South London Ordnance - Trojan

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  • South London Ordnance's debut 12-inch on 2nd Drop had him feeling out slow, sensual garage, but his first release for increasingly adventurous Brighton label Well Rounded sees him pulling those drums into a more techno pattern. The kicks and snares on "Trojan" are given equally deafening volume, lumbering forward in simple but deadly attack mode as an elastic, growling bassline throws itself recklessly around the track (I guess that's where the London part is). To further stave off visions of German darkrooms, the track is plush with melody, including discordantly bright chord stabs and a barely-there vocal sample that rides the groove with finesse. Increasing the techno factor, "Pacific"'s hi-hats are the most prominent element, hissing loudly like they're trying to be heard above the din, while grimy LFO basslines tumble into themselves, almost like an early dubstep track frantically trying to escape the rigid 4/4 template. Did I mention it also has a sensual synth-funk breakdown? In a city full of wannabe Chicago worshippers and flippant future garage, South London Ordnance is a breath of fresh, robust air.
  • Tracklist
      A South London Ordnance: 01 B South London Ordnance: 02
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