(GPS Stereo/Creative Vibes)

Having his early single Step on It played by the like of Quantic, Groove Armada, Dynamo Productions and Mr Scruff, you just know that Dr Rubberfunk is going to be one to watch. My Life at 33 marks the follow up album release to Dr Rubberfunk’s highly acclaimbed debut The First Cut and the good Dr is definitely in the house.

With a prescription of blues, funk, jazz, gospel, soul, hip hop and disco, My Life at 33 demonstrates Dr Rubberfunk’s (AKA Simon Ward) varied influences and his passion for live instrumentation throughout the album. Simon Ward boasts an impressive record collection of artist such as RJD2, Bomb the Bass, DJ Shadow and the Beastie Boys that cements his foundation in ‘found sound’ and samples.

Insert a James Brown (RIP) “ugh” here. From the funky drum roll and guitar on opening track Live Wired, Dr Rubberfunk takes us into his wonderful world of staggering drum beats and rolls. Having been a drummer for 19 years and a DJ for 15, it seems only natural that the non-sequenced drums would be special. As the album unfolds Simon starts to introduce some fine vocal guests such as Bridgette Amofah who brings the fire to Taking Over.

Male vocaled R&B styling drip into Theme for a Latter-Day, block-party style scratching and beats on Watch the Tables Turn and then all of a sudden we are at the half-way mark of the album and entering funk territory again. As Katalyst has sampled in the past, “it’s not all funk” and before you know it the sounds have scaled down on the very laidback All Day Playing.

I feel ashamed that it has taken me this long to book an examination. With out a doubt, Dr Rubberfunk has studied at the school of musical physicians and the diagnosis is good. His meds are bound to get heads nodding, feet tapping, and keep the chin strokers happy. Peep a listen if you are into sounds like Quantic.

One to watch.

Tracklisting

1. Livewired
2. Taking Over Ft Bridgette Amofah
3. Theme For A Letter Day Lothario Ft Rogiers
4. Baby Bossa
5. Watch The Tables Turn Ft Sara J
6. The Rooster Ft. Helena Wood & Mr Guder
7. All Day Playing
8. Riding With The Ratman
9. Blow Away The Grey Ft. Fiona Rowden
10. Minus Three And Falling Ft. Ben Castle
11. Father’s Lament
12. Heavy Street (Secret Track)