City Kudu - Pala
Sleek and Sexy underground grooves swim in the UK's funky attitude. It's a great start to the new cassette series by the Bristol-based Pressure Dome. By no means new to the game, Pressure Dome has released a flurry of compilations over the past few years, all expertly crafted, funky and very Bristolian. London-based City Kudu, who co-founded Kites Hill Records, is the latest artist inducted into their ranks with the release Pala (2023). elements of dub, minimal, and UK funky are all on display. Anime-esc sound effects litter the first cut, 'Pala', and are combined with distant sirens, adding flavours of cyberpunk. City Kudu channels a laid-back, jazzy cool throughout the sci-fi sound pallet, a technique Photek uses to add that futurism quality.
Psychedelic dub influences shine, and while unique is one of the most overused terms in music, in the case of 'Jade Puzzle ', it feels appropriate. The combination screams, "Space is the place!" The UK flavour is still alive, with snippets of MC vocals cascading into the background. 'Twine' elegantly integrates the flavours of halftime D'n'B into a chaotic audio assault full of spicy percussive fills. The atmosphere is ripped straight from the deepest dubstep and complements the stepper, while the vocals are something else. They borrow the unbelievable cadence from the late Spaceape, adding so much character. The terrifying performance aided by heavy effects gives 'Twine' such a sinister edge. The solemn midnight roller, 'Honeysuckle', brings a top-tier ambience. It has a dubby soul surrounded by clacking garage percussion. The combination is a clean and fresh take on the classic, able to fit into plenty of gritty sets. It's a stunning way to announce yourself to a label from City Kudu and a solid start for Pressure Dome's tape series.
Tracklist
Pala
Jade Puzzle
Twine
Honeysuckle
Label: Pressure Dome (2023)
City Kudu - Pala