Coming Soon: 'Superegular' - Instance

Check out some new material from Instance. Look out for his next album 'The Superegular' which features SonnyJim, Jack Flash and Defenders of Style and production from Mike D, Wizard and Kelakovski.

'Land of the Lost' - No-Change (free download)

From its moving orchestral introduction to its positive advisory closing ‘Land of the Lost’ is worth every penny of the price of an LP. The only thing is, Crackhouse have made the surprising decision to let this one go for free for the purposes of profile building. I had to double check with the management on this shocking decision – this is absolute quality for absolutely nothing!

Don’t be fooled by No-Change’s laid back, sing song rap style – he’s not soft. He’s been through things many will never experience and his music is a heartfelt reflection of his life. The production (from Mike D – probably one of the UK’s most versatile and unrestrained producers) combines sparse electro drums with live piano and guitar licks and solos whereas elsewhere Rhodes organs, synths lean up against Dirty South-esque drum patterns.

'With Out You' is a deeply honest song on which No-Change raps about the mistakes of history and how they impact us now. 'Let's Go' featuring Aiwan is a lively pastiche of reggae, those old Neptunes-style guitar strums and percussive rhythms - hotness.

Despite the subject matter (drugs, mistakes, love, life) ‘Land of the Lost’ has a real good time vibe which is always reflected in a live No-Change show. He’s supporting Gift Of Gab in his native Leeds on Tuesday 9th March. Download this now and then get to the show if you can!

For an interview with the man head over to my man Analogue's blog Straight Out Leodis.

'Thoughts Of The Nameless' - Defenders of Style (mixtape review)

With Big Band Swing samples, crunching and crashing drums and a crew of hungry Yorkshiremen on the mic ‘Thoughts of the Nameless’ is one of the properest releases you’ll hear this year.

With 100% original productions from Jack Danz, High Top, Prys and Mike D this hour long mixtape is as good as a full blown album. Prys, Jack Danz, Jay Snow aka Lip and Tongue Tied rap their way through the 15 full tracks with enough style and skill to remind even the biggest fan of N-Dubz what real Hip Hop is all about.

Title track ‘Thoughts of the Nameless’ stands out with it’s jaunty posturing and the laid back Jazz guitar of ‘Vision of Utopia’ combined with its lyricism make it a Northern classic. ‘Stronger’ is an ardent war cry influenced by the robbery of all their music making equipment complete with beats and lyrics – this set is a fine comeback from these setbacks. ‘Fight Club’ serves to prove they have not been left weakened. ‘Stealth Mission’ is a fine example of Jack Danz’s slight obsession with the aforementioned Big Band Swing samples.

Singer Chenai lends vocal beauty to the proceedings and associates Matter (who is one half of Verbal Contact with Prys) and Mr. Ris and Sir Plus (of Alphabetix) bring their verses to the table.

‘Thoughts Of The Nameless’ is out soon and will be available at the mighty Suspect Packages. Certified Banger says buy it. Disorda says buy it. So buy it.

SonnyJim, Defenders of Style, Extra Curricular Show, Oct 30th

Come see SonnyJim, Jack Flash and Extra Curricular, Defenders of Style and resident DJs at new Leeds night The Line Up.

China Shop Bull, No Change, DJ Sinical Show, Oct 2nd

** New Date** The Line Up #1: Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Jack Flash, Kidkanevil Live in Leeds!

A few changes to the details here: Due to a few teething problems the first night will now be 30th October. The line up at The Line Up might change to Sonny Jim, Extra-curricular with Jack Flash, No Change and Defenders of Style.

Forget the usual "if you're in the area" thing - even if you're not get there and get the first train in the morning home. Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Jack Flash with Extra Curricular and Kidkanevil? Be there. 30th October. Leeds. The Vault, 123 The Headrow. Brrrrrap!

'Wasteland'/'Tourist Information' - Verbal Contact (free downloads)

Check out these two dope tracks from new Leeds crew Verbal Contact. The group consists of three core members of the Northern Hostility crew - MCs Matter and Prys are backed up by beats and cuts by Mike D of Subterrania Studios (who produced Instance's 'Can't Get Down' on 'On The Radar Volume 4').

If you've never visited Leeds then take a listen to the vivid pictures being painted here to find out what's beneath the surface of the northern city. 'Wasteland' is more of a straight-up UK Hip Hop joint, whereas 'Tourist Information' features double-time flows and a stunning sung chorus by Chenai and brutally truthful lyrics such as "The filthy pigeons sit and drink the twisted city in, with s**t on their wings but I think they understand more than the citizens" - probably.

Grab these two downloads and sit tight for news on their forthcoming debut release, which also includes spots by Dialect (Senseless Records) and Mr Ris of Alphabetix.

Verbal Contact - 'Wasteland'
Verbal Contact - 'Tourist Information' ft. Chenai