Pibe US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The fledgling hip-hop label Pibe marks its fifth release with a rather lovely 7" that packs a genuine punch. Kero Uno is the artist behind the two singles with some great bars from contemporary lyricists. Opener 'Do You Remember?' is a summery sound with a feel-good vibe and guests Blu & King Most do a fine job of adding extra colour and charm. On the reverse is a much more soulful and sentimental sound with more gentle beats and a crystal clear and clean vocal from Ace Hashimoto swirling up next to jazzy chords. Tidy stuff.

Review: Vibe is back with more versions of Portishead classics from the mysterious Portishedd moniker. This latest 7" is a green slab with 'Glory' and 'Roads'. The A-side, like the B-side, is a remix from Kero Uno and it brings a swaying Latin feel and broken beats to the classic original vocal which rings out with a pained soul next to the eerie synths. 'Roads' is then a more late night and deep sound with the uneasy vocal whispers unfurling over lurching beats and swooning string sounds. It's a fine rework that is brilliantly atmospheric.