It’s a handful of labels only that seem to be pushing the boundaries of the dubstep template, the bastion of a chosen few that seem to have a vision beyond the now, and seem to have access to what the future holds. Hyperdub is one such label that seems to be leading the way, originally started as an online entity in 2001, morphing into a label to release the work of Kode9 in 2004, always a step ahead, if not, setting the standard of what is to come. The first release for Hyperdub was ironically a cover, some would question why this is setting the standard for tomorrow, but when you hear the Kode9 version of Prince’ “Sign Of The Timesâ€, entitled “Sign Of The Dubâ€, you begin to understand the vision of looking forward, to look forward one must first look back… The rhythm is stripped down to its bones, turning it in to almost a dirge, with the stoned vocal interpretation by Spaceape, creates a moody and harrowing dub version never before heard on vinyl. Released as a limited 10â€, it has set the bar high, and as a label Hyperdub have strived to equal, if not surpass this with every new release.
5 comes on the 5th anniversary of Hyperdub, five limited 12†vinyl releases to mark the anniversary, to mark the diversity, and a statement for the future, and how the label has diversified its sound so as not to become stagnant. CD one collects all of the limited vinyl releases, showcasing so many of the sub-genres that have emerged. The r’n’b dub of King Midas Sound and Black Chow, the 8bit madness of Darkstar, Quarta330 and Ikonika, the funkiness of Kode9, Martyn and Cooly G, the wonky Samiyam and Flying Lotus, the post-rave onslaught of Zomby and LD, the roots of LV and Mala, the ghostly 2step of Burial, and the purple wow sound of Joker & Ginz. CD two showcases some of the back catalogue from the last 5 years of releases, many classics compiled on one disc. Kode9′ classic “9 Samuraiâ€, and his collaboration with LD for “Badâ€, with the additional welcomed net only track “Fukkazâ€, still one of my favourites to this day. His version of “Ghost Town†by The Specials, only ever heard in his live sets, is included here, hated by some, but uses a similar deconstructive template as “Sign Of The Dubâ€, the later unfortunately not being included here. More classics by Burial, The Bug, LV, Samiyam, Darkstar, Zomby, Ikonika, Joker and 2000F & J Kamata are also included, packing in so much talent on just two discs of music. 5 is the perfect introduction to Hyperdub, even with a few omissions, as well as the perfect companion for the avid follower.
As compilations go, this has to be one of the most essential for 2009. Once absorbed, it hints to bigger things for 2010. Keep up with the game and purchase on site, essential.
Wayne Stronell
