After a 20-year hiatus, respected 90’s D&B imprint Odysee Recordings launches its return with a digital re-master and remix of Bewildered. Originally released in 1995 (ODY04), this track featured on the first E.P. under the ‘Mirage’ moniker; a collaboration between Jim Baker (Source Direct) and Odysee’s founder Tilla Kemal (T-Mirage).
The original is a classic example of mid-90’s ‘Intelligent’ Drum & Bass, from its warm bed of strings and sweet vocal ad-libs, to its crisp and curling drum programming and deep subs. This track clearly demonstrates an exquisite blend of Jim’s celebrated production style with Tilla’s keen instinct for placement of abstract soundscapes, which was instrumental in the development of the Source Direct sound.
On the other side is a modern D&B take engineered by Andy Odysee. This remix manages to successfully tread that fine line between faithfully preserving the vibe and flavour of the original, whilst simultaneously lifting the tempo and the potency of both the drum programming and bass-line work in line with the modern D&B sound. Andy references much of the original break work, sample selection and arrangement, but the undulating sub punctuated by torn synth falls, and the punchy kick & snare give the track its modern twist.
Following on from the Bewildered 2018 Remix/Re-master E.P., respected 90’s D&B imprint Odysee Recordings presents its 2nd release in this series; a digital re-master and remix of No Tomorrow. Originally released in 1995 (ODY05), this track featured on the second E.P. under the ‘Mirage’ moniker; a collaboration between Jim Baker (Source Direct) and Odysee’s founder Tilla Kemal (T-Mirage).
The original is a timeless and well-loved classic from the golden era of the mid 90’s ‘Intelligent D&B movement’. It displays Jim’s celebrated skills as both a producer and an arranger to their full; building an emotive and haunting piece around two contrasting motifs. The trademark Source Direct breakbeat work is in play on this track as it switches between Clive Stubberfield and Lyn Collins; the curling drums providing the perfect framework for Tilla’s abstract sample selection to really breath and flow.
Andy Odysee’s modern remix retains all the original samples and references both the original break selection and the shape of the original arrangement. This modern D&B version then injects a turbo-charged energy into the piece with a huge undulating sub, aggressive techno-styled chord stabs and pounding kick & snare that thrust this track into the 21st century. The haunting sweetness of the piece is by no means lost, but the melodies are now presented over a framework designed with modern D&B dance floors firmly in mind.
Odysee Recordings is proud to present the 3rd in the series of digital re-masters and remixes of selected classics from the back catalogue. Originally released in 1995 (ODY03), A Different Groove featured on Source Direct’s second release on the label and sits alongside other early classics such as Fabric Of Space, A Made Up Sound and the slightly later Complexities.From the superbly engineered breakbeats to the expert arrangement and deftly placed samples, this has all the trademarks of early Source Direct and clearly demonstrates why these productions are so highly regarded. The use of space is remarkable (especially for the time) and as such this is something of a precursor to the celebrated Hokusai releases of 1996-97.
Built around the same selection of breaks and samples, Andy Odysee’s remix delivers a modern take on the classic Source Direct template. In this 21st century version, the art is very much in the detail. Jimmy McGriff’s ‘Worm’ is rebuilt to pack a harder and quicker punch supported by a cocktail of other breakbeats, classic Hip-House style bass stabs and trademark synth bass curls. Once again Andy demonstrates his ability to balance a respectful senstivity to the vibe and design of the original, whilst simultaneously reworking the various musical elements and adding spice to give them that modern twist.
a1. Source Direct - A Different Groove (2020 Remaster)
b1. Source Direct - A Different Groove (Andy Odysee Remix)
The blueprint for both the Source Direct and Mirage releases on Odysee Recordings was always about presenting two complimentary styles of Drum & Bass; often a dark Amen track on one side would be paired with a more experimental ambient or Jazz-infused track on the other. Label partner Andy Odysee’s debut solo release remains true to that ethos. Taking a break from the remix/remaster series that has seen Mirage’s Bewildered and No Tomorrow return to vinyl, Andy delivers a 12” that demonstrates both musical depth and stylistic versatility.
Cause Damage builds from the start with a feel of haunting melancholy and ethereal space, but the as strident breaks pick up the energy, the track builds. The mood suddenly switches; a seismic room-shaking sub and menacing vocal creating a sense of imminent speaker damage, before the track drops unleashing a blistering assault of razor sharp Amens and wobbling synth bass descents. This track has made regular appearances in Source Direct sets over the past year. In complete contrast, Like Jazz is a modern day twist on the style of production that was seen in tracks like A Different Groove, Complexities or even some of the Hokusai releases. A deep tech-house backbone of synth stabs give support to the freeform Jazz breaks and sax riffs that are scattered across this piece. The vocal challenges the listener with the question “Are You A Jazz Fan?” and if you are, this piece will certainly deliver a deep musical journey through Jazz-infused harmonic landscapes.
In addition to the vinyl release, the bonus digital track Body Rock is a tribute to the early Soul Boogie & Breakdance sound of the 1980’s. Packed to the seams with references to that era, there is enough vocoder, Electro-style bass stabs, 808 and 909 drum cuts, and clean classic Hip-Hop breaks, to have everyone body-popping and pulling out some impromptu headspins!
