Description
Good Vibrations Music drops a limited sampler with some exclusive tracks and remixes courtesy of ‘Harold Matthew Jr’ (aka Big Ed) from his long player project; “Peripheral Vision”.
Chicago-based Harold wrote his first releases in the early 90’s with artists like Ron Trent, Terry Hunter, Maurice Joshua and Ron Carroll with songs such as “Ritual Of Love” and Barbara Tucker’s “I Get Lifted”. Throughout the late 90’s he was well known for his songs under his ‘Blak Beat Niks’ alias with production partner K. Fingers on PAN Records, Large Music and his own label Melodious Fonk with “The Sun Will Shine”. The 2000’s saw him move on to further projects with the likes of Slip N Slide, Mark Knight, Peppermint Jam, Glenn Underground, Makin’ Moves and Sean McCabe.
Moving into the next chapter, “Peripheral Vision” is a genre-spanning journey, drawing influences from a multitude of angles and providing a true reflection of Harold’s passion for song writing and spoken word, with a host of guest producers and vocalists.
“Deep Into My Sleep” opens the release and brings Cardiff’s ‘Black Sonix’ to the party and Harold’s sublime vocals provide the narrative to the afro tinged beats. It’s got soulful undertones a plenty with warm rushes of BVs and percussive rhythms to keep feet dancing way into the late night hour. This is the Extended Mix which is longer than the version on the album.
Sean McCabe’s Retro Jackin Mix of “Put Your Hands Together” gets serious on the dancefloor rework with driving beats and an explosion of synth flicks, hits and stabs. It’s Sean’s subtle nod to the Trax era, suggested by Harold, and set to become a firm fave with those that like their groove a little more analogue. This remix is exclusive to this sampler and is not included on the album.
Effortlessly moving through the soulful gears, Harold and Sean McCabe’s Extended mix of “Into You” brings guest vocalist Dawn Williams onboard for a lazy, hypnotic and sumptuous slice of house. Set amongst an uplifting backdrop of smooth chords and lushed out riffs, the vocalists playfully bounce off each other asking questions and telling answers whilst keeping all elements sat firmly in the sweet spot. Again this is longer than the album version.
Another Cardiff-based producer ‘DJ Fill’ shifts up the groove with “Pause”. Still oozing the soul but with a more Hip Hop vibe and peppered with smooth Rhodes, niggly electronic arps and a bassline that ain’t letting you go. Harold and Syl Messi go head to head with the lyrics, bringing together a smooth and edgy vocal balance for something truly special and unique.
Proving that all good things must come to an end, the title track “Peripheral Vision” closes things out featuring guest raps and production from Chicago’s own ‘Nickel Slick’ on their mission to rebuild and re-educate through the power of lyrics. It’s a heartfelt track with a strong and relevant message for today’s testing times. Proper Hip Hop vibes.
Tracklist:
A1 – Deep Into My Sleep (Extended Mix) (6:57)
A2 – Put Your Hands Together (Sean’s Retro Jackin Mix) (7:12)
B1 – Into You (Extended Mix) (5:21)
B2 – Pause (4:37)
B3 – Peripheral Vision (5:04)
