- Passenger's sister label, 777 is heralding a change in direction foregoing the melodic, ravey bassline sound in favour for the tech-funk sound that artists such as Meat Katie, Elite Force and Dylan Rhymes (to name a few) have been pushing recently. It also seems that the collaboration with Meat Katie, Overneath, has paid off in many ways. The first release for the new sound is courtesy of Jim Shimmers with Aquasky providing a remix whilst on the flip, Future Funk Squad and Hi-8 deliver a tech breaks remix.
Side A. Aquasky Remix
The Quad opens up with a lone hi-hat and long synth sweep before bringing out a nice crisp breakbeat (bordering on 4 to the floor disco rock beats) and catchy electro hook with plenty of melodic variations used. Add in a few quirky synth stabs and deep vocal cuts and it's a simple recipe for discofied electro breakbeat. Just to show they haven't lost their breakbeat touch, they syncopate a few snare drum fills for good measure.
Side B. Future Funk Squad & Hi-8 Remix
The flip takes on a slightly harder edge, bringing out the breakbeats with a percussive bongo break and FFS and Hi8 load it with techy stabs whilst keeping the electro riff intact. After the intro, a massive rumbling bassline gets thrown in along with a deep chime bell pattern and plenty of arcade game noises.
Good to see the Aquasky boys embrace a new sound, however it is a weird change from my personal favourite release on 777, Direct Hit (05 Alive).