Artist: Mark One
Title: Get Busy, Cant Touch This & Space Hopper
Genre: UK Garage
Style: Grime
Label: A.R.M.Y: 001
Release Date: Anytime now.

Comments:

Mark One is properly one of my favourite producers at the moment, as he seems to set the standard with every track he makes. He is already well known due to the carnage that tracks such as Fight, Life Support and The Bomb have been causing on radio and in the clubs. He was recently nominated for best producer at the Sidewinder Peoples Choice Awards 2003 and has just come back from a tour around the USA promoting the UK sound to the Americans successfully carrying his sound overseas. The style that Mark has adapted to is a cross between UK Garage, Breaks, Drum & Bass, Hip Hop and Electronic all spawned together to make the very distinct sound of this Manchester based producer. His new releases have been signed to Rossi Bs new label A.R.M.Y which will be supply the finest beats from some of the best producers (L.A.S – V.I.P! Forthcoming release on A.R.M.Y! Watch out for this one!). Marks release on A.R.M.Y consists of 3 tracks Get Busy, Cant Touch This and Space Hopper.

First of all we have Get Busy this track is made up of a typical Mark one formula and consists of skippy drums, beeps, blips, ragga vocal cuts and that infamous bassline! Mark seems to be putting together well produced grimey tracks but not ones that ravers will stand and gaze to, but once that make you want to move and dance. I think this is an essential necessity that lots more producers need to take note upon to get the vibe back into the UKG raves. Get Busy is prime example of Mark Ones sound and is a definite roller for the raves.

Secondly we have Cant Touch This which again consist of Marks unique sound and formula of dark beats. This one starts off with beeps, blips and other individual sound effects for about 8 / 16 bars then drops straight into a heavy stomping 4/4 beat which is accompanied by a dark bouncy bassline. This is the first 4/4 style track Mark has done as far as I’m aware and it shows Marks versatility within his productions. He also introduces some interesting techniques such as the beat gradually slowing down as if a turntable has been switched off. This is also one that I can see working the dancefloors and get heads bopping.

Last but by NO means least I’m left with Space Hopper. This tune is by far my best from the 3 as it is absolute pure filth! Consisting of a kick, beeps, blips, cowbells and claps the beat is wicked and really gets the track moving. Also the sound effects alongside the beat do the build up of the track justice and really work up the adrenaline to the drop. But this tracks main highlight is all down to the rancid bassline and drop. The bassline is like a motor bike engine that is been ridden by a demon through the gates of hell. Yes it’s that sick! The bassline tears, hums and rips through your speakers and shoots your adrenaline through the top of your skull. The track switches up after 8 bars of madness to bring you back down to earth with short stabby bass licks assisted by Mark Ones exceptional warped bass the erupts back into the insanity. This tune is quite simply heavy and despite you been into your Sublow, Eski Beat, Dubstep, FWD or what ever, if you like your basslines dirty then this is for you!

This 3 tracker should hopefully be hitting shelves today or in the next week so make sure you check it out. Also make sure you keep a close eye out for the Grime E.P which is been brought to you by Rephlex Records and will showcase three separate vinyl’s with four tracks on each featuring Mark one, Plasticman and SLT Mob. Believe me some of the best tracks to come from these people are on this release! Also watch out for future releases on A.R.M.Y definitely going to be dropping some bombs over this coming year such as L.A.S – V.I.P which I mentioned before. Also watch out for Mark one and the Virus Syndicate featuring on the next Sidewinder Bonus CD. Also check Mark One and Plasticman guests on 1xtra very soon, which the Grime E.P’s launch party will immediately follow down at The End. Make sure you represent!

Production: 8 / 10
Composition: 7 / 10
Technicalities: 8 / 10
Creativity: 9 / 10

Personal Opinion Rating: 9 / 10

Exclusive Audio >>>

Mark One – Get Busy: www.djdistinction.co.uk/m1getbusy.rm
Mark One – Cant Touch This: www.djdistinction.co.uk/m1canttouchthis.rm
Mark One – Space Hopper: www.djdistinction.co.uk/m1spacehopper.rm