DKD - Future Rage

At long last, after extended journeys through cyberspace on CDR and Japanese records stores, the future is upon us and it's still all the rage.

I say "still" because "Future Rage," DKD's first long-player, emerged on the underground "shhhhh! major CDR pressure" circuit about a year ago. The heavily guarded title cut circulated among the highest echelons of DJ illuminati two or three years before that and dazed dancefloors from the first moment it dropped. So what of this "Future Rage"? For those of us who have been waiting (for the vinyl at least), was it worth it?

Hell yeah. "Future Rage" slides snuggly into the realm of brilliant music confident enough with itself to expand the tenuous boundaries of soul, funk and jazz. With depth and subtleties rarely seen in today's dance music, it conjures everything from Chic to Weather Report to Rick James. And while it is characteristic of the "broken beat" style coming out of West London, it takes the next broad step towards redefining Black music. DKD's work conveys a sense of struggle, introspection and examination of soul that resonates specifically with a Black audience. At the same time, it is accessible enough to reach a broad spectrum of open-minded listeners.

DKD's music clearly spawns from the soul and funk jazz of the early 70s, amalgamating those styles and exploring the logical progression to which they lead. Kaidi and Dego's stellar keyboard work forms the strongest base of each song and creates the album's contemplative, steady mood. The consummate group of vocalists complements DKD's sound with a heightened sensitivity to the nuances of the tracks. Philadelphia's "Lady" Alma Horton richly delivers the album's opener "Getaway," a song expressing feelings of frustration and desire to escape. The incomparable Bembe Segue inspires perseverance on "You Know It." Rasiyah and Tammariah bring the serious groove on the uplifting "Brighter Day," a song with one of the best bridges I've ever heard. Face, who I really hope is working on a solo album, is a long-time collaborator with the West London crew and comes correct on the title track and "Super Amazing."

Worth the wait? Absolutely. "Future Rage" is an impressive debut and one I hope receives the attention it richly deserves.