Dirtybird - Hatched Vol 1

Various Artists
Hatched Vol.1
Dirtybird

While the slow disco trendsters and 'stylish' new hipster-hunting brands of underground music continue to sashay their ways atop the popularity polls; it's refreshing to know that some labels have been mostly unaffected by these influences. In the streets of San Francisco, they call this 'stayin' true to the game", and that's precisely what Claud von Stroke 's Dirtybird imprint is doing these days. Sticking to what they know: filthy bass, ghetto beats and flippin' birds at their adversaries. Now seven years in; the 'Birds distinct thirst for bass-driven house, techno and everything in between has never been more prominent than on their latest collaboration; Hatched: a various artist album focused on showcasing the next 'wave' of the ever-evolving DB sound saga.

The compilation leads off with Dirtybird's big boss man at the helm (no pun, for you 80's WWF fans out there.); fittingly. Lead cut "Ignorance is Bliss" is the product of the debut collaboration between Claude Von Stroke and the sizzling hot, Eats Everything. For most, this pairing of wits should be immensely intriguing; knowing outright that both have a serious penchant for dirty bass and addictive hooks. Yet many will listen to the first few minutes of 'Ignorance if Bliss' scratching their heads, wondering what all the fuss is about. A quirky lead hook gives subtle nods back to the ol' days; -- when nobody was afraid of D-town -- while the groove begins to simmer slowly. The pair brings the tension to a slow boil for nearly five minutes before dropping the filthy sub-heavy bassline that we all know we're waiting for. Clearly intended for party situations, Ignorance is Bliss surely succeeds in it's mission as a functional DJ tool. But for those expecting this to be the next Who's Afraid of Detroit meets Entrance Song anthem of the decade: you're setting yourself up for a disappointing ride.

Hatched does serve up it's share of potential anthems, however. Breach's remix of DJ Cra$y's "That Amen Track" provides the biggest "Amen" moment, on the back of it's hybrid 'house meets breakbeats' arrangement; this one is a bonafide dancefloor weapon. The surprise standout of the compilation comes from Klasse Recordings main man, Sacha Robotti. In fact, "The Major" could arguably be one of the label's biggest tunes in recent time (that is, if you're gauging them by their efficacy on the dancefloor) One can only imagine the fun that could be had while dropping The Major at DC-10; toying with the crowd and watching them stand up, and sit back down...repeatedly, as the addictive vocal so adamantly instructs you to do throughout the track.

Hatched also provides additional highlights from Dirtybird's cast of usual suspects. Worthy, Christian Martin, Catz n Dogz and A1 Bassline all supply tracks boasting the trademark Dirtybird sound; each sharing one common goal: to blow as many speaker systems around the world as possible. And after listening to this compilation on repeat for a week myself, I'm firmly reminded of this unspoken Dirtybird mission statement. (I'm also seriously considering sending my woofer repair bill to their office.)

As a whole, Hatched is as down 'n dirty as anything the 'Birds have ever put out; but those reading the fine print may struggle while trying to pinpoint exactly which 'next wave' we're supposed to be catching here. As the years drag on, so do the bass lines at times (as gloriously gratifying as they may be). While it's always the admiral thing to do, and speaks volumes about the label's passion for their craft; staying "true to the game" can sometimes lead to predictability; something that every record label should avoid at all costs.

Review Rating: 7.5/10

Tracklisting: Hatched Vol.1

dirtybird HATCHED (part 1) - Exclusive on Beatport
1. Claude VonStroke & Eats Everything - Ignorance Is Bliss
2. Sacha Robotti - The Major
3. Kingdom - SFX
4. A1 Bassline - Why Do You

dirtybird HATCHED (part2)
1. Kill Frenzy - Booty Clap
2. Worthy - Shy Look
3. Christian Martin - Waiting
4. DJ Cra$y (Breach rmx) - that Amen Track

dirtybird HATCHED (part 3)
1. Catz n Dogz - Bring Me That Water
2. Samuel Dan - Bitch
3. Tom Flynn - Jerry's Liquor Store
4. Nick Monaco - Long kiss Goodnight (Soul Clap Edit)

Listen to Dirtybird on Pulse Radio