Various Artists – Project Mooncircle – Silent In Truth (Project Mooncircle)

One of my favourite labels of the moment, Project Mooncircle, bring us yet another first class compilation of genre bending electronica and hip hop, containing 19 tracks exclusive to this compilation, and its got me thinking this is just a small taste of what is to come from a label bursting with talent from around the globe. The words ring true for the label, “this is the sound of Project Mooncircle for 2009, speak with your mind, think with your soul and change with your heart! We aim to stop the destructive elements of the music business and bring music back to the people.”

They seem to have access to some very talented people, people that obvious share Project Mooncircle’ philosophy of truth in music, and pushing the artists onto the world for greater exposure. Many of these artists have been criminally ignored, maybe through not being part of a mass marketing demon, and fewer avenues to reach the unsuspecting ears, but they are well represented here. Close affiliates of Canadian hip hop label Bully Records, Carlo raises his head here for a rare appearance, delivering “Trapped In The Attic”, hopefully this is a taste of more to come from a producer most deserving of greater exposure, just check out his collaborative effort of 7” vinyl/mixtape CDR with Buddy Peace, Commonwealth Kids. Another Bully find, Mat Young also appears with “Barn Burning”, and this is a taste of what will hopefully be more released by him shortly. Mr Cooper, who also runs the label, has included a new track in the vein of his most recent album What Else There Is, a refreshing blend of instrumental hip hop, dubstep and electronica that is quite unique. Glen Porter, who is due to release a new digital album and 7” vinyl EP next month, locks in “Um”, similar to Mr Cooper with his experimentation with dubstep rhythms and pulses, but creating something totally new, pushing the boundaries further than most would dare, incorporating rolling hip hop breaks and acoustic guitar riffs before the bass culture engulfs all. “Brava” from Paten Locke (Therapy) and “Why’d You Lie” from John Robinson (Lil’ Sci) are more like statements from the mind, while Simon of Jahbitat brings the organic sound from the canopy of the Barcelona night with “Timber (An Ode To Trees Gone)”. There is no filler on this compilation, also including Inner Science, Aether, 40 Winks, Dday One, The Q4, Mathematik, Pablie, Glue Kids, Lambent, Intifada and Escher, and featuring the genius of MF Doom who makes an appearance on “Sorcerers” by John Robinson.

The press have declared hip hop and electronica dead for a while now, they must not be listening enough, not digging deeper enough, because its labels like Project Mooncircle that are showing there is plenty of life left, a new generation of producers with fresh ideas, a fresh approach to production, and a sound palette that needs to be explored. A truly independent label, but beware, a small label means limited numbers, so track it down while you can. Available on CD and vinyl, with fine artwork as always, investigate more at www.projectmooncircle.com.

Wayne Stronell