Kunuaka - the debut album by dynamic dub specialists Makossa & Megablast is breaking onto the airwaves like a sonic future shock, and looks set to propel the Austrian duo into the producers elite. Fusing afro-electro vibes with organic grooves this album shows G Stone, their spiritual home, is still looking forward and bringing through the best of the next wave of producers.
Makossa & Megablast have already created a stir with a series of hot remixes and two single releases. Their first single Like a Rocket / Kunuaka was unveiled at last years Winter Music Conference and proved an immediate hit with the likes of such luminaries as Gilles Peterson, Carl Craig, Laurent Garnier and Kenny Larkin. The title track of the album was nominated for Best track 2006 on Gilles coveted Worldwide awards. Their futuristic remake of labelmate Tosca's Heidi Bruehl track was a sonic highlight from Tosca's remixes album with a killer riff that made it one of the most floor friendly G Stone releases of recent years.
A great compilation of audio communication on a global beat level, rangeing from nasty old school style breaks to clean bossa drums. This album feels of a eclectic native groove bringing me back to cocktails in Brazil.
You can understand why artists Gilles Peterson, Laurent Garnier, Kenny Larkin and more have found appreciation in Makossa & Megablast's work.
M&M's style reminds a bit of the legendary Rockers Hi-Fi, but with faster tempo. I was astounded by the attention they paid to details: just listen to "The Matting Game" and feel the slow build-up, the solid beat and all the little sounds that appear and disappear the next second, it's catchy and spacey but never cold. Maybe the first impression will not be that spectacular but a closer listen will reveal more. Definitely the best release of 2007 so far.
