Radical Turf holds its finger solidly on the fluctuating pulse of modern music, and pushes it a few steps into the future.
"Compilation albums generally turn out to be one of three things: a professional mix tape to advertise a label's artists, an amateur mix tape to promote the DJ's friends, or a themed collection of must-hear music. Fortunately, Hello Future? falls into the third category. In a time when every genre is beginning to infiltrate the others, many wonder what is next. Hip-hop contains beats from our favorite new wave music of the '80s. Punk is performed in a rap-like staccato. Everything has gone political. Mainstream music is no longer as easily classified as it combines elements of just about everything from classical melodies to computer produced noise. Radical Turf holds its finger solidly on this fluctuating pulse, presenting electronica, hip-hop, downbeat, breakbeat, and even a touch of pagan witchyness, flowing flawlessly from one track to the next, providing a glimpse into the potential of music. For electronic purists, there are a few very interesting lyric-less pieces ranging from glitch to ambient. But what seem to work best are the songs that send us just a few steps into the future. One of the most effective, Caustic Crush's "1971" is a powerful political electronic hip-hop piece comparing current events to the Vietnam War. "Open Says Me," is a joyride through a space battle, replete with alien voices and old sci-fi worthy keyboard work. Marinelli's "Straight Outta Compton, Illinois" is just fun with strange backbeats, eerie sound effects, and off-tune lalala-ing. And the less adventurous are sure to adore the dazzling trio of more marketable tunes: the eccentric "Osh Kosh," sinfully delectable "Sacred Whore," and sorrowful "Kites." If this is where music is going, the future needs to hurry up."
Posted: Wednesday, May 02, 2007
By: Charity VanDeberg
----------------------------------------------------
"Bleep-pop, electro, and electro-clash heroes are all present on this compilation from Radical Turf Records. Featuring artists from around Wales as well as Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Iowa, and several other American states, “Hello Future?” is a computerized fun-filled adventure of electronica. If this is the future of electronica pop, then it’s a rosy one!"
- J-Sin smother.net
----------------------------------------------------
"The tracks featured here range from dub to hip-hop to electronic to, well, experimental. Michael Taylor of IMMARTS contributes a track called "Airplay." Essentially based around percussive elements, "Airplay" is reminiscent of Richard D. James (Aphex Twins) more alien-beats works, but is quite simple and elegant. The song is relatively thin, which may not be the correct word, but there isn't a lot of melody or harmony, but it is a strongly compelling listen without. Konrad's contribution, "Osh Kosh," features Nigel Jeffrey doing what he does best: as a one-man band. For people familiar with the light-hearted synth-pop of Momus and Atom & His Package, "Osh Kosh" will be a welcome listen. Possibly the best produced track on the compilation, "Osh Kosh" floats along much like the artwork for the album, cut-out hearts fluttering upwards. Other highlights include "Night Life," a smooth and sultry techno cut, the jazzy "Night Drop", and alternative Hip-Hop number "1971." There's a little bit of everything for fan's of electronic music here. A lot of ground gets covered, but each track is relatively short, making the compilation a quite satisfying listen.
- Posted by Culley Smith at 11:30 AM | The Air Strange review: February 13, 2007
