With a prodigious body of work behind him D J Vadim has released a new album, Don’t be Scared.

D J Vadim is a true multinational musician. Born in Russia, raised in London and now spending his time between Britain and the U.S.A, Vadim has collaborated with an impressive number of other artists, including Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder and Prince, to name just a few.

Vadim’s electric multinationalism shines through in his music as he combines element of hip hop ambient, electronic, soul and reggie in his music to create a unique sound which defies genre classification.

The albums opening track is a statement of intent as it asks the listener to take a journey through sound with Vadim, the journey will take you through many musical influences as Vadim weaves something completely new. 'Hide and Seek' (4:11) uses elements of drum and bass infused with Hindi influences, the track is infused with found speech, disc crackle and synth work to create an aural experience, rather than a song. It has an ambient quality which is mesmerising.

'Lemon Haze' (6:56) is another which starts with layers of speech and sound, before settling into a more tradition funk groove. With little in the way of bass and drum on the track, the underlying rhythm being produced by the synth. 'Lemon Haze' has a very stripped back sound, although the more uptempo beat would play well in a club.

'I'm Feeling U' feat. Greg Blackman (4:16), still has the trademark rhythmic percussion used by Vadim, but the song is more traditional in construction.

'Lost my Love' feat. Jazz Bailey (5:59) is a more languid affair, heavy on the bass and drum with a processed vocal. The track progresses through odd vignettes and twists of the expected transition between one part and another. It’s probably not a song you’ll play when you have been dumped, as the intricacies of the track would be too distracting to any prospective maudlin ennui.

'This DJ' feat. J Man (5:17) steers us towards grungy urban hip hop as J Man infuses the song with his own style of Bristolian Jungle Ragga. 'Set Them Free' feat. Sabira Jade (3:45) and the sultry vocals of Sabira is counterpointed with a heavy Reggie beat. Sabira, whose name means ‘happy and contented one’, has also formed The Electric with Vadim and Pugs Atomz.

'Bally Umar' (4:37) and we're back to fusing Hindi music with a heavy rhythm section. 'Akura Uprock' feat. Greg Blackman (5:13) fuses his own form of funk/soul to Vadim’s heavy D&B, to create a hypnotic dance track. 'Leader' feat. Yarah Bravo (5:20) features another British hip hop female vocalist. 'Vah Voaw' feat. Heidi Vogel (5:17) brings elements of both her Soul and Latin influences to another slow track.

The disc closes with two songs which seem to sum up the voyage 'Take my Time' feat. Jazz Bailey (4:17) is infused with the usual sumptuous hip hop/soul vocals layered on top of a deep D&B vibe and 'Closed Eyes' feat. Yarah Bravo, Pugs Atomz & Jazz Bailey (5:30).

The CD comes with a sheet which not only gives the track listing, which is oddly different to the CD itself, but also a handy recipe for spicy mango fish casserole.

If Vadim was attempting to provide an experience, rather than a traditional set of songs, he has succeeded. This CD deserves to be played - and played loud.

8

Charles Packer