Any form of music labelled with the term ‘underground' nowadays seems to automatically assume a contemporary aura. Add to this term ‘Visionary' and you are instinctively intrigued to learn more about the philosophy of sounds concocted by such a collective who, through their journey so far, have lived up to the name they use to define their musical mission. ‘Mission-ary Underground' if you like, yet without the religious connotations the word usually implies.
Based in London, VU core members are founders DJ Feelfree and VJ Coco alongside vocalist Damion Mulrain and lyrical warrior/rapper Eslam. They are a technology based, diverse and conscious collective who aim to innovate, educate, and entertain as they play their own unique blend of nu skool breaks, drum'n'bass, Hip Hop, Soul, and Dub Roots accompanied by cutting edge visuals.
VU are a collective which have been in the quote "Asian Underground Scene"? and held in high regard by scene-sters for some time. Over the past three/four years they have managed to collaborate and remix for a host of high-calibre artists including Asian Dub Foundation, Nitin Sawhney, Aref Durvesh (Tabla wizard), Chandru (Bollywoodstrings.com) MC Navigator, (Rawhill/Freestylers), Sonia Mehta (Indian vocalist) and MC TC Islam (Zulu nation) to name but a few! Their influences are obviously eclectic - creating a hybrid musical identity that's hard to pin down to a particular genre.
The VU website has already made available many MP3's for fans and professionals to download freely, many of which have found places on various online radio broadcasts such as ethnotechno.com and Asian Vibrations. Now, finally "Eye of the Storm'? marks the first CD single release for the VU collective.
Upon first listen, as the music begins you hear echoes of the early sounds of drum'n'bass innovator LTJ Bukem. Maybe if it were Bukem behind the music the intro would have lasted longer, maybe a good minute or so of strings, hard bass and anticipation for the listener, however the vocals of the highly talented Damion Mulrain kick in early and he delivers an emotionally charged song of redemption. DJ Feelfree with his roots within the Acid house scene of the eighties stitches together the entire musical production behind the track, combining funky, up-tempo drums with the inimitable dub-wise bass-lines of frequent guest artist Dr Das from Asian Dub Foundation. If this wasn't enough, what adds most impact to the track are the haunting, melodic strings of world class violinist Chandru (Bollywoodstrings.com), most recently known for his collaboration on Britney Spears' "Toxic'? release. The track is hypnotic and attempts a futuristic feel to take hold and build to a climax; however it seems to miss that extra oomph needed to enhance the momentum it carries. It is beautifully arranged within its own self, but in terms of originality or a niche of its own, which it has strongly been felt that VU have the musical adeptness to fulfil, it doesn't quite hit the spot. It is a good step back from the innovatively conscious creative expression they possess, to what seems like a nostalgic flashback to a previous dance generation, however I am sure it will do well within the much thriving drum'n'bass and underground dance scene of today. In terms of mainstream recognition it has potentials if marketed for this avenue, however its impact may be a mere rippling effect which I hope is further enhanced and carried forward with VU's debut album out in 2005.
I for one will be eagerly anticipating its forthcoming release and if you can't wait that long, check out http://VisionaryUnderground.com for more info.
- Inspirasian
