Artist: Big Head
Title: 2604
Label: Sinister Recordings
By: Michael Schreiber | 20 September 2002
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Flashpoint Breakin’ In Mix

Big Head "2604"

This track is the debut release for the newly created UK-based, Sinister Recordings. While the label maybe in its infancy, the duo behind the moniker “Big Head” have been dj’ing for just over 15 years and producing tracks since 1996. The “two Fernandos” – Fernando Alvaro and Fernando Amabili are natives of Buenos Aires and continue to grace the turntables all over South America. Their previous works are tribal-tech workouts including 2 remixes of Enrique Iglesias’ “Escape,” a bootleg remix of EBTG’s “Five Fathoms” and remix of Magistus’ “Good Air.” Thus far, there are four releases planned by them for Sinister Recordings. Their productions have already been in the crates of DJs Steve Lawler, Satoshi Tomiie and Deep Dish.

If you’re looking for a fix of hard chunky breaks that easily compliment those of Hybrid and Koma & Bones productions, go right for Flashpoint’s “Breakin’ In Mix.” Flashpoint is another artist signed to the Sinister label. The man behind this moniker, Brighton resident Sam Marshall has been producing since 1992, staying focused on breaks and drum ‘n bass throughout his dj career. Starting off with similar drumbeats to Wink's Higher State of Consciousness, a bongo drum sample, then a heavy bass beat is added in. In comes two major chord samples in a row, which repeat throughout, and then the track starts to roll on its way. A sweeping echoed loop goes around in the background, as well as a twirling spin down effect. After another building-up echoed sound climaxes into a deep monotone voice sounding like a time-stretched “no,” the next segment begins in which another key progression follows along with the melody, and a guitar riff plays along as well.

Even with that description sounding as if there are many changes going on...the track flows along as its elements leave and return as each new segment of four16 beat counts begin. This track follows a somewhat standard pattern of the breaks genre though. It would make a good addition to the beginning of a set for there are no major breakdowns or build-ups to it. Easily could hear djs including the Hybrid boys, Liquid Todd, and DJ Icey dropping this mix.

The Original Mix uses a more standard 4/4 beat, as if a few beats were just removed out of Flashpoint’s breaks version. With this, it is a little groovier & deep and a somewhat dark house jam. The intro minimal drum loop is deceiving for it’s quite subdued until a vocalized “thump” is said and the tracks driving heavy bass kicks in, along with a repeating bongo drum loop. A two major chord keyboard sample is layered throughout and is echoed to trail out each repetition. Also worth mentioning is the digitalized sample continuously going back and forth between the left and right speakers to give the track a little experimental touch that might add a good surround sound effect to a dancefloor. Could easily catch the interest of minimal trance and Detroit techno enthusiasts.

“2604” is a good introduction to the newly created Sinister label, giving us a taste of both styles they are catering to, as noted in their tagline “nu skool break & progressive house.” Big Head is set to return from their dj'ing hiatus with UK dates this fall, so be on the look-out for them, as well as upcoming releases also on 12th Hour Records.