Although Hyperdub Records was founded by Scottish producer Kode9 to promote a fresh new genre called "dubstep," the label's ten-year anniversary compilation has the late DJ Rashad's influence written all over it. A 33-track overview of Hyperdub's first decade (that confusingly only focuses on its past five years), Hyperdub 10.1 documents the label's sound, from polyrhythmic dubstep to the more melodic footwork, a genre pioneered by Rashad and his Teklife crew (who are more than well represented here).
The compilation works as both retrospective and showcase, as the first half of the album contains up-and-coming new music (the future-funk of Mala, the grime 2.0 of Flowdan and the genre-pushing footwork of DJ Earl) as well as label favourites Burial, Terror Danjah, LV and, of course, Rashad. Hyperdub's decision to keep the material on Hyperdub 10.1 fresh and topical may take away from the commemorative feel of the comp, but the pure excitement the label's latest incites deserves nothing less than celebration.
(Hyperdub)The compilation works as both retrospective and showcase, as the first half of the album contains up-and-coming new music (the future-funk of Mala, the grime 2.0 of Flowdan and the genre-pushing footwork of DJ Earl) as well as label favourites Burial, Terror Danjah, LV and, of course, Rashad. Hyperdub's decision to keep the material on Hyperdub 10.1 fresh and topical may take away from the commemorative feel of the comp, but the pure excitement the label's latest incites deserves nothing less than celebration.
