(Distinctive/Stomp)

Armed with brutish synths, whipsmart drum breaks and militant basslines, Paul Crossman aka ‘General Midi’ has been pummelling the breakbeat sound for many years. Now signed to ‘Distinctive Records’ he unleashes his debut artist album, ‘Midi Style’; a head-swimming number that never gives in and is unmistakably good.

Setting standards and redefining styles, General Midi has served us well as a producer, with ‘The Westoner’, ‘Daft Funk’, ‘Further’, ‘You will Be Under’ and ‘Bass Rockerz’ all leaving behind a tremendous shockwave that hit as hard as it did deep. It should come as no surprise to fans then that this album is here in all its floor-destroying glory.

Unfolding with glossy disco grooves and churning basslines (Statement Of Intent), here you will find plump juicy beats and old school digital effects (Rock This Place) riding alongside steely technoid rhythms (Rattle Ya Cage) and doses of dirty ragga (Never Gonna Stop The Show), and whilst this is a mostly raucous ride, some truly dreamy orchestrations play a part in this crystalline production. Expect ultra-smooth dnb grooves, flourishes of progressive beats (Turn It Round) and cool horn laden choruses with street sensibility (The Easterner).

With a little help from studio partner ‘Eels’, ‘MC Jakes’, ‘MC Chickaboo’ and ‘Miss Bryony Blue’, ‘Midi Style’ is so well conceived and deftly executed, that it leaves the listener with no responsibility other than that of having a good sweaty time. So what are you waiting for.