Madam X – Kaizen Movements Vol 1

Label: Big People MusicScore: 8/10

Grime is making some interesting movements lately, with some even more interesting, if slightly surprising faces taking it there. From being a particularly niche genre, with only so much scope for possibility, it has now become an umbrella term for which producers from Visionist round to Flowdan fall under. And it is precisely this variable aspect that has been tapped up by one of the leading ladies of this new school of grime, Madam X with her ‘Kaizen Movements Vol 1’.

The compilation brings artists together that vary in stature as well as style and in doing so it shines a respected torch on those who, really until now have been overlooked. As expected there are lots of straight club cuts that are sure to light up a fire in the dance. Timbah’s contribution featuring the bellowing tones of MC T-man, is built around the typically pulsating synth stabs, though the fluorescent harmony lines and amen breaks that encounter its peripheries, make it firmly atypical.  

Tracks from Murlo, Dark0 and Samrai’s remix of Rubi Dan & Famous Eno’s ‘Terminator’ are what will draw listeners into the compilation. Each of the additions are a signatory of said producers sound. 

The final two selections are possibly the most intriguing of the group. G S One’s ‘You Should’ve Known’ is simply beautiful music. Its sensually wandering piano line and spacious chords give it that ‘baby making’ feel, and the samba influenced drums give it a life that is quite unmatched in electronic music. Benjha’s ‘Lighthouse Blues’ is definitely the wild card selection. Rolling in the 110bpm region is what sets apart from the rest, but its not what you would typically call house.

You’ll hear roll calls of ‘All Day Everyday BPM’ at any of their parties and with this compilation it seems certain that the Manchester based crew will be setting a guiding precedent with their musical output too.