This new double A-side single, collectively titled The Box, is a meticulously recorded funky solo effort by Urian Hackney. Envelope-pushing sounds come natural to Urian as his father and uncles were members of cult Detroit proto-punk band Death, as profiled in the acclaimed documentary A Band Called Death. As noted in the film, Urian and his own brothers continued the legacy of Death by forming their own tribute to the band. This evolved into the band Rough Francis, self-described as "channeling live energy from '60s garage rock, Motown, and '80s hardcore."
With The Box – named after his studio in Burlington, Vermont – Urian Hackney presents two songs intended to send the listener back in time to the smooth, funky sonic realm of the '70s. All instruments were played by Urian, multi-tracked one-by-one to a tape machine through microphones aimed at amplifier cones and drum heads. It comes together sounding like some rare 7" that might be found in DJ Shadow's record bag.
"Caramel" leads the single with its live dusty breakbeat, spacey synth flourishes, rumbling bass line, and funky wah-wah guitar. The combination is captivating, serving as a superlative dance floor moment or a soundtrack to accompany some cool struttin'. "Red Circles" follows, owing a bit more to the influence of Urian's father's band with its frenzied drum rhythm and chunky guitar, complemented by subtle, melodic bells and some atmospheric embellishments. These tracks make a solid duo of tunes, fitting right into Cold Busted's catalog … a nod to the past while looking towards a funky future.
Kid Loco - "I love 'Caramel' … great funk s&%t."
Dogu (Ancient Astronauts / Switchstance) - "Dope s&%t right here! I love this organic handmade breakbeat funk with live instruments."
Ohmega Watts - "The winner between the two tracks is hard to say. Being from the son of one of the 'Death' band members out of Detroit and a multi-instrumentalist, I'm not surprised by the quality of the offering here. Mega solid!"
Scrimshire (Wah Wah 45s) - "Yep, I'm into this. It's rough and it's lovely."
All Good Funk Alliance - "Nicely done."
Basement Freaks (Jalapeno Records) - "Gimmie some more of this soul ting, brother!"
Renegades Of Jazz (Agogo Records / Mojo Club) - "Nice one … 'Caramel' sounds good."
Brandon Bass (Luv Boutique) - "'Caramel' is dope. I could totally hear Inspectah Deck from Wu Tang flowing over this and it would fit perfectly."
mister T. (Cold Busted) - "I love this unique funky psychedelia … a really nostalgic sound."
DJ Wash (Funk The System) - "Nice beats here."
NoWay DJ (Sub-Zero Radio Show) - "Amazing music! It was worthwhile to record it the way he did … the organic groove is just great."
Frank Foreal (Expedition Radio Show) - "Great release! I'm a big fan of Cold Busted, and knowing Urian's family history makes this even better. Great funk rock sounds and super crispy drums. Can't wait to play this!"
Diesler (A LIttle Something Radio / Here & Now Recordings) - "Another wonderful Cold Busted release … full support!"
DJ Doubles (Freestyle Fusion) - "This is funkier than a mosquito's tweeter!"
Available now from The Cold Busted Shop, Beatport, and iTunes.