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Tim Reaper & Kloke: In Full Effect

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Artist: Tim Reaper & Kloke
Title: In Full Effect
Format: CD
Label: Hyperdub (@)
Rated: * * * * *
Tim Reaper and Kloke’s "In Full Effect" is a dynamic homage to classic jungle, yet it’s anything but nostalgic. Released by Hyperdub - a label known more for abstract electronic textures - this album marks their first jungle offering in two decades. The eight tracks on this album are not mere revivals; they’re accelerations, taking the 1993-1995 jungle era’s familiar breakbeats, dub reggae inflections, and rave underpinnings and launching them into fresh territory for a new generation.

From the thunderous opening of "Continuities" to the feverish twists of "Blood Pressure", Tim Reaper’s precision and Kloke’s knack for atmosphere shine through. Their respect for jungle’s original textures and rhythms feels almost academic but never stale; every track pulses with life and playful experimentation. "Roots & Reality" is a standout, where breaks and basslines rumble and stutter like echoes from an era of pirate radio, yet its layering is modern, bridging the past and present with a skillful touch.

While "In Full Effect" offers much for the jungle purist - think classic drum kits and hefty bass drops - there’s something new here too. Tracks like "Impasse" and "Wildstyle" bring in elements of footwork and techno, giving a subtle nod to Hyperdub’s avant-garde roots, while tracks like "Alienation" conjure the raw, unfiltered essence of jungle raves but with a modern production sheen.

The result is both a respectful nod to jungle’s heyday and a bold invitation for new listeners to explore its depths. This isn’t simply a recreation but a reimagining, something Tim Reaper has often shown a flair for through his Future Retro label. "In Full Effect" doesn’t just bring jungle to 2024 - it makes it sound like it never left, standing firm in both nostalgia and innovation.

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