CASTLE MUSIC

General Levy - New Breed - Trojan - TJACD058

Released on 11 November 2002

Originally issued in 1999 and considered to be a creative triumph but I don't think it did as well as expected. Now reissued under the Trojan imprint.

Paul 'General' Levy is a London DJ performing since the early 90's and cut some dancehall anthems. He adapted into the (then) emerging rhythms of jungle and is now an established DJ and 'junglist'.

Here we have the basic dancehall style of DJ freestylin over hot ridims and then some. We have electronic reggae beats but we delve into Salsa, Bhangra, techno, out and out jungle and more.

Whether the strained trumpet and salsa beat on La La Migo Salsa or the more traditional (of the genre) 'Money Maker' grabs you, there is always something of interest if you are into this kind of thing. Some real clever things happening with the beats.

'Open Sees See Me' is a top cut in a Bhangra style. 'Feeling good today is a great straight dancehall track. 'Unique' is dancehall but more quirky and moving in and out of jungle and ragga.

'Street Kids' is jungle, but at it's mellowest, jazz beats and easy vocal sample. 'New Breed' the title trackalso contains some good samples.

Other tracks are Billy the kid, Girls Anthem, Radical, and Incredible (Remix)

Bonus tracks are Unique in an R&B mix and a house mix, both of which are very good.