Terror Danjah- Industry Standard Vol. IV

Whilst the whole world (or at least the world of London pirates, blogs and music ‘zines) seems to be going crazy for Hyph Mngo this week sees the release of an equally impressive and perhaps more important record from the ‘nuum. Straight from Planet Mu is Terror Danjah’s ‘Industry Standard vol. IV’. Danjah is regarded as possibly the best grime producer of all time, bringing a ridiculous amount of synaesthesia enduing sonic sounds to his take on grime. This release features 2 reworkings of the essential ‘Zumpi Hunter’ riddim a track that’s received coverage from across the board, becoming a staple of sets by Logan Sama, Prancehall, Spyro etc.

The first version is an updated V.I.P mix, featuring superior mastering showing the true depth of production. The second mix comes from Swindle and is very much in keeping with the current trend for Bristol’s ‘Purple Wow’ sound. This sublime mix adds vibrancy and a deeper melody to the synths, inducing the listener in before launching into a crucial breakdown loaded with 808 claps. Though redolent of Joker, Gemmy etc this track stands alone in taking ‘Purple’ back to its grimiest origins and displays versatility making it perfect in the dance or at home.

The B side comes loaded with two new riddims. ‘Stealth Mode’ is a dubstep influenced banger where nasty bass lines meet intimidating percussion. Though plastic thugs like Caspa try to sound menacing they seldom (if ever) reach the intensity of Danjah’s production as displayed here. ‘Sidechain’ is simply a hidden gem. Taking a tough 4x4 beat and loading it with synth stabs and LFO effects Danjah produces a hypnotising track complete with a multiple of 4 bar break downs. It’s an emboldening track that sounds not unlike Dexplicit jamming with the Neptunes- heavy but simultaneously well-made, hedonistic and uplifting.

Whilst Joy Orbison will no doubt get the column inches Terror Danjah has quietly released 4 astute tracks of intelligent urban dance music. Well recommended.

Stealth Mode
Zumpi Hunter (V.I.P Mix)