Review: Rave Digger

Bath based producer Danny Byrd needs no introduction. Along with Sub Focus, his music has been heavily supported by day-time and especially specialist radio. This has been an album over a year in the making and it does not disappoint.
The album’s first track, Ill Behaviour sets the tone nicely. The hype around this album centres on this track making its way onto Radio 1’s A-list and with that bringing the sound of Danny Byrd to new ears. Vocals are provided by Bristol based vocalist I-Kay.
I-Kay’s role in the album does not end there with a second appearance on Judgement Day in this upbeat banger. Byrd’s assisted on production duties with fellow d&b producer, Cyantific. The beat boxing adds an extra dimension to the track.
Tonight sees the talents of Belgian d&b producer, Netsky get involved on the LP and if you imagined these two talents in the studio then this is what you would expect them to end up with.
Then to an interlude Rave TV Part 1 which gives the album a nice break but also takes the listener back to what Byrd wants the album to be able, underground jump up rave music.
And let the rave begin.
Hot Fuzz featuring Tomahawak signals a distinct shift in the album to the earlier days of jump up drum and bass with some great rave piano and vocal that is cut up leading nicely to We Can Have It All taking it back to Danny Byrd’s liquid sound, a euphoric build up before a drop that just keeps on going.
Byrd’s label boss and close friend London Elektricity assists on production duties for Failsafe which keeps the liquid vibes of the album going before Byrd’s rework of Liquid’s Sweet Harmony was actually the first confirmed track for the album and a track that has been around for over year. Another tune that received massive radio support and sees Byrd’s love for the piano prevail taking the classic to a new level.
Coming to the end of the album, Byrd fits in another interlude in Rave TV (skit) Pt 2, which sees a Daniel Byrd fined £50,000 for holding an illegal rave before getting back to the music with Planet Earth which has a very Prodigy-esque vibe about it. Imagine Out Of Space but with Danny Byrd giving it a wave of his wind
With Quantum Leap featuring Terri Pace, Delve once again delves into the liquid side of things. While not a stand out track of the album, the count down aspect through out gives it a good build up.
Before closing the album Byrd gives you a taste of d&b in 2010 which centres on prominence of vocals. The great guitar solo at the start is then built on by popular d&b vocalist Zarif.
Into the final foray for the album and to close with Amen Alley is a chilled out way to end that album that really does venture back to the early days of illegal raves before bringing it bang up to date with the help of some of the most exciting producers around today.
This is one album to press play and enjoy from start to finish.
Related Links: Buy now on Hospital Records.com |Danny Byrd Interview
Tags: Danny Byrd, Drum & Bass


