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Review

Album Review: iLLBiLLY HiTEC - Reggaetronics

02/22/2013

by Markus Hautmann

Their name could not be farer from the truth. Illbilly, the Jamaican pronunciation of hillbilly, a small minded, reactionary fool, the antipode of a cosmopolitan world citizen, does not fit to the contemporary sound of this Berlin based DJ pool at all. Hitec however comes close to reality as the band's music is mainly computer generated, yet it does not lack the vibe of handmade music, showcased by their live drum set when performing on stage. Although known for years by fans worldwide because of their extensive international touring (India, France, England, Mexico, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, just to name some of the destinations), Reggaetronics is iLLBiLLY HiTEC's first full length album. 

The 14 tracks on Reggatronics display state of the art club sound appropriate for either dancehall parties as well as for electronic club nights. The underlying reggae riddims make the album even suitable for die-hard, yet open minded (and "open eared") roots lovers who are curious for the versatility of and within electronic reggae music. A bunch of vocalists, from iLLBiLLY's own Longfingah, Russian dancehall sensation Lady N, Tribuman from France,  Dactah Chando outta Spain or Argentina's Emanero contribute to the outernational approach of Reggaetronics that combines genres commonly known as reggae, drum & bass, dubstep, dancehall and urban to a unique coherent entity. Somehow like the Prodigy meets Asian Dub Foundation meets Aba Shanti meets Dr. Israel.

Undoubtedly a highlight is Chant, performed by bad gal Ce'Cile on a intoxicating if not mesmerizing uptempo riddim, whereas Higher Calling, featuring Longfingah, catches up to masterpieces of the likes of Dub Syndicate or the Revolutionary Dub Warriors.  

As these impressions might be due to personal taste, there is also objective evidence of iLLBiLLY HiTEC's outstanding musical quality. Only recently Lee Perry showed his respect at a joint gig in Hamburg whereas German superstars Seeed even had their latest release, Augenbling, remixed by the iLLBiLLies. Still not convinced? Then take a listen to the six album tracks below. Might chance your mind.

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