For their 13th release, they present yet another true winner, DAWL with his debut vinyl of true to the style acid, techno bleep, hip-hop, breaks and more to explore.
Next level breaks, techno, acid and hip-hop artifacts
Childhood Intelligence continues to be on a prolific roll of quality that breaks the molds. For their 13th release, they present yet another true winner, DAWL with his debut vinyl of true to the style acid, techno bleep, hip-hop, breaks and more to explore.
In times where the world has seemingly gone wrong, Childhood Intelligence has remained strong, releasing and selling vinyl of the highest order from Nightstalker, Darren Nye, Soft Pioneer, as well as a joint venture with Omato—all holding global admiration and easily in the classic album conversation; as well as placing Childhood Intelligence amongst the leaders of quality electronic music with strong stories and high recommendations. Now it’s time to receive the vision of DAWL’s imagination—a very talented UK-based artist who has released great music regularly on Tone Dropout, as well as EPs on Craigie Knowes, Pareidolia, and now Childhood Intelligence. For this occasion, we get to experience his dynamic range of style from a full feature view; 10 premium quality tracks taking it to the future and back in his 2LP album debut Born Abstract.
(A1) “Grafiti Headz” — As soon as the needle drops “Grafitti Headz” opens up a world of a flavorful art culture that once was synonymous with real hip-hop—amidst the lively sounds of cars, dialogue samples in delay, and the rattle of spray cans as the mission expands into early 90s boom bap style beats for the art gallery of the streets. The bassline is warm, and inviting, while the metallic snares strike like a smooth lightning. You’ll also hear ace scratching and mixing while experiencing a true reflection of what the art of hip-hop today is often missing. “Show me what you got” as one of the clever lines declares, while a graffiti can shakes and breaks guide your through audio subways with the big boom of bass. It’s not a long track, working really well as an introduction, and a deep message unwinds as this production causes that hardcore running man destruction.
(A2) “Quadrant 6” — The script flips with a time trip into techno bliss on “Quadrant 6.” Fans of early 90s Bleep will play this one for keeps as the colorful sounds cruise over deep bass and raw claps layered over 909 grounds. The track further progresses into acid territories while chords arise at the right moments to tell a more euphoric melody story. “Quadrant 6” is for the future and influenced by yesteryear. DJ’s or listeners can count on its anthem-like energy without fear.
(A3) “Red Sky” — Keeping the territory in the early 90s techno highs with aggressive acid and hypnotic snake charm bleeps, “Red Sky” lights up the atmosphere over a thick kick-drum and snare with hip-house style beats. It’s a real treat—guaranteed to get the deeper crowds moving their feet, as the booming bass of the rhythm and cosmic arpeggios compete. This is true fun, and certainly not for the weak. Also check for the introspective pads taking the mood into galactic territory as the acid and snare rolls amp up during peaks. “Red Sky” is quite the deep choice for an engaging bleepy house high. Make sure your dancing sneakers are laced, and beware of the bass in this trip into space.
(B1) “Hypnotized” — Side B gets straight into an action-packed ride and the mean bassline it provides. It’s classic acid all day and night with funky chords and mystique-filled pads that serenade a lovely female dialogue sequence with such a ghostly and cybernetic delight. Again, as this is going, the acid does not hold back on its might. Clap layered kick-drums and go-getter hats keep you moving and grooving. For the true acid heads.
(B2) “Recon” — Space can be a scary place when you have the dark stalking vibes of “Recon” in the background. The track opens with strings as it surveys Saturn’s rings, perhaps on a quest for biological beings, moments before opening the treasure trunk on a world of lysergic-soaked funk. The bass and relentlessness of sharp kick-drums bump, while delayed voice samples add a pure cosmic bliss. Icy arpeggios give the track even more of a journey flow, and it’s easy to get lost in. Classic deep techno LSD.
(C1) “Vibrations” — Side C opens with nighttime techno. Aptly titled, this track goes through various moods and sensations thanks to a great use of space, zaps, radar blips and modulations for a truly cyber-laced taste. Sinister hums create highs over punchy kick-drums full of heavyweight bass which is dipped in acid at times while the synth strings appear in peaks. The low-end is also phantom like as accompanying arpeggios and bleeps go back and forth like a match of tennis. “Vibrations” is also a choice dial for that deep tech set that goes for miles as it’s all business.
(C2) “Quantum Jam” — It’s time for hybrid electro and breaks. There’s something quite special about the texture of the bassline on “Quantum Jam.” While arpeggios proceed pads that elevate like a new perspective in the mind, they have that healing and introspective vibe. The beat holds no spares—808 kicks and snares are elevated with a fast-paced electro rhythm. There is certainly personality of the old school UK rave times in the bassline as well, while whistling melodies give it such a winning integrity. This track is full of energy, stylishly executed, unifying the power of electro-bass, rave, and breaks—your neighbors told you to turn it down, but you won’t give a damn, it’s “Quantum Jam.”
(D1) “Im Confused” — Side D leads with a fine mix of UK techno-breaks with a bleepy oasis of vivid arpeggios sounding like they came from the control boards of a UFO. And it all makes perfect sense, arranged brilliantly in a way that is dynamic and intense with a bassline that dominates without forgiveness. The seamless transition between futuristic breaks and techno is a pleasure to listen to, however, this track is a workout aimed for the energy level peaks at high precision. Equally owning the dance floors, “Im Confused” is a mental experience that demands several encores.
(D2) “Metaphysical” — Beautiful acid techno from outside the realm of the mind takes us through the groove in “Metaphysical.” The rhythm will appeal KMS label fans from that classic era, while it charms with a dark sensuality and is mystic in its surreal blend of warm flutey pads and acid lines. The bass in the groove is funky and the kick-drums absolutely stomp. Using clever filters that take it through passes, “Metaphysical” is aggressive overall and clearly designed to shake your ass.
(D3) “Ultrasonic Sound” — Taking it back to the days of DJ’s with the showcase sample scratches. Reminiscent of B-sides or classic hip-hop instrumental singles from the mid to late 80s with dialogue samples chanting “Ultrasonic Sound Coming Out Yo’ Speakers.” This track will make true b-boys and girls burn the rubber off their sneakers; especially with stabs, and nasty bassline that has no manners in mind. Exactly what true graffiti heads and real hip-hop heads like, and might even entyce you to pick up a microphone. Nevertheless, the mixing here captures this feel of an era at its best, with a drum machine rhythm that is arms folded and Puma classic fresh. Old-school, serious faces, and shoes with fat laces—what an album appropriate to get a party started in all places.
DAWL doesn’t hold back at all on his debut and its full of next level breaks, techno, acid and hip-hop artifacts that come together and never let up any slack. In other words, this LP pack of two can be played all the way through and tells a story. You can also play any of its tracks alone or in your sets and create energy that is full blown. It also further cements DAWL as an artist to always check, as he deserves much respect for this.
Once again, the label host, Alexander Einetter’s Childhood Intelligence wins—dropping one dope project after the next with a mysterious ninja presence; control of emotions yet full musical devotion. A stellar job on the artwork as always. Capturing graffiti bliss of mysterious subways in a minimal yet very aesthetically pleasing way. Everything here is just flowing, from the art to the concept, to the sound design and mastering. Engineered by Marco Pellegrini at Analog Cut, with a quality you can always trust.
Born Abstract is available on Childhood Intelligence – Child Twelve on November 26, 2020. [Juno]
