Inner Current is an independent Brooklyn based record label, with a growing roster of diverse filmic and emotive hip hop producers. Sometimes shackled with the downtempo and nujazz labels, which doesn’t really best describe the auditory delights emanating from this up and coming label. A good starting point to sample the labels artists is the compilation released a few years ago, Domestic Blend Volume 1, showcasing all the artists from the label, Ill Padre, Take, Glen Porter, Akello Uchenna, Tsunchoo, Unknown Source, Milford Reynolds, Empire State Instrumentals, and Tundra. The standout artists being Take, who some have compared to the Flying Lotus school of squashed electronic hip hop; Unknown Source, one to watch in the future as his compositions become more experimental, pushing the boundaries of instrumental beats even further; Milford Reynolds, who produces astounding jazz, firmly rooted in the modern age; and Glen Porter.
Glen Porter has just released his debut album available as a digital download, Blessed By A Young Death, showcasing menacing drums, disjointed guitars, and a filmic quality that ties everything together with a refreshing use of movie dialogue to set the often sinister mood. For those who prefer vinyl, Something Glue has also surfaced as a fine instrumental ep, showcasing six album tracks together with two new compositions exclusive to this format. Glen Porter is an emerging artist who has a great talent of merging many influences, from hip hop, funk, indie rock, soundtracks, the use of unusual instrumentation, and he knows just when to break a track down to a dub dirge, this is excellent stuff, snap up the vinyl while you can, it will not last long. Highly recommended. More info regarding releases and downloads at http://innercurrent.com/
Wayne Stronell
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