Zurich based label Straight Ahead has developed a reputation for straight talking dancefloor biscuits. With artists like Earthbound, Tweak, Sequel, Hidden Agenda and Freform Arkestra all firing their fusion twists our way, the imprint is fast becoming a force within the European nu-jazz movement.
This second compilation (the title is intended to raise awareness of their website) features cut's from the aforementioned artists plus a few choice players from the international circuit. Attica Blues' overtly jazzual remix of Earthbound's brilliant 'Reggies Escape' gets the whole journey going but it's Tweak's appropriately named 'Fathorn' that really throws the first punch with a low sub-horn rumble that crosses some busted up beatwork and afrobeat style guitar licks before allowing some warm bass comes though to carry it home.
Hidden Agenda's 'Inside Outski' is slightly more subdued fare but still rolls along in a nicely percussive manner, while Sequel team up with chanteuse Shoany White for 'Why?', a broken beat feast that moves into calm, jazzual territory with White's voice sailing pleasantly over the top of soul strings and warm jazz vibes.
Earthbound get another go with 'Sometimes' a staggered slice of sonic phuturism, while Raw Deal get busy with Freeform Arkestra's 'Freeform Theme', tweaking it slightly to create a potent, rhythmic bass-freaked beast. Sequel's 'Upsolid' is a minor work of art with it's shuffling rhythms and deep house feel, and Hidden Agenda's 'Salvation' is a low paced groover that builds patiently into a subtle melange of riddim swings and swirling atmospherica.
Ultimately this is a good collection of tracks that will do Straight Ahead's good name no harm at all.
