TURNTABLE LAB

the lab review

Last copies, this single is now out of print. Who knows if the SA-RA hype will ever result in something concrete (word is that they've been busy in their Hollywood studio), but there's no doubt that these guys have put an original mark on the last couple years. Here's our original review that we wrote at early days of the SA-RA craze: SA-RA is a bi-coastal, 3-man production team who have somehow managed to blend the raw un-quantized feel of Jay Dee production with the freak appeal of Funkadelic for a sound that is entirely their own. If you missed some of their previous vinyl outings (Monch's "Agent Orange" and J5's "Yeah" among others), take notice now cause you will soon be hearing their work on joints from everyone from Dre to Common, N.E.R.D. and even a possible full length on Kanye West's label. The first taste, "Double Dutch(1)," plays alongside stuff from The Neptunes or Dipset just as comfortably as the most advanced offerings from MIA, Ciara or Bounty Killer. Flip the record for "Death of a Star(2)," a 120 bouncer that would make R. James take notice. Instrumentals for both tracks are included, but the vocals sung by SA-RA and one of their homegirls complete the package. This 12" borders on EP status by also including "SA-RA Space Theme(3)" which almost sounds like YNQ playing at Jabba's Cantina, and the off-beat/on-beat "Hanging By A String(4)." Ubiquity outdid themselves with the packaging on this one too (glossy full color insert on a 12"?), which means they must feel like I do- that this is some real significant shit.

reviewed by jms 05/23/2005

filed under

• downtempo + electronic - vinyl view category