pH10 is pretty much just Robert Betts, who was previously in a group called LD50, which is science-speak for the median lethal dose of a toxic substance or radiation. pH is how the acidity or alkalinity of a solution is measured, and pH10 is has the alkalinity of soap. So if names are anything to go by, pH10 is probably a lot less abrasive than LD50 was. Maybe not though, since pH10’s debut Well Connected is a collection of hardcore drum ‘n’ bass/jungle tracks with bass lines so loud they’ll knock your neighbor’s fillings out. Betts knows what he’s doing here, and when pH10 sticks to basic drum ‘n’ bass, they can do no wrong. “Space Baby,” “Yiggplant” and “Serious Delirium” all rely almost solely on killer beats and rhythms, keeping the vocals relegated to the occasional sample. It’s dated and not exactly original, other acts have been doing this (and doing it better) since the early ’90s, but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining and energetic. Things only go sour when the occasional MC shows up to rap over the already perfect beats. The worst of the bunch is Pete Miser, who on “BK United” proclaims he is so good that “even masturbating to me you can’t come close.” What the hell does that even mean? (Never mind, we don’t want to know.) Betts takes a step back stylistically on that tune too, trying an old-school rap style that just doesn’t work. Regardless, when ph10 sticks to the beats and bass they can’t lose, and thankfully that’s most of the album. This is a solid pick up for any DnB fan. (Helmutplex 2008)
Posted in: CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Dance, Electronica
Tags: Drum 'n bass, ph10 CD Review, Well Connected CD Review
I’ve read a fair amount of half-assed and misinformed reviews on this site and have always held my tongue but when you start bashing Pete Miser, I simply can’t stand idly by. For starters, get the line right - it goes “even masturbating next to me, you can’t come(cum)close” - ya get it? A bit embarrassed are ya? His rhymes are all at least that clever and his flow rivals that of any indie hip-hop artist alive today. As for pH10 - what makes the sound dated? Because it’s been around a while? Does that make metal or even rock itself dated? Why are electronica acts held to a standard that demands they follow the latest trends. Not all of us want to hear whatever 80s hipster crap is the current rage with the kids these days. I for one like the heavy nastiness that just so happens to be part of a genre that was made popular about 10 years ago - does that make me a throwback? Come on, that’s just elitist bullshit. pH10 is brilliant. I’ve been listening to them since my college radio station (WUMF) got their ‘Needless to Say’ single back in 2003. All 4 of their records are sick and yeah it’s just my opinion but everything they do with Pete Miser RULES.
Sometimes you guys seem to pick albums to review that are no where near your expertise or musical interest - and inevitably the text comes across as snarky and childish. This review is a good example of that. I just happen to be a big fan of both artists so I had to speak my mind - rather than just shrug and roll my eyes per usual.
Stacy C.
I’m confused: he gave the album three and a half stars, and you’re mad at him for it? Oh well, if you keep coming back to read our stuff, I guess we can’t be doing that badly. Cheers.
She’s not mad. She’s just calling him out for writing an ill informed and half assed review. Seems fair to me.