Hoodee First Contact EP This is the seventh release on the Aerosolik imprint - this time highlighting the skills of East Anglian beatmaker - Hoodee. There is a different emcee for each joint on this four-track EP. Normally a constant changing of vocalists can lead to a less coherent vibe to a record - but Hoodee's production is original and sparse enough to gather each emcee and pull him towards a collective sound. Heads might know the producer from his other downtempo instrumental incarnations as The Groove Criminals and The Twizt - but Hoodee is definitely his straight up hiphop persona. First up is 'F8' featuring Canadian rapper Ill Seer from Cambridge's Delegates of Culture, this track uses a simple bassline/loop combo but is completely overwhelmed by a complex acidic vocal performance. A nice track - perhaps a little musically underdone - as the beautiful subtle production is swarmed by the emcee's torrential flow. Next up is 'Step To The Future' with sci-fi fx rocking around an analogue b-line riff/drum loop. Oliver Twist blesses this track with a real nice suitable flow - energetic but unhurried with good diction - this vocal suits the production and creates a tasty little headnodder. On the flip comes 'Slug Life Anthem' featuring Brighton emcee Koaste. This is the most epic of all the tracks - a real expansive orchestral sweep bounces alongside flute stabs and crisp drums. This production sits perfectly with Koastes passionate delivery - he clearly outlines his views on the manners present in uk hiphop these days. This is the most overtly listenable track on the record and Koaste's clear performance pulls no punches - check every couplet. Last up is T.S. One from The Mantis Chapter who on 'N.E.O' rips some para rhymes across a very understated beat - just a little hint of operatic chanting layered through a finely meshed combination of plucked strings, sweeping synths, and a crackly break. This is a lovely little track - one that gives you extra mood when you listen to it properly. Overall, this EP was a grower - I wasnt feeling it on my first listens but the production is subtle enough to grab your attention with little touches - this is really exemplified during the outro Bonus Beat segment. Definitely one for multiple listens - the mood changes throughout the record as it explores different avenues in sound/flow but importantly it doesnt lose its own sense of identity. A nice debut. - Smiffy | profile © ukhh.com 1999 - 2003