Jupiter Jive - Mark Henning

The 20: July 2008

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Featured Review #08

Jupiter Jive

Mark Henning [Soma Recordings]

#08 in this month's The 20

Section: Music Recommendations Topics: The 20
Written by: Terry Church

Mark Henning jacked in his city job in London for a life in electronic music, and ‘Jupiter Jive’ represents his first major work and therefore his first big risk.

But Scotland’s Soma Recordings doesn’t often roll the dice, and with ‘Jupiter Jive’ they have an album that should sell all by itself.

As a collection of dancefloor-focused house, minimal and techno, the album is a powerful weapon for underground DJs looking for chunky, hip-shaking grooves.

One could quite easily imagine ‘Moody Bastard’ becoming an anthem at DC10 in Ibiza this year (once the club reopens), as its strange vocal FX and giddy pads are perfect for the early afternoon Circoloco crowd.

‘Run’ and ‘Bobadob’ are equally as groovy, being based around twisted basslines and snappy drum loops.

At the heart of ‘Jupiter Jive’ is a symposium of mind-bending sound effects and reckless basslines that yearn to be let out of their cage.

Combined with Mark Henning’s ability to get fascinating rhythms out of his machines and computers makes this a must-buy for serious tech house DJs.

There is no overriding purpose or direction to ‘Jupiter Jive’ and as such the LP comes across more as a collection of set builders that are inoffensive, yet unique and mind-bending.

It’s impressive in its lack of ambition.