Celebrations for Hyperdub’s 10th birthday are kicking off in fine style this week with the release of the first in a set of 2 disc compilations, Hyperdub 10.1, and a 3 room full takeover party at Fabric. The track list and line up make for exciting reading, throwing into dramatic relief the dynamism and influence of one of electronic music’s most lauded labels.
Perusing the back catalogue, it’s striking how many game changing artists and seminal releases have come through from the Hyperdub stable. The mix is eclectic yet consistencies are apparent. As if the label’s earliest releases from Kode 9 and Burial set the tone for what was to come there runs a lean toward the haunting, the stark, an atmosphere that evokes rain, the night bus and darkened streets in the shadier parts of town.
The most unwavering of these consistencies is innovation. Never resting on their I’m sure not uncomfortable laurels, Hyperdub has managed to remain consistently at the forefront, leading the charge rather than waiting till change is safe. They’ve never fallen into the trap that’s clutched too many long lasting labels, of finding their sound and then making it forever. Like Tetsuo crossed with a roaring Godzilla soundsystem Hyperdub maintains a perpetual twisted growth, where distorted fronds sprout ever new mutated rhythms.
I’m celebrating the 10th birthday of this, one of my favourite labels, by listening to 10 beloved tunes. After that I’ll doubtless listen to 10 more.
Kode 9 and the Spaceape – Sine of the Dub
Burial – Ghost Hardware
King Midas Sound – Dahlin
Cooly G – Playin Me
Ikonika feat Jessy Lanza – Beach Mode Keep It Simple
Darkstar – Aidy’s Girl is A Computer
Terror Danjah – Breaking Bad
Kyle Hall – Girl U So Strong
LV feat Okmalumkoolkat – Boomslang
DJ Rashad – Rollin’
You can check the line up and get your tickets to Friday’s party on the Fabric website: http://www.fabriclondon.com/club/listing/900
If you’re not in London or have other plans (Warning: not recommended) then you can buy Hyperdub: 10.1 along with a host of other incredible release on their website and all in good record stores: http://www.hyperdub.net/
Neoterika 