We check out the Italian maestro's latest album
Gaudi was born in Italy in 1963. I only mention this because I find it so impressive that at 47, having been in the music business for almost 30 years, someone can produce something that sounds so fresh. It's this versatility that has kept Gaudi on top for all these years. Originally a classically trained pianist, his first foray away from traditional instruments was in an electronic punk band. In 1985 he was asked to play in a reggae band and this has been the main influence on his music ever since – creating a different, fresh take on dub for each album.
'No Prisoners' draws heavily on dubstep and breaks amongst other genres, but what is most striking is the consistently high standard of production throughout. Every song is lovingly crafted with crisp, considered sounds; each synth, high hat and beat rendered to perfection. Gaudi has a very progressive style and each tune builds significantly throughout, giving a sense of urgency and power. 'There's Enough' is a good example of this: Michael Franti's emotive tones repeat over and over as the song builds, subtly rising to crescendo. Another unifying feature is the sub bass which is prevalent for the duration of the album, no more perhaps than in the dancefloor slaying 'Bad Boy Bass', which would be at home in any Krafty Kuts set and whose crunky bass is complimented by warm flickery static throughout.
A couple of ethnically influenced tracks balance the album's more commercial side beautifully, rounding it off in Gaudi's usual effortless style. 'Oud We Think We Are' is mesmerising, sending the listener into a trance as it slowly builds from its Origins in the Middle East, morphing into a very different western beast. 'Hotel Caledonia' is masterpiece of sampling, using bagpipes for the main melody and adding dubstep 'wubwubs' (to use the technical term), not to create a gimmick – as pipe remixes always are – but a genuinely engaging and interesting piece. To top it off, Gaudi uses the last verse to drop into filthy dubstep, the pipes expertly filtered, allowing mere squeaks to escape. A personal favourite is 'Brainwashed': the lyricist's monotonous rap draws you in as it rolls over the sub bass. 'No More Blood' is another cracker whose tripping beat drops and Goan samples would be at home at a psy-trance rave, despite its dub influence and break beat rhythm.
Gaudi's extensive experience shows clearly in this album – the continuity and production values are astounding. This is a man at the top of his game and eight albums in it doesn't look like he is stopping.
Click here to see all London DJ music.
Click here for things to do in London.
Return to Spoonfed's London Clubbing homepage.
Add an event
Minimalism, Van Dyke, Mondrian - Editor's Choice, Exhibitions
From Wednesday 15th February Colin Glen @ TJ Boulting Tangled complexity meets stark minimalism in t...