Anthropologist, Chrome, DJ Sure Delight and producer R-Key have been dropping their own brand of hip hop science as Def Tex for the best part of fifteen years. Of course this being a UK hip hop crew, don't be surprised if you haven't heard. As most of us know by now, raw, solid talent in this country doesn't seem to equate to platinum record sales, ubiquitous media coverage or even basic recognition at times.
Not that this uphill struggle has deterred Def Tex who have kept on keeping on, delivering dope sonics such as the memorable 'Master Blaster EP', the 'Poetic Speech Techniques EP' and their more recent 'Synchronise EP'. Their latest excursion though is what brings us to East London's Cargo venue tonight; after so many years throwing down singles and EP's, the crew have finally come up with their first full length joint - an album called 'Serene Bug'.
Despite the promise of DJ battles and breakdancers, the sizeable venue is largely devoid of any kind of activity when we arrive, save for a few punters milling around and a bunch of skaters using a temporary ramp set up outside. The soundtrack makes up for matters, however, as the DJ throws down a considered mix of old and nu skool jams.
By the time the band step on stage at around 9pm, the venue is half full. Flanked by guitarist Toshi Matsunaga, bassist Matthew Jefferson and drummer Jasper Williams, the core trio - Anthropologist, Chrome and DJ Sure Delight - drop into the album track 'I Don't Know' as an opener. The overall sound and energy are impressive and infectious as the bearded Anthroplogist and the less hirsute Chrome trade rhymes in dynamic old skool style over a funky live jam.
There follows a varied selection of cuts from 'Serene Bug', including the insouciant strums of laid back ditty 'Toes Are Sinking', a cut that contrasts neatly with weightier head nods like the classic 'Synchronise' and the drum and bass stylings of a tune called 'Seven Suckers' which shows their open-minded approach to music.
By the end of the evening, all members of the band have confirmed their various talents in no uncertain terms, not least DJ Sure Delight who sure does delight with his unassailable decks-pertise. As the show shows signs of winding up, Anthro and Chrome bust into a supremely cool rap-apella before ushering on a surprise guest in the shape of UK veteran Huntkillberry Finn.
The three MC's spit a freestyle session before launching into the final song of the night, a funkadelic flex called 'Rock The Beat', which leaves us with the lasting impression that although they may never get their due props, Def Tex are certainly as adept as any other crew out there of producing great music and backing it up with a vibrant live show.
