Reviews
Ramadanman
Over the last couple of years David Kennedy, better known as Ramadanman and, increasingly, Pearson Sound has been busy cementing his position as one of the principal figures in the burgeoning bass music scene. The precocious twenty three year old’s Hessle Audio label, which he co-runs alongside Ben UFO & Pangea, continues to go from strength to strength, whilst his own cuts remain as fresh and forward thinking as ever. Therefore it comes as little surprise that Kennedy has become the latest in an illustrious line invited to offer his touch to the FABRICLIVE series.
The breadth of music that Kennedy draws upon for ‘FABRICLIVE 56′ is startling, yet although the mix runs to an extensive and sometimes wildly divergent 30 tracks he demonstrates restraint and control well beyond his years. Nothing is hurried or overly delayed; each track makes its impact before Kennedy introduces his next strand. This remarkable command of pace sees Kennedy seamlessly meld disparate joints, layering and looping with such subtle dexterity that the listed ‘tracks’ represent only the faintest of markers rather than anything tangible. This is a skill which abounds, and is at its most strikingly apparent when you find yourself immersed in Pinch’s eastern tinged ‘Qawwali’, wondering how you got there, when just moments earlier it was MJ Cole’s grime anthem ’From the Drop’ demanding attention. This inspired blend perfectly illustrates the disorientating and transient quality of the ‘post-dubstep’ world Kennedy and his various guises inhabit.
This idea of control should not be misunderstood as Kennedy playing it safe, for this is a work of considerable scale and ambition. Working under his two monikers Kennedy’s able to draw on both his past through Ramadanman’s defining works, as well as his present and future via a plethora of unreleased Pearson Sound tracks. This is an idea the mix expands upon. Stylistically we’re treated to an oscillating journey; with the warm futuristic house vibes of Bristol’s Julio Bashmore and Kennedy’s own ‘Symphonic Mix’ of Joy Orbison’s ‘GR Etiquette’ offering a respite from the familiar, yet bristling percussive drive showcased on the brilliant ‘Woo Riddim/Glut’, and the ominous bass present on Girl Unit’s ‘IRL’ and his Night Slugs stablemate Lil Silva’s contribution.
Pearson Sound/Ramadanman’s FABRICLIVE sees one of the hottest producers in the country in full flow, yet it’s more than just a stunning mix. It also fantastically represents a succinct charting of the varied ‘post-dubstep’ bass scene; where it’s from and where it’s going. The fact Kennedy can give a nod to all his myriad influences, which range from UK Funky to Burial’s ethereal brand of garage and everything in between, whilst maintaining a coherent sense of narrative is a testament to both his audacity and skill. This is a mix where its sum succeeds – remarkably – in being greater than its already exceptional parts.
Words: Joseph Clarke-Knowles
FABRICLIVE 56 is out now on fabric.
