RINSE 11 - ONEMAN Guest Review

Oneman proudly opens Rinse's 2010 account with the 11th instalment of their mix series and we've been lucky enough to get a promo copy. So of course we sent it over to our guest reviewer Emile..

"There are many that mark the occasional ascent of a Rinse CD as they would a birthday; a celebration of achievement. Needless to say, when rumours concerning the prospect of Oneman mixing such a CD came to be realised, the response of the plethora, through forums and blogs alike, was somewhat more than joyful. Rapture aside, what is to be expected of it? His style is such that mystery and question subdues anyone who would so much as surmise the nature of the mix – a premise upon which its allure lies.

For someone so heavily associated with Garage that followers of its progeny – like those of Dubstep – would annex and champion him, Oneman makes a decided statement of self-definition with his opening track. 96 Flavas (No More Games) by Double Helix dispatches Rinse 11 into an abyss of abstract tribalism, with flute play leading into bongo strewn tumult made heavy by an overwhelming kick drum. Tempered by passage through the likes of Kode 9’s 2 Far Gone, the tribal baseness becomes electronic exploration only for the mix to be returned to its primordial form as it moves on into Bassjackers & Apster’s Klambu; progression and graceful regression unite in cyclical continuity.

Pieces by the legendary Sticky as well as Geeneus & Ms. Dynamite take the mix into harder terrain, but then Joy Orbison makes the journey light by creating a sense of euphoria through Hyph Mngo. Starkey also makes a contribution of sombre sentiment through dissonant melody, just as Headhunter imbues a sense of drive via Prototype (Modeselektor’s Broken Handbrake Remix).

The to-and-fro of sonic vibes breeds a desperate hunger for what more the mix may offer and the sheer variety of sounds that the 27 tracks hold should be enough to satiate most appetites, but does even this present fault? If you are of the opinion that multiplicity does not allow music to take specific direction, then maybe. For those who cherish choice, find vindication in Rinse 11."

Words: Emile

A massive big up to Oneman and a special thanks to Charles @ Ammunition.

Available from all good record stores from 5/4/10.