Ill Blu - Bellion / Dragon Pop

Our review
Customer reviews
Press release

4...according to our Brett on Thu 22 Jul, 2010.

My first taste of Ill Blu came on that Kode 9 mix a couple of weeks back and I've got to say that I was pretty impressed by what I heard. Most of what's been branded 'UK funky' so far has been a tad ropey in my opinion but these two bring a little bit of toughness to the highly danceable broth with their sharp drum sound that hits as hard as it swings. There's also a bit of that ubiquitous-of-late South African DJ Mujava thing going on too, particularly in the simplicity of the melody. It's a catchy one, for sure. The flip goes for the conga approach, applying different sounds and a more prominently placed sub-bass to what is fundamentally pretty much the exact same beat with the result a more subtle but still highly pleasing variation. Good shit.

This is the debut release on Hyperdub for north London’s Ill Blu, one of Funky’s most celebrated and promising production duos, who since forming in 2008 have had a string of underground hits as well as recently putting remixes for the likes of Cheryl Cole and Hot Chip under their belts. On side A, ‘Bellion’ is a great example of Funky at it’s most effectively simple and maximalist. It’s memorable, clear, bell-like melody is reflected in the sub bass line and heavy mid range chords while the percussive drums add to the intensity making the whole track inescapably infectious. In contrast, B-side ‘Dragon Pop’s relentless lattice of congas, snares, deep bass drum and percussion seems minimal, but at the same time there is no space for melody within the tracks construction, it’s just that intense. The already big interest in Ill blu is set to reach far wider next week with the release of Kode9’s DJ Kicks album, on which they are included.

Be the first to review this record. Best reviewer each month gets £10 off their next order!