Subtronik - Recalibration Log Files Volume 1

Recalibration Log Files Volume 1 is a mixtape from Toronto-bred, hip hop instrumental artist SubTronik. The 7 track, free download contains remixes and beat breaks hand crafted with love by the Gundam themed producer in her studio appropriately called "White Base."

"I usually don't make beats for emcees, I find they are too busy to rhyme on, but I really wanted to complete the vibe and showcase my work."

The mixtape is laced with a variety of sounds compiled in an old school, abstract manner, while still maintaining a true hip hop core and pays homage to a few of SubTronik's favorite bread and butter drum breaks. The best way I can describe Subtronik's sound is if Q-Tip went 50 years into the future, spent a year making beats, came back and made an album for MF Doom. It's mainly the little snippets of cartoon sounds and vocal soundbites that remind me of a Doom album which in turn draws comparisons to Madlib as the whole mixtape had a Madvillainy type feel to it for me; most notably on track number 5 - a remix of GangStarr's 'Just to Get A Rep.

"I'm not really trying to go back to the 90's although it is most definitely my favourite era of hip hop. I'm just trying to make my own sound, borrowing from the whole vibe and soul of past eras but still adding my own personal touch; My feelings and where I'm at currently."

It  also features verses from Mic Geronimo, INI, Pete Rock, Guru of Gangstarr, Crooklyn Dodgers and SubTronik's bandmate Seiko Romansu (the two come together to form the group "Lover's Anonymous").

The mixtape is available for free download at Subtronik's BandCamp page You can also follow SubTronik's blog HERE and stay up to date on the progress of the Lovers Anonymous album.

"It's going to be a pretty cool album. A lot of instrumental tracks with Seiko rhyming every so often where it fits. Nothing forced. We have the ideas pretty much done and we are waiting to see if we will be accepted for a community arts grant. Hopefully we get it, that way we can get some better equipment and really make a solid product. If the grant doesn't come through, we will still release it, but it will take a bit longer as we will then be upgrading White Base out of our own pockets."

Suspect Packages Live - Friday 14th May

Delusionists will be supporting Phi-Life Cypher at Vibe Bar, Brick Lane next Friday the 14th of May from 8pm - 1am.

With their new album and the first official release from the Delusionist's label 'Beats Laying About' (The Prolusion Plus) just released - now would be a good time to get yourself down to Brick Lane next week and see what all the fuss is about. Strictly Independant will be there in person (I'll be the one handing out beat CD's - come and say hello) If you need convincing, see the reviews of Delusionists first album The Prolusion HERE and the review of Prolusion Plus HERE.

Delusionists - The Prolusion Plus

Delusionists are back; gracing us with a revisted version of their earlier release 'The Prolusion.'

Prolusion Plus features tracks from the original Prolusion as well as several additional tracks and remixes raising the track count from 7 to a meaty 12. Also featured is Some guest production from the likes of Kelakovski, Jon phonics, Ed Strong and the man responsible for this years fastest banned mixtape (Wu Vs Beatles) Tea Sea Records founder Tom Caruana.

'Pro-Plus' opens with an alternate version of 'Who's That,' the intro track present on the first offering of The Prolusion. A chopped up vibe to the beat and a slightly darker sound with a nice bassline give the track a whole other feel - a proper remix.

The first new addition is 'Digital Connects' produced by Jon Phonics, and the production here is ON. POINT. Some computery type shimmering blips and a stuttering drum track provide a perfect back drop for Mr. Black to name drop a who's who of UK Hip-Hop blogs (including yours truly - Cheers Ben!)

'Trunk Rattle' gets a well deserved second feature on Pro-Plus although I'm slightly disappointed to see that it's not the star studded remix that NEEDS to get done. Nonetheless the track is still one of my favourites of recent times and gets my head nodding everytime.

'The Low' is another new addition which was featured earlier this year on Certified Banger's 'On The Radar Vol.5.' It acts as Black's homage to his home town of Lowestoft. Citing mainly the negative aspects of the town Ben surrenders that he 'Appreciates the high's but I love the Low.' The beat is solemn with some nice keys and a haunting vocal sample pitched up to perfect effect.

Noteworthy lyrics include;

"I was a small town boy with them big city pipe dreams

The only kid in class who didn't wear tight jeans

And when I was busy thinking up rhyme schemes

You was on them petty crime scenes nickin' ice creams."

Yet  another new addition next with the Kelakovski submission '12 Letters.' Everything about this track smacks HARD. With some lo fi digital chords that had me thinking I'd just reached the final level on Castlevania, a hook that sounds like Stephen Hawking was an uncredited collaborator and the kind bassline and drum track that snaps necks - whats not to like?

"Work" is a lovely instrumental track with some 93' sounding drums and a very nice set of string samples that serves to break up the repertoire nicely.

"Movement" is another supremely well crafted track produced by Delusionists mainstay Slim Pickens. The sample here is complimented by some hard drums and nice wordplay from Ben like;

"You could masturbate until your phallus aches

And still wouldn't come as hard as this - it wont happen mate"

'Game of Soldiers' reprises it's role on Pro-Plus and it's worth mentioning that you should look out for this track to appear on my upcoming remix project which also features...

...Supa lyrical Excursion. Featured here is the Tom Caruana remix which is odd (in a good way) jerky (in a good way) and unlike anything I've heard before (DEFINITELY a good thing) once again, the remix gives a whole other perspective on the track which in my eyes is the stamp of approval for a good remix.


I've tried not to say too much about The Prolusion Plus, firstly because I've already reviewed the tracks from the first Prolusion HERE!  Secondly because I want you to get it yourself and make your own minds up and thirdly because I know you'll love it regardless of what I think. Certified Banger are quoted as having said "“Are Delusionists the mystery saviours of real Hip Hop from the UK? It's a very strong possibility.” To say I agree with that statement is putting it lightly.

Buy it from ITUNES or direct from the The Delusionists WEBSITE