Last Japan

After their collaboration on the monstrous ‘Blood Diamond’, Last Japan and Trim combine again for the apocalyptic amalgamation of styles ‘East’. Trim’s recent album deal was announced with London pirate station turned underground music powerhouse Rinse, and this collaboration represents his final feature before dropping his debut LP with the imprint. The hype surrounding the East London MC continues to grow ever stronger and it’s not hard to see why, his monotone delivery was one of the brighter talents on the Wiley fronted ‘Roll Deep’. Here his talents once again work wonders with the breathtaking sonics at Last Japan’s disposal.

‘East’ represents the duo at their savage best. Trim’s effervescent delivery propping up the scattershot percussion and synth stabs that at the heart of the track’s electronic pulse. Worthy both of headphone time and club spaces, it’s a track that is set to mirror the impact of the anthemic ‘Blood Diamond’ and works effortlessly for the era closing finale of the work between the pair. Also on the package is ‘Hidden’, an amen break inspired sub rumbler that flirts with the 140 jungle genre brilliantly. There’s also evidence of further collaborations, ‘Y.O.U’ sees Last Japan team up with Avrg Joe for a hip hop / garage vibe on a Rustie tip, held together by a pitched R&B vocal. The package is closed off by the vocal talents of Red Boy G (think Mike Skinner in his nascent beginning), adding a conversational swagger to ‘Ragged Man Mode’. The release showcases Last Japan’s thoughtful and savvy sound across styles; following in the wide ranging values of Bullet Train with its cross genre flirtation throughout the five tracks (an instrumental of ‘East’ is also included). It’s emblematic of the imprint’s vision, focused on pushing exciting new music from a series of talented up and coming producers.