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When two producers who are acclaimed in their own right begin to work together, often the collaborations are littered with the frays of tugging ideologies and practices. Yet since Chris Wood and MEAT have got together they have simply been a match made in heaven. Whenever the Level Non Zero label owner and the owner of esteemed German Record Shop, Freebase, work together they spawn an irresistibly unique sound. Fresh from the success of last year's "Le Yack Noir" on Kindisch, the duo return with another sub bass fuelled journey into percussion and brass led house music. Out on Murmur, the "Backdown" EP showcases the German's undeniable talent behind the studio controllers.

Deep, murmuring basslines and hushed vocals open "Backdown" before the deep groove sets in, echoed by the opposing forces of sub bass and high end percussion. As the vocal becomes more prominent, trumpets begin to join in the fun. Each blow of the trumpet adds momentum, building up the track before the brass instrument breaks into a restless fanfare, signalling that it's time to get moving in no uncertain terms.

The original is sandwiched between two dub versions here, the latter of which coming from fellow German, Sascha Dive. He adds a four / four house beat but keeps the feeling warm and comfortable. Although a decent enough driving house track, you get the sense that Sascha Dive was just playing it safe here and not stretching himself enough to bring a new take to the track.

Far more intriguing though, is the dub version that opens the package. It assumes an eccentric vibe with off kilter percussion, bells and a deep bassline that is strung out to the point of delirious but sublime insanity. All wrapped around the enticing vocal and then joined later by FX tweaked brass parts and some bigger breaks - this is a thoroughly engaging track, as enjoyable as it is danceable.

As a release, this EP has forged itself a playful sound whilst managing not to lose any of its underground ethos. The big, groovy basslines that plunge the track into the depths are set against the playful percussion and brass melodies, giving the whole release a real unique charm. Although slightly let down by Sascha Dive's interpretation, the other two versions of "Backdown" give this release the potential to become another of Murmur's classics.

Artist: Chris Wood & MEAT Title: Backdown EP Label: murmur Traclkist Backdown Dub Backdown Backdown Dub (Sascha Dive’s Chunky Dub)    www.murmurrecords.com www.myspace.com/meatme2 www.myspace.com/levelnonzero Our Rating: 6/10