Here Come the Drums

Hip-Hop Drum ‘n’ Bass (Caipirinha)
by Scott Hefflon

I woulda dubbed this House Drum’n’Bass, but perhaps others know better. There are the requisite drum’n’bass beats, but what’s most refreshing is the incorporation of that dark and ominous scratching used in early techno, and in the first few songs, the “house” use of catchy, almost natural-sounding piano chords and belted out soul singing. Later, Doc Scott contributes “Here Come the Drumz,” a darkly pulsing song with many a drum breakdown, a real joy for both its melody and beats. Roni Size & DJ Die collaborate on “Music Box,” a track tinkling with subtle instruments and flowing with deep bass. Elementz of Noize and Urban Takeover (Aphrodite & Mickey Finn) contribute more of the hip-hop flavoring (tough voices repeating “bad ass” with lots of sirens in the background, and the like), while using a choppy version of traditional d’n’b beats. Ditto with The Drill Team, who sample and play around with various great lines from Fear of a Black Planet in “Public Enemy.” Flav and Chuck’ve never sounded like this!
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