Within seconds of the opening track of the new BrownPunk compilation you are exposed to a multitude of diverse influences, think pipes, whistles and intonations of a Gaelic persuasion mixed with the light squelch and bass you might expect of something a little more modernistic (light acid anyone?).
In fact unexpected is pretty much par for the course with this album making it a very welcome distraction this Monday. If you’re coming late to the party BrownPunk is a label set up by Tricky and former Island records impresario Chris Blackwell, this collection “Tricky Presents” collects tracks by The Gospel featuring Kira, The Dirty and Laid Blak as well as a new release from the man himself.

It’s a multifaceted release trawling influences from all over the shop, check out Alex Mills ‘Suzanne’ a sudden and unexpected update of House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals which in its own right is the most radio friendly slice of soulful…dare I say…pop that you won’t hear on mainstream radio this week.
For those expecting Tricky’s involvement to shape the contents into what were once his trademark dark chilled chambers of music, well they won’t be disappointed but this collection covers much more ground than that. Take a listen to the dirty and heartsick sounds of ‘Skating Your Pool’ with its tortured narratives and Joplin era blues styling.
Followed immediately with Connecting People by 1st Blood which canters at an unassuming pace drenched in swampy bass sounds before its shakes the mud off its boots and starts running. Just when you think that a pace is set you are knocked off your feet by Rodigan’s The Truth as the tempo is once again reduced and sifted back to more sedate levels.

Not to worry, Face’s 8 Millimetre steps up to the challenge and ups the bpms and sense of drama with a gruff vocal delivery backed with stabs of synth strings which leave a palpable tension stretched out across the track. As a collection and a showcase of the label’s talent it works. Despite what you might expect it defies immediate classification in terms of genre, skimming some of the finer elements of music from across the board and wearing its influences proudly without necessarily being too obvious.

There’s also a film to accompany this release which details the formation of the label in a faux drama style with cameos from the label’s roster as well as a cameo from a face you might find familiar (I’ll not give too much away, needless to say he’s on fine form). The film is going to be released in segments online with the first two pieces free and the remaining chapters to be sold for £1.49 each.