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Corsair Records - Reviews
IDC - This Is Not A Riot
"Rob Da Bank has proclaimed this track as 'revolutionary rave' and who are we to argue? A raucous call to rebel if ever there was one."
iDJ Jan 2010
Dragunz - Drive By Constable
"Distinctly dubwise blunted South Coast weirdness
. This is nothing if not exploratory. Extreme time-stretching, dubbed-out shouts, Apache breaks, buzzing bass: it's a non-stop barrage of sound and psychedelia. There is freshness and promise here."
Mixmag Dubstep reviews October 2009
Lo Fidelity Allstars - Northern Stomp
"A stackful of soul. There was a time when a Lo-Fis' album would be greeted with widespread hysteria amongst fans of mashed-up acidic sonics, but if the world has moved on since their late-'90s heyday then so have the Lo-Fis. Producer Phil Ward's B-More obsession seems to have subsided and this is a fully-blown band album dripping with (northern) soul.
The title track's collision of small p-funk and vocodered LCD vibes appears to slate their former adopted city of Brighton (they're now based in New York), while "I Know I'm A King" boasts soulful beatfreakery that Kasabian would die for. "The Good Times" is packed with sunshine Stax soul and "Southside Lowdown", featuring Greg Dulli from US alt.rockers Afghan Whigs, is like a proper Bootsy/Sly Stone jam.
The Lo-Fis are back and they deserve adoration all over again.
DJ Magazine 4 stars August 2009
"Five years after their last proper album, 2007's Best Of compilation suggested Lo Fidelity Allstars were as defunct as the big beat genre they rode in on. Instead, they've spun the wheel again and re-emerged with a dance-tinged hybrid that becomes more fascinating with each listen.
There's everything from the clattering drums and wah-wah guitar of Your Midnight and the Northern soul-powered The Good Times to the warped crooning of Weather 2 and the Freak Power-ish As Good As Dead.
Such mostly winning eclecticism means they lack nothing."
Q Magazine Sept 2009
IDC - IMAGINARY BONES
"This is the most pissed up, drugged up, headfuck of a record that I’ve heard in a very long time, it makes The Prodigy sound like they’ve got The X Factor. Londoner David McCarthy is IDC, and for “Imaginary Bones” he’s drafted in Lo Fidelity Allstars frontman Phil Ward, who does an incredible job on the vocals, definitely comes across like someone you wouldn’t want to bump into, as he goes from leery dribbling grins to spitting sneers, repeatedly slurred ranting “Don’t you know who I think I am”, over very powerful pounding techno that’s got a certain mid 90’s Frankfurt feel. Layering keyboard riffs, stabs and a powerful kick keep building the tension, as the vocals get more & more fucked, think Sean Ryder on a 5 day bender. Doing acid whilst listening to IDC’s “Imaginary Bones” is not advisable. There’s also a dub for a heads down no nonsense mindless boogie."
DMC Update 5 stars
"Lo Fidelity Allstar's Phil Ward comes atchya like a drunken, jaded John Cooper Clarke, and IDC provides an equally demented backdrop. This really is rather naughty indeed."
iDJ 8/10 'recommended single'
CASINO - THAT'S THE WAY THE WORLD IS TODAY
"I might not be old enough to have experienced Wigan Pier, but I know how northern soul moulded UK dance culture. This understanding is made even easier by Casino's use of modern electro themes while keeping things inexorably soulful and funky. Bridging the gap like few acts can, these cats have had live sessions on Radio 2 yet speak just as eloquently to today's dancefloor - negotiating listeners of all ages to throw themselves about with wild abandon.
"Penthouse Affair" takes off where The Jades left us all those years ago, "Whatcha Gonna Do?" begins Van Helden style before breaking into a heaving hook a la Jackie Wilson, "Really Really Love You" speaks wih a forked electro tongue, while "Whooaah Yeah" wouldn't go amiss on "Screamadelica". A blistering blend of old and new, this needs your attention."
iDJ 8/10 april 2009
"After releasing a string of excellent Northern Soul influenced singles, “Running On Back To You”, “Floorshaker” and “Good Times”, it was pretty obvious Casino were on a roll. So, on to the eagerly awaited debut LP “That’s The Way The World Is Today”, which features all three singles and then some.
“Really Really Love You” has got the soulful gospel tinged vocals, but this time they are worked over big funky breaks and hooky keyboard stabs. Fatboy Slim better watch his back. “Penthouse Affair” is another 4/4 stomper with soul smoothie vocals and soaring strings, and “Whatcha Gonna Do” takes the spring loaded dancefloor to another level, with horns to die for.
Casino have taken the soulful elements of the 1960’s & 1970’s and revamped them, “That’s The way The World Is Today” is good time party music with substance and comes over like a breath of fresh air in a clogged up sewer."
DMC Update 5 star 'Album Of The Week'
"Casino's nitrous fuelled debut full length album, 'That's The Way The World Is Today'. As well as their trio of acclaimed singles so far, 'Running On Back To You', 'Floorshaker' and 'Good Times', which are included, there are seven new tracks too, providing a veritable powerhouse of ten pounding pearls, a stompathon aimed straight at dancefloors everywhere.
Apart from the fact that northern soul purists are likely to ignore Casino because these tracks haven't lain gathering dust, undiscovered in somewheresville USA, those who know classic northern sides can play spot the influence on many of the tracks. As well as enjoying the entirety of the album as a contemporary slant on classic northern soul melded with more recent forms of dance music.
Guaranteed to have all but the most narrow minded grinning rictus like, 'That's The Way The World Is Today' is unquestionably 2009's first must own at all costs release."
Scootering March 2009 'Recommended Listening'
UNITED SOUNDS OF EUROPE
"His Maustrap mix is a low-swung adventure into future funk, riddled with alien squiggles while rusty robots cry for attention. Groove-heavy, this is total DJ material and will work as a promising transition from dark to darker. The Panorama mix on the B takes things to yet moodier pastures with more mechanical igredients to chew on. Hot tip - mix both tracks together for fullphase effect. Yummy.
iDJ 8/10 singles review 'Warehouse'
LORD WARD - RICH BOYS IN STRIP CLUBS
"With a groovy disco break and cheeky lyrics it will cause carnage, especially when the breakbeats and hoovers smash their way into the mix. Like a certain burger chain, I'm lovin' it."
iDJ Mag 8/10
IDC - OVERTHROW THE BOSS CLASS
"IDC has managed to generate quite a reputation within electro circles. Each of his releases to date has been nothing less than a short savage injection of visceral dancefloor energy, created with a punk-like disregard for fashions or critical acclaim.
In a nutshell, "Overthrow" is 2008's "We Are The Night". Where the Chemicals soared into the stratosphere on a multi-million-pound spaceship, IDC's travelling on a rocket he made himself with a bunch of things he's robbed off cars, air conditioning units and terrorist's garages. The end result is a bumpy ride that jerks, jets and jams in many directions but is more fun than any sleek first-class shit NASA could offer."
iDJ 5 stars 'recommended album'
"Rock, electro and breaks collide on this daftly charming debut. Here's something you don't hear very often. The hybrid of rock, electro and breakbeat that IDC, or David McCarthy to his mum, is responsible for does not sound like Basement Jaxx remixing Prodigy, Prodigy jamming with Jimi Hendrix or indeed any artist you care to name 'on acid'. Bad news for us lazy journalists - but great news for you, the CD-buying public.
Part of the original quality in tracks like 'Stomp' is down the the beautiful, scortching guitars that McCarthy himself provides. But there's a simplicity and fun to the production - a sense of delirious enjoyment rather that trying to be clever - that gives it an instantly accessible appeal. In fact, the dumbest moments, like 'Akai Elvis' and 'Scratched', are among the most thrilling. With much potential beyond the realms of clubland too - it sounds tailor-made for live performance - don't be surprised if the festival crowd soon fall at IDC's feet too.
Interesting debut from David McCarthy!"
DJ Mag 7/10
"There are more then enough bona fide illicit beats to keep us happy. Like the quirky 'Stomp' with throbbing guitar lines and bass rumbling grooves that we previously heralded as a battle cry to raise arms for the future sound of electronic; ditto the equally brain fucking 'Bolshy Beats', the glam rock riffs of 'Boss Klass' and the Prodigy-esque 'Akai Elvis'. IDC have made a real niche for themselves - not quite breaks, nor electro, they make the future sound of electronica that computer geeks and cyber freaks can relate to."
DMC Update 4/5
"Dancefloor rock'n'roll, I reckon that hits the nail directly on the bass and synth driven head"
Artrocker
LORD WARD - BROOKLYN BLISTER
"Lo-Fi Allstars lynchpin Phil Ward draws on his love of B-More and the Sinden & Herve/Switch aesthetic for a synthy, cut-up bassline burbler. Ghetto, scratchadelic and totally original."
DJ Mag 4/5
CASINO - GOOD TIMES
"Casino just keep on delivering the goods. Well sprung dancefloors are taking a hammering"
DMC Update 5/5 'single of the week'
"if you're after an unashamed feel-good summer record, this could well be it"
iDJ
UNITED SOUNDS of EUROPE - YES & NO
"This nifty double-A almost passed under my radar, which would’ve been a shame. ‘Yes’ is the sound of a Roland 303 fucking shit up massively. Not a million miles away from ‘Higher State Of Consciousness’ getting fed through Mr. Oizo’s beef grinder, and a brilliant racket all round. ‘No’ is far more sedate, comparatively speaking: hypnotic, melodic electro-tech stripped down to just its pants and socks. Very Berlin, but playful with it. This has got crossover potential like Carmen Miranda’s got fruit."
iDJ
IDC - AKAI ELVIS THE REMIXES
"Remember this? I reviewed it several months ago and told you all to buy it. Well, true to form, I’m telling you to buy the remix pack too. Why? Because the legendary Lo Fidelity Allstars are back with a remix jauntier than a drunken pirate with two wooden legs and it’s well worth a look in. Eschewing their big beat of old, the Lo Fi’s have updated and let fly with a true party romp."
iDJ 4/5
"The big beat champs have been feeling the bassline house stuff lately, and this fucked-up Elvis homage is like a Sinden & Hervé piece on steroids."
DJ Magazine 4/5
"Following hits this year with 'Stomp' and 'Akai Elvis', one-man electro machine IDC takes a back seat here and lets the more recent single get the treatment from Lo-Fidelity Allstars and United Sounds of Europe. The Lo-Fis offer a choppy, wonky collision of breaks and bassline house with growling basslines galore. Then US of E go for the jugular with a slate of KLF-esque rave madness that'll have the kids stomping."
Mixmag
IDC - AKAI ELVIS
"Is this house? Is this breaks? Is this electro? Who gives a rat's arse, it's a filthy feel-good romp that's likely to tickle the soles of anybody's dancing feet. Just like his previous offering 'Stomp', IDC has managed to create an almost rock-like vibe to this five-minute slice of headbanging fun. Bleepy, screechy and more rugged than that builder your mum had a fling with last year, this shouldn't be overlooked. It's time, ladies and gentlemen, to rock!"
iDJ house reviews 4/5
"'Akai Elvis' by IDC is one of the act's strongest and most accessible yet, and the perfect follow-up to 'Stomp'. It's built around ravey synths that echo of the Vicks Vapour Rub mask-wearing Altern 8 and the Prodigy in their youth, mashed with drums phat enough to keep a matching band in sync. You can instantly hear why it's getting the same kind of response LCD Soundsytem's "Losing My Edge" got before it reached saturation levels"
DJ magazine Inside Track
"Big, noisy "washing machine on crack" music, all crashing indie drums and guitar-like distortion"
DJ Magazine electro-house reviews 4/5
CASINO - FLOORSHAKER
ESSENTIAL LEFTFIELD TUNE
"Casino's debut release 'Running On Back To You' took the clubs by storm last year, clocking up 'Single Of The week' all over the place. Well Casino have kept the faith and are back with a stomper, or to use another Northern Soul term 'Floorshaker'. '1.2…1.2.3..' The bag is packed and we're off to a glorious sweaty allnighter, where you can't resist the urge and the buzz in the room, making you feel like you're somewhere a bit special, as you dance til you drop. Casino's 'Floorshaker' has got all the essential ingredients and then some. Straight in the front of the box"
DMC Update 5/5
IDC - STOMP
ELECTRO SINGLE OF THE WEEK
"This really is as noisy as f**k, but that's what the kids want. Like the Prodigy smackin' their bitch up without the vocal hook, in fact it's easier to sing when there's no words to remember!"
DMC Update 5/5
"A battlecry to raise arms and prepare for the future sound of electronica, it similarly drives the crowd into a frenzy in much the same way that Alter Ego's 'Rocker' did"
DJ Magazine
"Coming on strong like the snotty nosed, unruly bastard child of Alter Ego's 'Rocker', IDC has delivered one seriously heavy slice of deviant dancefloor electro. Check it now, or forever walk around with sign saying 'kick me' on your back"
iDJ 5/5
"Think Flat Eric suffering a moment of dark teenage angst. Awesome"
Rough Trade
"IDC lets fly with his stompiest cruncher to date. With maximum bleeps, screeches and distorted guitars, this screams party time!"
International DJ Magazine 4/5
"I'm definitely into this style. The production's great too. It reminds me of 'Put Your Hands Up For Detroit' but dirtier!"
Ed Rush & Optical, iDJ guest reviews 4/5
"Already played plenty by John Kennedy, this bootlegger turned producer turns in his best work yet, a raging guitar dance beast that's gonna be massive"
Pure Groove
"Bass-driven dancefloor assault. These four minutes of filthy bass-driven electro are a good way to sign off the year"
Mixmag
CASINO - REALLY, REALLY LOVE YOU (promo only)
"After the amazing Northern Soul shenanigans of "Running On Back To You", Casino come bounding in on a swinging electro go-go vibe with "Really Really Love You", as machine made 60’s rhythms collide with synth riffs, while a slightly ramshackled but very soulful motley crew chant the title. You can’t fail to have a good time with Casino".
DMC Update 4/5
CASINO - RUNNING ON BACK TO YOU
ESSENTIAL LEFTFIELD TUNE
"The name of the Artist & the title of the song totally give the game away, because Casino’s "Running On Back To You" is dirty & gritty, pill popping, shuffling sliding’n’gliding, back flipping, duck diving Northern Soul for the 21st Century, with bags & bags of energy. You’re definitely gonna need a holdall with a change of clothes after dancing to this. Leather soles only"
DMC Update 5/5
"Considering that modern club culture's roots lie firmly in Northern Soul, it's surprising that no-one has combined the two up until now. A stomping 4/4, serious vocal that could have come from one of the classic Wigan Casino-championed US singers and some cool horns would have made a good pastiche, but this goes further. The production is updated to make a track that would storm out of the middle of a house set. Some extra mixes and Casino might not just have a hit on their hands; it might also start an unlikely revival".
DJ Magazine 4/5
IDC - PAYOLA
"This has by all accounts been kicking around all summer and is only now due for a full release. Doesn't take a genius to see why... a grungy, Moroder-ish romper-stomper. Both sides have a devil-may-care attitude about them which makes perfect, if nutty, sense"
iDJ 'house' section
"First seen as a limited edition earlier in the year, 'Payola' now gets a full release. A thrusting electro-techno cut with a disco edge and a rock riff, it's got something for everyone"
iDJ 'electro' section
"Our favourite protagonists of the illicit beat return with a bona fide release that picks up where last year's 'Scratch' left off. This number rumbles along to a tough groove that's not quite beaks, nor electro, although takes inspiration from each, while the throbbing guitar lines make for added excitement"
DMC Update 4/5
"Make sure you have the bass bins set correctly before you drop this. Trust us if you don't you will be buying a new one. Awesome dirty house....."
htfr.com
"A mad thing!"
Mark Moore
IDC - SCRATCH
"'Scratch'pushes the boundaries of electro-disco"
DJ Magazine
"A number that DFA or a Touch Of Class should be proud to release"
DMC Update 5/5
More...
"Corsair Records are producing superb releases. Debut single, Scratch, by cut-up wizard IDC was one of the highpoints of 2004. Based around a 48 Carat riff, DeBeers couldn't craft anything more complex and dazzling"
Channel 4
Corsair Records hit the mark from day one when DJ Magazine said the first release 'Scratch' "pushes the boundaries of electro-disco" and Update said it was "a number that DFA or a Touch Of Class should be proud to release", giving it an "essential" 5/5 rating
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