DJ Food – The Search Engine [Preview]
Posted on January 12, 2012 by Martin
The DJ Food project was started back in 1990 by Coldcut's Matt Black & Jonathan More, then later with Patrick Carpenter (aka PC) and Kevin Foakes (Strictly Kev). Famous for the "Jazz Brakes" series of beats, loops and samples – it was intended as a way of providing metaphorical "food for DJs".
The 1995 album, "A Recipe For Disaster" moved away from the "Jazz Brakes" approach and set the project up with it's own distinct identity. Matt Black and Jonathan More moved away from the project to focus on Coldcut and in 2000 Patrick Carpenter and Strictly Kev released the album "Kaleidoscope".
Now over a decade later, DJ Food (under the sole stewardship of Strictly Kev) is back with a new album "The Search Engine"
The album has a rough outer space concept, featuring excellent artwork by veteran 2000AD artist Henry Flint, famous for his inventive work on Judge Dredd, and ABC Warriors, amongst others.
Strictly Kev explains, "the way we live every day is helped by search engines of many shapes and sizes. Some people think they control and influence how we work and play. In this case, though, the 'Search Engine' could be something waiting to be found out in the vastness of space…"
The album sticks to the sample-heavy trip hop beats of earlier projects, but comes across much heavier this time; straying into the realms of psychedelic rock with suitably dark undertones. Big beats intersect the work along with dense fuzzy bass. The sound reminds me in part, of the debut album by UNKLE "Psyence Fiction" which also shares a similar out-of-world theme.
The album features guests including J.G. Thirlwell (Foetus) and The The's Matt Johnson, who features on a reworking of his own track "GIANT" from the 1983 album "Soul Mining".
The album culminates with the excellent beat heavy nine part suite "Magpie Music", that sees old DJ Food partner Patrick Carpenter return along with Solid Steel's DK adding to the mix.
Listen to 'Prey' feat. J.G. Thirlwell
"The Search Engine" is available from 23rd January and can be ordered direct from Ninja Tune here.
An exhibition of artwork from the album and Henry Flint's book Broadcast, can be seen at the Pure Evil Gallery, 08 Leonard Street, London EC2, between 26th January and 12th February 2012. More information here.
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I'm a graphic designer and music blogger, working in Hampshire in the UK.
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