Jungle Music to the World By William Wright (Dreamcast Extreme)
Roni Size, now noted as one of the drum 'n' bass elite, has recently released his first full LP featuring the backings of the jungle crew Reprazent entitled "Newforms". Comprised of Onallee, the group's Aretha Franklin-esque vocalist; DJ Die, who cuts and pastes the beats; DJ Suv, who helps in beat production and is famous for his precision; DJ Krust, whose D 'n' B background is just as prolific as Size's; and finally, MC Dynamite, who emcees, the group has taken Bristol, then England, then Britain, and now America by storm. "Newforms" is full of a very obvious jazz virtuosity, as it stresses horns, sampled drums, and upright bass over drum machines and synthesizers. Roni and Reprazent help define the introduction of jungle music to much of the world. Since it relies heavily on a jazz mentality, the syncopated, rushed beats take a backseat to the stabbing bass-lines that succeed in messaging the heart, instead of concussing the mind. Anyone who is a neophyte in the world of jungle/drum 'n' bass/jazzstep should undoubtedly check this one out. Rating: 9/10