Low-Life | UK Hip Hop Story | Border Crossing

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Border Crossing - Ominous 2xLP [RG Records]

Tracklist:
A1. No Go Area
A2. More to Life (Ominous)
A3. Searching for Mr Manuva
B1. Original Heads
B2. Dance for your Life
B3. Taxi
C1. Rankins Move
C2. The Return
C3. Future Blues
D1. Flight Path
D2. The Alias
D3. Late Night Skit

The Alias ft. Jehst Video:
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Download The Ominous LP:
For the full details of how to download the full Border Crossing LP for only £4.50, click here. Mobile phone, paypal or credit card required...

The debut album from Border Crossing is out now. A few months ago we eulogised about the Original Heads 03 / In Your Area single and now we are in a position to do the same regarding the long player. In terms of today's 20 track albums, this one runs short at only twelve tracks, but has more of a classic and focused feel because of this. The debut album from the UK Hip Hop collective, 'Border Crossing' has been variously described as stunning, highly atmospheric, timeless and for us is a collection of tracks encompassing a kaleidoscopic fusion of Hip Hop, Chill Out and cinematic soundscapes.

Border Crossing are three Hip Hop and House aficionados from West London who have grown up with a range of musical influences that have moulded their diverse and mature sound. Alex Angol, former member of Rengade Soundwave and pirate radio collective The Smart Boys, brings punk and reggae to the group, whilst Paul Mulvey brings rock via his father who was a session guitarist and pianist with the Rolling Stones and third member Seorais, who's father was a serious jazz fan, brings his personal take on blues and soul. Therefore it's no wonder that elements of RnB, dance hall, reggae, jazz and chill out can be found within the album's chemistry. The result is a debut that represents a huge spectrum of Hip Hop infused music, yet full of surprises and variety which ensures a very long shelf life.

The LP kicks off with the aformentioned In Your Area which jumps straight in there with Usmaan dropping lyrics in his own inimitable style. For an LP that features such a cross section of guests it is a brave move to open with such a distinctive track, but it does set the scene for the rest of the album. More To Life (Ominous) shows us the flipside to Border Crossing as we are treated to a more soulful, jazz infused beat which features the vocals of Alex Watson and the rapping of Sincere and Ricky Rankin. Third up is the Searching For Mr Manuva the first instrumental track which was supposedly composed with Roots Manuva in mind for the vocals. It is just his sort of beat and you can expect him to be rapping over this for the next release.

Original Heads was the first single and features the MC talents of MC Rockwell a UK based American who is a real original head having been in one of the UK's earliest crews 11:59. The track is a dedication to 1993 when in Rockwell's opinion Hip Hop was more about peace and love. Dance For Your Life is a real mish mash of a track. Ricky Rankin drops reggae vocals, but there is a Hawaiian feel to the beat with its steel guitar. Border Crossing describe the track as being about having a great time partying, dancing and drinking. Three other rappers also have guest spots including Alex Angol from the band, Gordon G and Gian Carlo Morocco all of whom apparently were recorded without knowing which gives the track some of its spontaneous feel.

Taxi is another big sounding instrumental which is dominated by the pervasive strings loop and fat bass line. It is a homage to the the great soundtrack composer John Barry and is a very evocative and moody track which moves through phases, but retains constant and recurring themes. The chillout vibe returns with another track featuring Ricky Rankin. In distinct contrast to the reggae infused tones of his previous offering this one Rankin's Move transposes an ambient backdrop which produces the new sound that Border Crossing are not scared to contemplate. Refreshingly they are not tied to one particular sound and like to mix it all up. The Return teams the Border Crossing producers with MC Rockwell again for a sparser Hip Hop beat which is still very funky.

Showing their knowledge of producers and film soundtracks, like Taxi, Flight Path is intended to inspire a cinematic feel and is again dedicated to a particular artist, this time borrowing heavily from the music Lalo Schiffron wrote for films like Dirty Harry and Bullett. The Alias is the second single which is currently out right now. It is a stormer which features guest vocals from the man of the moment - Jehst who has his own excellent Falling Down LP currently in circulation. After the detailed orchestration of the previous track this seems somewhat down tempo and melancholy. Additionally the bass is a little muddy, but across the whole LP the mix downs are pretty well done. Future Blues the press tells us was written 6 years ago in Denmark by Paul. It was to be shelved until Ricky heard it and asked to deliver vocals. The result fuses Folk, Reggae, Ballad and Ambient elements and continues the wind down. The satisfying LP comes to a close with Late Night Skit a short, calming concoction of choice loops and samples which is over all too soon leaving you reaching for the rewind button.

In its entirety 'Ominous' is a mellow, mellifluous sunshine haze of laidback funk-fuelled beats. Each track is unified by high quality production and smouldering grooves. For more information and to check out samples of the tracks check out the links below. We have even hooked up with an online retailor to offer you the chance to purchase a downloadable version of the LP along with full artwork for a knock down price, so check the pop up box, or if it didn't open check this link.

Original Heads 03 / In Your Area review

www.bordercrossing.co.uk :: www.rgrmusic.com/artists/border_crossing.cfm
tel: 020 7278 5698
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