You can always count on the Hydroponic Sound System for rockin' true school breaks with a reggae-tinged, hip hop aesthetic. For their Funky Excavation full length, the Texas duo of Skin and Rube offer up a gang of funky break-driven productions and get help from a host of MC's and vocalists. Check the opener "Hydro Soundclash(1)" for a good example of what these dudes are about. "All Right(2)" goes for a more jazzy CTI-style loop featuring conscious party flows from Headkrack, Keynote and Tahiti along with a sweet vocal hook from Laconda Davis. But if you're not too into vocals don't worry - HSS comes proper with the instrumental joints (in fact I actually prefer these). Check the funked-out grooves on "Lone Star Uprising(3)" and "M.J.Q.P.R.J.J.P.(4)," the feel-good dub-disco sounds of "Percy Keeps His Disco Dubby (5)," the uptempo funk burners "Battle Break Africa(6)" and "Shock The Spot(7)," the downtempo moods of "O.S.T. for Zonin(8)" and the skankin' beats of "Heat(9)." 14 tracks total.

reviewed by snackmaster