Kid 606 - Kill Sound Before Sound Kills You
[Tigerbeat6]

Certainly not an unknown in the electronic field, the Kid's usual releases are a bit hit and miss. Half complete work or jokey nonsense is the usual association, thankfully 'Kill' is his most ambitious and accomplished release to date.

Not content with rehashing other people's tunes in a tiresome bootleg fashion, the latest project is thoroughly planned - a combination of well written compositions and a unique blend of production has most sparkling results. Keen to move on from his quirky image, we hear full-on ecstasy driven rhythms and floor-filler anthems. It's not all feedback and delay these days.

Where the Kid previously failed, was his awkward refusal to be part of the IDM scene, instead producing hours of noodlings & pretentious noise that would never stand the test of time. Mere experiments were boring and self-indulgent, with the exception of 'PS I Love You', his true crowning moment. Fusing the highlights of 'PS' with the gabba-ragga-rough & ready drum 'n' bass of the Tigerbeat $ series has superb impact.

More diverse than his counterparts, this even makes the recent Venetian Snares LP seem tame and retro. Without a dull moment, genres are tossed around casually. Intricate menacing beats, acid basslines and distorted synths lead the way, there won't be anyone not grooving to this. The emphasis clearly being on short blasts of aggression and the phattest bass this side of Jamaica. Each track being a perfect release of energy and chaos.

An artist who has improved tenfold this year, this is where Cex should be currently at. Further proof that the Kid can be fantastic when he tries. Ditch the white label sampling and bring on the party tunes. Who knows what he'll try his hand at next, you will love this album.