THE BUG – LONDON ZOO (Ninja Tune)

 

“It ranges from glitched out dancehall vibes to shadow-after-dark dubstep.”

Ninja Tune has released some of the most progressive and abstract
electronic music since it’s inception in the early 90’s. The most current full length release titled “London Zoo” by Kevin Martin’s brainchild The Bug undeniably fits into that distinctive mold. It’s impractical to categorize this highly anticipated 12-track album, as it ranges from glitched out dancehall vibes to shadow-after-dark dubstep.

Featuring veteran UK-based MC’s Tippa Irie, Warrior Queen, and the deep-voiced Flowdan, this lyrically intensive journey strikes the right balance with dubby outros at the end of each track. “Jah War”, “Poison Dart”, and “Skeng War” should be no mystery to the hipster massive; as each of these cuts have seen the daylight on remixed single releases throughout the year.

Previously unheard, stand-out tracks include “Too Much Pain”, highlighting Aya’s Tenor Saw-esque calming vocal style; and “Fuckaz” featuring Kode 9’s stable mate, Spaceape, mashing down all bad-minded skrewfaces inna the way.

The word out on the streets is that The Bug and Warrior Queen have been crawling through the streets of North America, teaching their lessons in soundscape zoology, while holding their fans captive for more.