Analogue

Following the three acclaimed “Showtime” eps, Dynamo Productions come correct with their long-awaited long player, entitled “Analogue”.
Dynamo Productions combines the talents of Portishead DJ Andy Smith and Scott Hendy otherwise know as Boca 45. As a pair of dusty fingered beat junkies, Andy and Scott are no strangers to the DJ booth and studio alike. “Analogue” is the sound of two vinyl obsessed producers creating the best DJ set you’ve never heard, where Gang Starr rub shoulders with Gainsbourg.

The previous Showtime ep’s have showcased what Dynamo do best. – an outstanding mix of sublime instrumentals alongside block-rocking hip hop beats and scratch laden cut-ups. “Analogue” takes this a step further and on to it’s logical conclusion, from the blissed-out Whitfield style strings of “Airwaves” to the good time party funk of “Steppin It Up” and the spy-cinematics of “Slip Inn” and “Dynamo Royale” the album never fails to intrigue and entertain the listener.

'Back to Basics' features San Diego based MC 'Profile' from Hip Hop crew 'The Sound Providers' who have previously recorded for ABB records (home of Dilated Peoples). Profile has now embarked on a solo career with US independent label 'Fifth Element' and took the time to contribute' 2 tracks for 'Analogue' These tracks will also appear on Profiles US LP featuring other collaborations with Pete Rock, Grap Luva, DJ Design (Stones Throw) and others.

Previous Dynamo tracks have been licensed to Deadly Avenger's Fabric Live compilation, The Battle of The Year LP (DefJam Europe), the Unique Club Culture LP (Unique Records) and a 45 on Freddy Fresh's renowned Howlin' label.

DJ

What exactly does Andy Smith have to do to banish the Portishead albatross? The Bristolian smilers ex-tour DJ, he packs out every gig with block-rocking sunshine vibes, has crafted one of the most life-affirming mix-selections ever (the still-untouchable ‘Document’) yet still the word follows his name on every flier. So how about an album with Scott Hendy (Boca 45) that applies the quickfire turntablist technique of ‘The Document’ to samples rather than vinyl? Okay, some of the raps are lame and cutting up James Brown breaks is the stalest of all staple beats, but overall ‘Analogue’ is unpretentious and irrepressibly enjoyable party hip hop. So can we do without the ‘P’ word please? And we don’t mean ‘phat’. 3/5

Mixmag

As a genre, big beat is now only mentioned in hushed tones. Dynamo Productions might be tainted with such a tag, but darn it if they don’t deserve it. This is the absurdly catchy product of Scott Hendy ad Portishead DJ, Andy Smith. Theirs is a world of old-skool beatmongery, soul samples and movie-style themes. ‘Dynamo Royale’ even sounds like the Beastie Boys in moody soundscape mode. And unlike a lot of highbrow hip hop it keeps its finger firmly on the ‘fun’ button. Nope, this isn’t big beat, but Brit-bred Bristolian hip hop with a grin wider than the River Avon.

Mojo

There is a very good reason why trip hop became a dead end, and why nobody but rappers and completists buy instrumental hip hop albums. If music is too relentlessly minimalist, there is no focus. Portishead DJ Andy Smith, creator of one of the best mix LPs ever with The Document, and his cohort Scott Hendy, understand this, and rise magnificently to the challenge of creating an instrumental hip hop album. Both men have record collections bristling with eminently sample-able fragments, but instead of eking each sample out into its own song, they cram every composition so full of ideas that Analogue never over-stays its welcome. Hey Yeah! Blends swinging organ to a meteresque backline, Dynamo Royale is all Get Carter zither and atmospherics, while Showtime’s burbling bass line is beautifully interlaced with layers of scratches and samples. 5/5