Review: Maxine Scott x Alf.E - Guard Down (Ramrock Blue Records)

Wow! Ramrock Blue Records are red hot with superstar Maxine Scott.  

Once more, the new release with beats maestro Alf.E is a perfect expression of modern love issues as 'Guard Down' follows the equally youthful, 'Ya Energy' and 'SXC' (all beloved of BBC 6 Music, FACE FM and other high quality radio stations worldwide).

'Guard Down' is arguably the most 'open' Ms. Scott has been lyrically on the three collaborations with Alf.E so far and therefore, most touching/emotional - get the cover artwork?

The only problem with these kids today (Ed. I feel a soapbox coming on) is why, oh why are these tracks so short?  I really don't get it!  If they can concentrate for 2 hours for "beats and instrumentals to help block out distraction" but over 3 minutes! (check out BBC Sounds' 'Focus Beats' which is apparently the in-thing at DJ school these days!)

Anyway, back to 'Guard Down', there are vocal and instrumental versions and watch out and in the future, there's more collaborations as she's a dance orientated session with producer  Andrew Sant, a solo track as part of the Black Science Orchestra's 30th Anniversary and a live gig at London's Jazz Cafe - life is moving fast for this young lady, let's hope she doesn't let her guard down.

Artist: Maxine Scott x Alf.E

Title: Guard Down

Release date: 24th February, 2023

Label: Ramrock Blue Records

Cat. No: RRB016

Format: Digital

Review: Hollie Cook - Move My Way (Black Science Orchestra Remixes) (Merge Records)

Hollie Cook's new single, taken from her album 'Happy Hour' is all you'd expect from the 'Lil' Slit' with her reputation for bouncey lovers rock that here is produced with the help of Youth. 

It's backed by a track called 'Unkind Love' and if you are a fan of her 2011 debut album on Mr Bongo (produced by Dennis Bovel that got full  Prince Fatty dub overhaul) you'll won't be surprised by the quality of this new material.

What perhaps will surprise you (thanks to Mrs Ramrock, Jo Wallace for pointing this out) is that there's a Black Science Orchestra remix and dub versions.  We've not seen/heard these guys since Junior Boy's Own/Afro Art way back. 

The remix is very much in a disco-shuffle-jazz-funk groove and with a proper 'dub'; it's going to get you moving as the synths and percussion take on a very 80s go-go vibe with reggae island horns and organ; what more could you ask for? Kitchen sink? (only kidding).

Lets hope this is the start of Black Science Orchestra taking on more remixes like this.

P.S. There's an interview with Ashley Beedle in the new DISCO POGO magazine [#2] in which he covers his Black Science Orchestra days and much more.

Artist: Hollie Cook 

Title: Move My Way (Black Science Orchestra Remixes) 

Release Date : 14th September, 2022

Catalog Number : 

Label : Merge Records

Format: Digital