Towards the end of last year Dismantle, Champion and Jus Now joined forces on a special collaborative project for Shy FX’s Digital Sound label entitled ‘X Tempo’. Three of the hottest names in the UK underground right now (well, one half of Jus Now hails from Trinidad, but still), each act is killing it in terms of pushing their own individual sound and this union has spun out some solid gold club anthems that we just can’t get enough of at TNG!
Tipping their hats to the legendary Extempo format of 40s and 50s Trinidad and Tobago, which saw calypso singers of the time clash for bragging rights, the EP sees each set of artists face off against one another over two rounds. Paying homage to the old Extempo format whilst bringing it into the modern day, the DJ’s and producers deliver two tracks each in pairings of Dismantle x Jus Now, Dismantle x Champion and Jus Now x Champion.
Leading with stormy single ‘Not Stickin’, which features vocals from Kerwin Prescott atop a dark and weighty beat from Dismantle and Jus Now, this EP really grabs you round the balls from the word go with its generous lashings of sub bass and hefty kicks. Brimming with darkness, ‘X Tempo’ is a melting pot of UK bass and Trinidadian influences that, combined, add a distinct flavour of UK Funky into the mix. Other favourites include Champion and Dismantle’s killer tune ‘Body Bag’, as well as ‘Volume II’ and ‘Party Done’, which features hooky production from Champion and Jus Now alongside more solid vocal work from Kerwin Prescott.
Released in early December via Digital Soundboy records, the 6 track project sees four incredible musicians come together to deliver some on point beats whilst referencing their own roots of inspiration. Overflowing with murky atmospherics, heavy bass and infectious grooves, X Tempo is the ideal soundtrack for the wintry club season and fully deserves your attention.
Check the EP below and take a look at their recent studio session with Get Darker Tv here.
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