Alix Perez (Charleroi, Belgium) who first came to prominence back in 2005, has been described as one of the most talented Drum n Bass producers as well as one of the “Leaders of the Nu Skool” by Knowledge Magazine, he now brings us his LP titled “1984”. But does this LP live up to the hype?

Perez opens with the title track "1984" an atmospheric tune that pretty much sets the tone for the entire LP -- minimal, atmospheric drum n bass. “The Cut Deepens” features Foreign Beggars rapping over beats that  remind me of old school Photek, which was always ahead of it's time and not exactly everyone's cup of tea; whilst, “Fade Away” and “Voices” deliver ethereal superlativeness along with excellent, crisp drum patterns.

"Portraits of the Unknown” is a short interlude from the norm and an another fine example of chill meets DnB, before getting underway with more slap drum fun with “Forsaken” featuring the legendary vocals of Peven Everett.

As you may have noticed, this LP is full of collaborations and "Intersections" is no exception featuring the critically acclaimed American spoken word artist, Ursula Rucker on a hip hop vibe with her super-cool, smooth vocals. Alix is then back on his own with the track "I'm Free", a series of beeps and blips and “Contradictions” with it's pleasurable piano chords.

Other collaborators on this LP are the UK hip hop artist Yungun on “Calm of Cast”, Zero T injecting his style into “Suffer in Silence”, Truth & Lynx with the tripped-out “No Grudge” and he finishes the LP off with some help from Sabre.

"1984" transcends the club/home listening divide with ease providing not just another drum and bass album but something so much more special. Going against the grain Alix has delivered an album for real music lovers the world over. Crossing the genres he delves from blissed-out downbeat and experimental hip hop to funk, soul and of course his beloved drum and bass, fusing them all together in the ultimate urban electronica album for 2009.

For those who enjoy their dnb with a more mello feel, this LP will be right up your alley. So, put your headphones on and drift away into the world of Alix Perez.

“1984” drops on the 12th October from Shogun Audio.

Samples