- The Japanese import label's third release throws the spotlight on Kyoto.
- Highball Records is a label focussed on bringing music from Japan to the UK. Since launching in March, it has showcased Yokohama's Foodman and the Fukuoka live project Ohnesty. Next up on its tour of the prefectures is Stones Taro, a young student of classic house and breakbeat from Kyoto.
The title track on Pump is a jacking affair with a relentless vocal loop and a stonking bassline reminiscent of Mr. Oizo's classic "Flat Beat." "I Want" flicks lashings of cowbell over a clap-peppered acid line. Borrowing from the darker side of UK garage, "Understand" transports the listener to a sweaty basement in East London. On "Ride On The Ride," a tough acid line dances around a classic 909 while a voice from an old film sample roars "get the fuck out..." Understated and driving, this one's the highlight of the record.
TracklistA1 Pump
A2 I Want
B1 Ride On The Tide
B2 Understand