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Secret Stealth
If you've not heard of Secret Stealth, don't go thinking you've been the punch line of some elaborate anti-marketing joke, as though their name has been in any way applied to their promotional campaign. They've been around since 2004, creating some of the smoothest beats this side of the boxing ring. Their debut release - the lovingly titled Ted Rogers EP (Bocajito), dedicated to the late and great dexterous "3-2-1" host himself - was popular with many DJs, providing a diverse platter of music that ranged from multi-layered instrumental hip-hop beats to warm acid house.Comprising of Jim Baron and Bob Sadler, Secret Stealth began as a way of dusting off the sampler and rediscovering their love for the dusty, asthma-inducing pastime that is record digging. Jim Baron - also known as Ron Basejam via anagram shenanigans (anagramigans?) - you may recognise as one half of the founding members of Crazy P, while Bob Sadler enjoys confusing people with his many aliases such as Fug, Waxploitation and Fram. Combined their remix work spans Terry Callier, Salif Keita, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, A Man Called Adam and Jason Mraz.
What followed the Ted Rogers EP was an inevitable album. Ssshhh! was released in 2005 on Bocajito records to critical acclaim, making iDJ's album of the month, and one of their Top 10 Albums of 2005. The lead single from the album, "Dream of You", was play listed on BBC Radio London for 3 months and a live appearance on the Robert Elms show followed. This radio session led to a full live show being put together and in 2005 they took the live show to the road.
Almost two years later and Secret Stealth return to the studio for their sophomore LP, the wholesome "Mince & Onions". With such a title it's tempting to do some sort of Marks & Spencers-esque advertising scheme, but I don't have the voice for it or Fleetwood Mac on CD. Kicking off with what sounds like a take on the Ohio Players' "Love Rollercoaster", "Drive Me Crazy" should have you hooked with its infectious head-nodding groove and the convincingly emotional vocals of Holly Backler. "High Riser" is a deceptive, driving, disco dream that should keep dancefloors busy for a while. Elsewhere a number of different genres are touched on: "Wacky Backy" represents Stealth's first foray into drum & bass, while "Just Say Yes" is an exploration into the realms of cosmic disco currently inhabited by artists like Lindstrom and Prins Thomas.
Altogether, "Mince & Onions" is a beautiful record, as dance floor friendly as it is delicate, and will keep you company right throughout the year.
Written: 7th Jun, 07
Read: 563 times
