Various Artists – Kutmah Presents: Worldwide Family Volume 2
Brownswood Recordings: 2012
UK native Kutmah has dug into the Brownswood crates to compile the eclectic and varied: Worldwide Family Volume 2. The 21-track compilation album is a happy balance of known and unknown artists, as compilations or mixes of this type often end up being collections of tracks you know (and own) from equally familiar artists. But, I have to say that this tracklist surprised me with plenty of new names. I was pleased to make the musical acquaintance of Seven Davis Jr. with the dirty disco; “Thanks”. A late night, head nod jam, with interesting vocals and production. The majority of Worldwide Family Volume 2 is instrumental with a few exceptions. The Darkhorsemen’s “Taking Over Empires” features production from Diba$e and cryptic vocals, the latter of which sound a little dated and redundant when compared to the other tracks on the compilation. When looking at the compilation’s vocal tracks, I preferred the glitchy “Blunt Hopes” from ESMK, a minimal, haunting track with progressive harmonies and vocals throughout. “Swisher” music indeed.
Kutmah has his musical roots in hip hop and those roots can be clearly seen on the Brownswood Worldwide Family Volume 2. Kutmah has obviously carefully selected these tracks, building musical peaks and lows. Some of the tracks are older than others, Tadd Mullinix’s “Exchanging Modes” is over ten years old, but still sounds like it could have been produced yesterday, the track plays like a four minute synth layered trip with well placed breakdowns. There’s also the appearance of the excellently produced, self-pitying anthem: “Lonely Town” from Berlin’s fLako, which has been getting heavy podcast rotation of late. Kutmah’s selection ability might be accounted to his commuter trail, spending his time between the UK and the US (He has pretty interesting tales to tell about immigration officers and being detained). After a small amount of research you’ll recognize a LA-London theme running through this compilation, with 10 tracks coming from throughout California and five coming from England’s capital.
Standout tracks for me would have to be the down tempo, “Toby Jug” produced by the UK’s Doc Daneeka with vocals from Abigail Wyles. A truly surprising track showing the unquestionable talent that Daneeka has with stunning vocals from Miss Wyles. Worldwide Family Volume 2 is definitely worth checking out. The Flying Lotus, Samiyam, Hudson Mohawke hype to one side reveals a well planned and executed compilation with Kutmah cementing his ability as curator.
4 out of 5