Radioactive Man – Engine EP

Written by Manu Ekanayake

electro/bass

Radioactive Man’s Engine EP is the second release on the Wang Trax label, which aims to showcase the various underground artists who’ve played at the London night over its 12 year history.

We knew Keith Tenniswood (aka Radioactive Man) was on form when we saw him play the set of the night at Wang late last year – and considering that A Guy Called Gerald, Mark Broom and Ed DMX were all on the bill that night, you know he had some tough competition. But even so, he reminded us why he’s one of our favourite UK artists with a live set that showcased his ability to combine heavy electro basslines with both a sense of menace and some serious machine-funk. Pretty much like he’s doing here, actually…

We get straight down to business with Flying Fuck, which starts out as quite sedately with some ethereal sounds alongside the squelchy synths, but then a properly heavy bassline drops in around a third of the way through and you remember just who you’re dealing with. From then on it’s proper head-nodding, foot-stomping electro business with some glitchy little sidelines; a nice tracky beginning here. Next comes 20,000 Whats?, which is a jittery-but-jacking freakfest of a bass track that’s got all the hallmarks of an RM classic – storming stuff indeed.

But then things take a darker turn with third track Knows Up Mr Brown, which is all benevolent basslines and thunderous synths that should remind all listeners why the Devil gets all the best tunes. Next up We Make Techno Party sees Mr Tenniswood in a slightly more laid-back mood, with a stripped-back techy number that still manages to capture plenty of low-slung funk, perfect for a 4am dancefloor. And finally comes Brooksbys Walk, a bassy and brilliant ode to an East London street close to his heart...