- Through releases on Butterz, Roska Kicks & Snares and his own Formula over the past two years, Champion has been almost single-handedly flying the flag for the more aggressive strains of UK funky. And whether crafting a sugary vocal anthem ("Sensitivity" with Ruby Lee Ryder), fusing his sound with the new school of instrumental grime ("Crystal Meth") or producing no-frills bangers (the Lighter EP), the Champion formula is by now well-established: meaty UK funky percussion and trouser-flapping basslines.
Going on the strength of the producer's first solo single of 2013, Champion seems happy to stick to the formula. "Hydra Island" has been a staple of his sets for a while, and given its unfussy and effective construction it's easy to see why. As always, the bassline is key, a lumbering beast that easily matches the sub pressure of a vintage Loefah production. "Prince Jammy" is the fractionally more appealing of the two, its mournful chords and plodding bassline playing up to the dub influence implied in the title. It's fair to say that neither of these tracks possess the shock-out factor of his finest, and they don't stray beyond the producer's comfort zone. But Champion's sound is so singular, and so enjoyable, that he can stand to tread water for a while longer yet.
Tracklist A Hydra Island
B Prince Jammy