(Innerground/Inertia)

From the second biggest megapolis in the world, Sao Paulo, comes a leader of the cities thriving drum’n’bass scene, DJ Marky and his partner in crime XRS. It was whilst playing one of his regular gigs to crowds of up to 5000 people that DJ Marky first came to the attention of dnb mover and shaker Bryan Gee when the V Recordings honcho was on tour in Brazil. With an eye for talent (he’s credited as giving Roni Size his first break) he didn’t hesitate in arranging a plane ticket and slot on the roster for Marky at the next monthly Movement night in London.

Renown for his amazing skills behind the turntables and energy levels to match, Marky was soon a huge success on the touring circuit, including Australia, which he cites in a recent DJ Magazine interview as one of his favourite places to visit. The discovery of DJ Marky opened up the Brazilian drum’n’bass to the scene to the world with such names as Patife and XRS finding their work in more and more record boxes. After meeting through the record store in which Marky worked, he and XRS were soon teaming up, teaching each other their craft and combining to become a formidable production/DJ combo. The pair are famed for their Brazilian samba influenced take on dnb, culminating in mainstream chart success with LK in 2002.

First and foremost Marky and XRS are lovers of music and with In Rotation create a sound that is instantly inviting. Upbeat and melodic with densely layered percussion, the album has no trouble in getting you to move your feet. However in remaining upbeat the Brazilian duo refrain from letting the music get too hard, instead relying on warm summery melodies, intricately played and programmed percussion and uplifting vocals from various guests to create the energy. The Latin samba sounds of Brazil work their way in, most notable on tracks such as LK which has touring buddy Stamina MC singing over an almost flamenco guitar hook, background traditional vocal sample, warm synth lines and rolling beats to create the perfect sunset track in preparation for a night full of promise.

This is definitely an album for those with an ear for the more musical side drum’n’bass. The rolling rhythms are intoxicating, bouncy and easy to get lost in, whether listening in the car, around the house or with headphones. It’s not all strictly dnb and with Tijuana Frogs we’re offered some straight out 4/4 stomping goodness, still maintaining a similar vibe to much of the rest of the album that close to midway through is funked up with a low humming bass line. However it’s the upbeat dnb tempo where their hearts lie and thus where the most fun is had by the duo. Moments of Lust (featuring Vikter Duplaik on vocals) is an example of how they use an extended intro of beats, break it down with bells and soft percussion before bringing back the beat and vocals to create an uplifting blissful feel. Tracks such as this make it easy to draw comparisons Ian Pooley’s Since Then as it elicits a similar type feel.

My one complaint is the endings of each track and this stems from the fact that the tracks were never created with an album in mind. More often than not each track ends with a simple fade and cut rather than working through to a conclusion. A trivial point perhaps and something that doesn’t take away from the feel of the album but something that’s noticeable at times. In Rotation offers a perfect easing into the world of drum’n’bass or for those more familiar it’s an album that simply gets better with each listen as you find new places to bop to it’s bouncy goodness. Definitely recommend a listen.