So Cal native Q (named after the James Bond character) is the brains behind the infamous Uberzone. Since the early nineties, Uberzone has released numerous tracks and they are always pioneered by anyone that plays breaks. His singles have wound up in the record boxes of Rennie Pilgrem, Tayo, The Crystal Method, and DJ Icey to name just a few. After touring the US extensively, Uberzone has generated quite a following and the boys and girls at Distinctive Records couldn't help but notice. This mix compilation follows in the tradition of some of the worlds greatest breakbeat minds such as Freq Nasty, Koma and Bones, Tayo, and Hyper and now its time for Uberzone to step up to the decks.
This mix CD starts out with a collaboration between Uberzone and the man himself Afrika Bambaattaa. They turn out their representation of "Soul Makossa" by Manu Diangu. The Africian chanting and sexy saxophone are laced throughout this track and are layed overtop a seriously funky drum pattern. The up and comers Elite Force rear their heads into the mix on the second song. Their track "Driving Me Crazy" is filled to the top with some genuine funk. The sampled vocals are laced together with some handclaps and pounding bass. The dynamic duo of Aquasky vs. Masterblaster deliver their stormer of a track "Seville" in the number three spot on this disc. General Midi took over the task of knob-twisting on this jam. He only delivers two and a half minutes of this song, but it's a damned fine two and a half minutes. The spooky "it has begun" is dropped throughout the song and the other synth sounds make way for him to drop "Fuego" in the mix. Uberzone joins forces with breaks superstar Rennie Pilgrem to unleash "Fuego." This was an instant hit in the breakbeat community because of its ripping synth loops and funky bassline.
Getting deeper in the Uberzone comes the track "Slave" by D. Ramirez. This dark and groovy track has a tough bassline with a layer of voices and percussion elements. This opens it up for the smash Christian J. vs. Meat Katie track "Turn It Out." The echoing of congas and lazer shots are teamed up with a sexy house vocal. This song has been hammered by everyone playing breaks today. Further in, you will find "Take Me Back by BLIM. BLIM is actually a guise that is used by Robert Owens. The nasty bassline is bleneded with some deep synth riffs and spacey effects that give the song a little depth. It builds up until the song breaks with a real funky breakdown. General Midi appears again with his song "Bass Rockers." This aptly-titled song has a more funky breaks sound but retains a nu-school flair. The bass is hard pounding and there is some electro-styled loops placed throughout the song.
The "Wake Up!!!" call is given by Paul Reset near the end of the disc. This song has some eerie synth loops and hollow, old school-sounding hits that give it an interesting sound. Elite Force chimes in once more, this time in the remix form. Their remix of the Fine Cut Bodies track "Trekk Far" is another one that's been played by most breaks DJs on planet earth. The enchanting synth rhythms and funky drum patterns make it a natural selection for breaks heads. Rounding out this compilation is Ferocious Mullet with the track "Cakewhole." While some may say that they love this song like a fat kid loves cake, I wouldn't necessarily go that far. It's still a good song. The slow pace makes it an excellent choice to finish out with. The disco guitar riffs are teamed up with some nice percussion and far out synth sounds.
These fifteen tracks make up yet an installment in the fine Y4K series. Uberzone has defiantly earned his place in the breaks world and this mix CD certainly shows that. When your ready for the Southern California breaks experience make sure to pick up this baby.
