Falling into an ever-declining genre, Skalpels early-Cold-War Polish jazz updated with some 21st century breaks is a strange animal, predominantly traditional but throwing in with some curious twists. With echoes of some dimly lit lounge in 60s Krakow, the music entertains the thought of cigars and single malts. Definitely not an album for those without a taste for jazz, fans of Mr. Scruff or Herbaliser will be salivating over this record as much as the purists. The second album from DJs/producers Marcin Cichy and Igor Pudlo, Konfusion features a bonus CD with remixes of their debut by names such as Quantic and Dr Rubberfunk. A considerable change in pace from the main disc, the modernised upbeat funk of the 1958 Breaks bonus disc is as enjoyable as the main side if not more so. Its hardly a surprise that Skalpel are now getting attention outside of the Eastern Bloc.
(Ninja Tune)Skalpel
Konfusion
BY Rob WooPublished Dec 1, 2005