & Rhymes touting top new versions of tunes. Surprise goodies come near the end, where Stir Fry's "Breakin on the Streets" injects some meaty sizzle, peaking into Stisch's "Television Popper" and the Plumps one more time.

Hyper's efforts might aim a brighter media spotlight on the resurgent British breakbeat/nu-school breaks scene, but it was doing quite well by itself in 2001. Top notch mixes from PMT, BLIM, Meat Katie, Plump DJs and Koma & Bones all aced the test, with Tayo, Tipper, the Nu Horizons series and more nipping not far behind. Bedrock Breaks sounds solid, but ultimately doesn't achieve these artists' level of success.

Guy Hatfield A.K.A DJ Hyper takes you on a crimson journey of classic Breakbeat cuts.

Whether you are a recent convert to the break-beat sound, officionardo or just curious, you will not be disappointed....

As a natural successor to Garage House, Breakbeat combines the rhythms of Hip-Hop, R & B, and Electro to give an accessible dance music style.

This Double Album CD takes us from the calm, collected and catchy to the racing tribal beats of the coolest Party Soundtrack on the block! A Red hot House party essential.

Hyper gives us solid urban rhythms , light strings and occasional vocal tracks. His construction is deliberate and involves you from the outset. The track selection is eclectic and cleverly sewn together with expert DJ'ing skill.

Marking the set with classic tunes like 'Retox' (Fatboy Slim); 'Addicted to Bass' (Puretone); and the Dark Globe/Boy George Collaboration 'Auto Erotic' on CD One he lifts the mood at an even pace - driving the surprises by his nimble mixing. CD Two is a clubbers passport to party - John Creamer & Stephan K's 'Wish you were here' is the invitation and Hyper uses it to perfection. Finishing with Radio Active Man's 'Radio Eins' this CD is the ambassador for the Breakbeat Style!

With residencies at John Digweed's club BEDROCK, London (from where this CD takes it's name), Agatha's in Rome, Italy and appearances scheduled for the Miami winter Music Conference and the Legendary PHONIX in Scotland his pedigree is secured! Your opportunity to be part of the magic is here...

The Baron of Breakbeat is Guy Hatfield A.K.A DJ Hyper and if you buy any CD this year it needs to be this one.

Just got this CD yesterday. I'm currently listening to it for the third time, and it's just not hitting me like Wired did when I got it a year and a half ago. Bedrock doesn't have the relentless energy or creativity that first endeared me to DJ Hyper. The entire compilation has a restrained, timid feel to it, like you're constantly waiting for the CD to pick up steam and start kicking some ass, but it never does. It just plods along for nearly 2 hours without any standout tracks, although there are a couple of songs here and there on disc 2 that are decent.

The thing I always liked the most about DJ Hyper was his ability to keep songs - even 7-minute ones - interesting throughout the entire track. Some of the songs on Bedrock Breaks aren't just repetitive, they are hard to sit through. Several times I found myself thinking "Man....seems like this song has been nothing but one long drum loop for 3 solid minutes." I was especially let down by the crappy remix of BT's Smartbomb. That had the potential to be a song for the ages, but leave it to the Plump DJ's to blow it on remixes. Man I hate them.

It might grow on me over time I guess, but right now I'm finding Bedrock Breaks to be boring and uninspired.

DJ Hyper does an excellent job on flawlessly mixing these tracks. I used to be a rave/club DJ and I know how hard it was to mix Breaks. The artist/track selection offers up enough variety to keep you interested without all sounding the same, which is very important. It's nice to see some more popular Artists, such as Fatboy Slim and BT make an appearence here as well. Usually more familar artists helps new comers to Breaks ease into the genre with a familar name. Especially if the DJ is more unknown to us. I really hope Bedrock keeps this compliation alive with more releases in the future. It would be nice to see DJ Rap make an attempt at this series. This is a great compliation to listen to in the car. I've found more breaky-type music is really good to listen to while driving. Give this a try, you'll like it!

Being a producer of progressive trance I have heard alot of music in my day. I was switching through the music channels on my digital cable and came across the electronic channel, which I periodically listen to. This Album was playing and I was absolutly blown away. Its the most innovative thing I have heard in a LONG TIME. If you are a Raver, DJ, or someone who likes good quality beats and music, you would be hard pressed not to like this album...The first two songs on the album, are some of the best released 12" music I have heard on CD'. DJ Hyper was voted the 2nd best DJ in the UK and it definatly shows. John Digweeds Bedrock lable has to date not failed me yet. You will absolutley listen to this album until you can't anymore. The new hit that everyone is talking about in the UK "Totally addicted to bass" Has made an apperance on this album as well.
What an awesome mind blowing album, and I never jock anything- Breakdancers and Poppers ready yourself for the breaks.

Wow, being a DJ and a producer I have heard a lot of music good and bad. To tell you the truth I haven't been impressed with anything in the past couple of years. The Bedrock label has changed my mind. I believe that Digweed is the finder of true talent. DJ Hyper was voted the 2nd best breaks DJ in the UK and in listening to this album I want to know why he wasn't 1st.
The music is incredible, I believe that this DJ is one of the best I have ever heard. The mixing is smooth and the record choices are all incredible. Every song - even if you are a raver, DJ, or just a person that just likes eletronic music captures the true quality of the undergroung scene. WOW - What elese can I say, and I never review anything. This is definatly one thats going down in the history books as one of the best albums of the 21st century I tell you.