Aberystwyth Students Union
Sat 8 Oct
Aber’s main club promoters return for One, a big return-to-uni night in the Student Union with some high ranking names from the world UK hip-hop and drum’n’bass. Hospital Records takes control of the main stage with one of its original artists, Danny Byrd. By his side on the night are comparative youngbloods Fred V & Grafix, whose new album {Oxygen} dropped this summer. They’re definitely representing the new school of liquid, beating Danny Byrd at his own game – laserblast synths and strings that buzz behind soulful vocals and thwacking beats, with emotionally charged breakdowns.
Also appearing is another of Hospital’s younger generation, Krakota – though he’s less well known than the poppier producers mentioned above, his style is more effective, with a harder edge but a formidable control of the soulful melodies that define the label’s sound. MC Ruthless, one of the Hospital stalwarts and a frontman for Jungle Drummer vs DJ Fu, will be the hypeman on the main stage.
Finally, on the vocal tip, Black House have got a rising star of the hip-hop scene this side of the Pacific, in the form of Ocean Wisdom. Signed to the UK’s most prominent current hip-hop label, High Focus, his debut album hit number 10 in the UK iTunes album charts. Not only that, he’s officially one of the fastest rappers in the world.
Tickets: £20/£15. Info: 01970 621700
words GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF