It is often not stated enough that rhythm may be just as important as the beat itself, and yet that is the first thing that must be said about this mix by Taylor Bratches. It has rhythm.
I started this review hoping to hear new sounds by a new DJ coming to town this weekend, and instead I found something so much deeper, but isn’t that how this story always goes?
They wouldn’t linger in memories if they weren’t, in fact, worthy of being remembered, and yet, it’s amazing to think it all started with a simple beat. Well, that and rhythm, of course.
Over the course of one hour, this mix, the 12th installment of a series named ‘As You Like it Ground Level’, takes you through the many different sounds that I assume populate Taylor’s mind the way House and Techno consumes mine all the time. I love the funkiness of the House, the High Hats and the power of Techno, and everything else in between.
With this mix it’s different, though. Bouncing from Breakbeats, to UK Garage, to Drum and Bass, to ending with some heavy, subtle dubstep. I think there was even a moment of synthy bliss that almost resembled old school trancy breaks, which were extremely popular in the old school kandy raver days.
Breakbeats are such a massive part of the foundation of rave Culture and yet listening to this, you are reminded of what a distinct art form the genre can still be.
MC’s rapping, spontaneous beats, and as I mentioned, always that rhythm. I am captivated by this mix not just by the music that is played, but also by the message it is sending.
In studying this specific DJ I also stumbled across the fact that Taylor Bratches isn’t just a DJ, but also a very accomplished and talented writer of the Underground, very much a goal I strive for myself. I am as interested in her series called ‘Dance Floor Epiphanies’ on Resident Advisor, as I am in any track she may play.
Moments like these are truly amazing, when you find someone further down on a path that you are starting on yourself, and yet seeing them, reading their words, and hearing their music is such a true inspiration to continue on.
I’m sure there is more to be said both by Taylor Bratches, and about Taylor Bratches as well, but until then, let this brief summary prove as recommendation enough of a unique sound played by an intelligent mind connected to this culture.
I am happy to know that this DJ will be playing here in New Mexico this weekend on Saturday, July 30th at Insideout, and I look forward to reading even more of her words.
As I have found with many writers, the first words you read are merely the start on a path that winds deep into the mind of whoever decided to put them down in the first place.
If you have the chance, please, go early, stay late, and just keep following that beat, but only if you’ve got the right rhythm.
See you on the dancefloor.
Here are some other links related to this DJ and this mix.
Ourdancefloor.net 