Crack

Lights are shining in the world of 23 year-old Hudson Mohawke. Performing with a backdrop of bright white, flickering bulbs, these twinkling stars provide an apt metaphor for the trajectory of his career.

A native Glaswegian and UK DMC finalist at 15, Mohawke (real name Ross Birchard) has clearly been rammed full of potential, yet the direction his musical wanderings have taken puts him in a bracket far removed from the turntablism of his teenage youth.

Mohawke is a leading force in new, quality, British electronic production, which is experiencing an unrivalled amount of exposure at the moment due to the wide availability of technology and a cross-pollination of styles, the likes of which of which have never really been seen in the British dance scene before.

Signed to Warp records (an endorsement of quality, if ever one was needed), Mohawke’s debut album - Butter, could soundtrack a sci-fi film. It also features perhaps one of the most eye-pounding pieces of 80's artwork ever to adorn a sleeve. The giant eagle on the front providing an obvious reference to the fact that Mohawke’s sound is not in the deep, dark bracket. He’s created something with wings that soars.

Mohawke is at the Thekla tonight in live producer capacity with an array of electronic equipment and MC Olivier Daysoul on vocal and hype duty. The minimal light aesthetics of the Thekla, the bright whites of the aforementioned twinkling bulbs and the odd strobe flash complement the intensity of Mohawke’s performance. His music is so futuristic you feel like you are taking in something created for the space travel generation.

The sluggish hip-hop and broken beat of Fuse is what Flying Lotus would sound like if he added an uplifting pop edge, and standout track of the night Joy Fantastic is pure Speakerboxx era Outkast. Mohawke’s ability to harness a melody with a big ol’ beat is only half the story. For one so young, his use of vocals is second to none.

There is a distinct experimental trend at the moment among producers to use a stripped down hip-hop beat and layer all manner of effects to create something with more edge and bite. Mohawke has done this but with such a positive slant, he has separated himself from the group with ease.

He finishes tonight’s gig with his re-working of Oops by Tweet, a 2002 R’n’B hit about female masturbation. A perfectly odd and interesting way to conclude an evening of engaging and at times completely encapsulating music, from a man who has the stars at his feet.



Tune: Joy Fantastic

http://www.myspace.com/hudsonmo

- - - - - - - - - -