Kode9 and the Spaceape

Black Sun Hyperdub ****

Black Sun
Hyperdub****

Hyperdub boss Steve "Kode9" Goodman and Stephen "The Spaceape" Gordon set a new standard for dubstep with their Memories of the Futurealbum five years ago. Since that initial step into the arena, dubstep has been deconstructed and rebooted in so many different ways that it is now producing shades such as post-dubstep and popstep. But Goodman and Gordon's return to the studio has them reaching for new heights rather than emulating other sounds. Black Sunis a vivid and ambitious album that anchors its dub symphonies with deep, warped, wobbly rhythmic panache. Goodman's production is dastardly throughout, an assured

display of sonic innovation and masterly electronic dubscapery over which Gordon’s lyrics play out as eerie, edgy tales from the hinterlands, often amplified by Chinese MC Cha Cha. A dark and thrilling broadcast from the mean streets of the future. See hyperdub.net JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Love is the Drug, Black Smoke, Promises