The Vitals

Label: Sinister Recordings
Genre: Breaks
Number of Tracks: 2
How to Obtain: www.releaserecords.com, www.beatport.com

Factor Scores:

Production Quality: 6.8
Programming and Arrangement: 8.2
Entertainment Quality: 8.5
Total: 7.8 – Good

Brian's Take:

The following review is of a double-sided digital release from the duo that head Sinister Recordings (Alexei Lee and Nick Moore), under the moniker Badlands. Wasted Youth, the first of their objectively big releases, pairs two chunky new school breaks mixes, both featuring the fitting vocals of singer Mary Leay. The Badlands original mix is a valiant effort with an amateur tinge to it; however, it is able to stack up to artists like Koma & Bones, Dylan Rhymes, etc. With some booming percussion and loud, twisted bass backing up Leay's vocals, the A-side makes for a fairly thick atmosphere, listenable for breaks elitists and casual home listeners alike. At the peak of the song, there is deep chemistry between Leay and the music.

The same is ultimately true for the techy "Porno Breaks" remix on B. The production was not as tight on this one at first, the rhythm was hard to get into, and the opening set me up to be disappointed. In the end though, patience through the first three minutes of this remix paid off in the form of a hard, crunchy bassline and a funky tech vibe to pull the whole ensemble together. With such different sounds in each remix, this package is sure to suit a wide range of listeners/DJ's.

To sum it up, if you dig breaks check these out, pick your favorite and enjoy. The Badlands have done well.