Traverse / Deuce by J:Kenzo

Originally released on limited edition 7" Vinyl with Zam Zam Sounds

Now available exclusively as digital download on my bandcamp store

Boomkat Review:

His 3rd shot for the label since 2016 heralds the original UK mutation of barrelling steppers motion on ‘Traverse’, rolling out infectious, relentless bass pressure and nimbly pounding percussion with the sort of mean momentum that sprang from sound systems such as Aba Shanti-I and Iration Steppers since the late ‘80s and deep forward, here gilded with a lustre of ‘90s technoid synth pads.

‘Deuce’ follows to show how that sound fed into UKG and proto-dubstep by the end of the ‘90s and around turn of the millennium with likes of Benny Ill’s Horsepower Productions, dipping off the beat with a craftier, sexier 2-step swang on the cusp of dark garage.

RWDFWD Review:

Dubwise-rollers and deep-trips from J:Kenzo...
"From the first second of the tune, “Traverse” teleports us straight into equatorial zones; humid spaces of dense green and animal calls from the canopy above. Deep pads and tribal percussion take a path to a driving 4/4 kick, in turn dropping into a massive, rolling bassline that recalls the best of late 2000s and early 2010s 135-140 while keeping the dub flourishes utterly fresh for the now.

No stranger to garage, especially in his Jodo Kast identity, Kenzo satisfies our love for the form with “Deuce,” bringing the drums and vintage flavor again, but this time in the service of mightily-swung UKG in fine style, expertly dark & dubwise 2 Step that hits just right. Chopped, panned & verbed to perfection, this is hard yet subtle dance music from the roots that nods to the past & winks to the future of funk with the light touch of a don in his prime."

Make sure the bass-dial is turned to 11 for these.

Tracklist

1.	Traverse	4:14

2.	Deuce	4:02

Credits

released November 4, 2022

written & produced by J. Fairbrass @ Huntingdale Studios, Northern Ireland, UK

License