BIZZY B - RETROSPECTIVE (PLANET MU)

The heads over at Planet Mu look set to repeat the success of their Remarc retrospective of 2003 with another release of some of the finest darkside jungle from none other than Bizzy B. An artist who was a central figure in the hardcore/jungle scene between 1992 and 1994, Bizzy has made his place in UK soundsystem culture though the sheer ingenious mentalism of his drum programming and editing; mixing up tough rolling breaks with some of the filthiest rave stabs of the time.
Tracks like the opening The Kore, featuring Warped Power work there way up into a rhythmical frenzy with layered breaks and reflecting, echoed amens, before the heavy 3 pronged attack of the stabs create a straight up hair raising impression. The following Merder displays a young Peshay’s talent for dancefloor destruction, with light synths and sped up vocals toying with the spooky samples and ultra-fast amen assault.
The rolling bass of Rubadub Style makes for a less frantic listen, yet the amen abstraction still keeps the pulse moving along nicely, with the house diva vocals and warped effects showing Zomby exactly how it’s done. Later tracks like the classic Badboy bring in the ragga samples and innovative breakdown, with the latter showing just how much influence this music has had on generations of beat makers since.
The 14 tracks showcase the couple of years that were a breeding ground for innovation and experimentation in UK bass music. With artists like Venetian Snares and Shitmat enjoying successful careers with their own brand of amen-foucussed mayhem (and with 2 previously unreleased tracks included here) it’s worth taking alook back at exactly where it started.

Words by Louis Cook.