Tifa - Champion Bubbler (Kling Klang riddim)

Part of a trilogy of Dre Skull releases in Summer 2012 (with Loudspeaker Riddim preceding and Kingston Story: Deluxe Edition to follow), the Kling Klang Riddim presents five new dancehall tracks, two new additions to the Mixpak artist family and a million vibes.

Though recorded in Kingston, Jamaica earlier this year, Kling Klang is named after Kraftwerk's legendary German studio and takes some inspiration from their repertoire: Dre Skull's riddim revs up to the sound of an engine, then breaks into a minimal soundscape powered by cymbals, resonating bass and lasers that waver on computer game aesthetics before accelerating into the chorus.

For his second voicing on a Mixpak riddim, Beenie Man takes a trip in his time machine and delivers “Super Model,” offering a 90s style delivery with throwback content to match: hailing the coca cola bottle shape. Portmore's Deva Bratt brings it “Hot And Ready,” with his fast-flowing auto-tuned falsetto that impressively barely breaks for a breath. With “So We Do It,” Popcaan yet again picks another style from his wide array, going in for a relaxed storytelling verse that would make Slick Rick proud and a singjay chorus-line to remind you how he do it. Ward 21 deejay and producer Suku brings the deep vibrations of a bass voice on “Mad Sumaddy,” a sonic and lyrical warning against his powerful tunes that drop like bombs. On the same tip, Tifa brings her boasy style as a “Champion Bubbler,” laying claim to more winds than a country road and a repertoire of dances ranging from the 6.30 to Tick It Like A Clock.

This is Mixpak's trans-continental express; always adding artists to the journey and keeping the strange ride rolling smoothly. Jump on it.