Hipnotech Records presents the XO Project (HR-016), the latest release of Hip-Hop/ Funk instrumentals and rhymes produced, written, performed and arranged by GENO XO. Not new to the Hipnotech camp Geno made his Hipnotech debut on Beats & Rhymes 1 (HR-008) and as a featured emcee, and producer on Beats & Rhymes 3 (HR-010).

Coming out of Detroit with a direct Submerge/UR connection Hipnotech show that all forms of music are open to that well known deep Detroit treatment and this time its HipHop. While still maintaining a classic Hip Hop attitude the XO Project involves a deep reflective undertone that produces something just left of centre and something that still surprises. A quality that is all too scarce in the majority of releases.

The EP begins with HIGH STAKES in which fluid serene spaced out funk rolls with keys and strings to offer a crisp and clear vision of futurist soul. A fantastic balance of smooth and raw tones that balance each other with a definite subtlety, keys that roll with perpetual momentum, swinging from side to side with an intensity that immerses the listener in its narrative. Strings that speak of a dramatic hope for the future and drums that punctuate all this with a solid attention to the real. The emotive qualities of this track make an instant case for the rest of this individual EP.

In the second track NOTICE FLOW a heavy raw four/four beat purposely bumps its way along. A guitar hook jars against the drums while a hauntingly sweet vocal echoes subconsciously in the back of the track. High twinkles float around the heavy pulse as snares crack and the dense aural foliage draws you deeper. Deep heavy house music with a muted funk that elusively avoids definition.

Again in BETRAYERS heavy kicks push the record forward but this time the composition is a breakbeat. These are joined by low urgent strings that pull you towards a sample that talks of the political betrayal in the American system. The solemnity of the music combines with the message of the sample to offer a chilling atmosphere of uncertainty. A true reflection of the frightening reality of world politics.

LIL SUMTHIN leaps into life, the groove is there from the word go in a cut that fuses hip hop confidence with the celebrations of classic funk music. The live bass and drum sounds immediately blow the track wide open inviting all present to participate. As Geno Xo's lyric jumps from beat to beat in a flow that breezes through an otherwise complicated delivery we are whirled into irresistible head nodding territory that refuses to be ignored. It's a lesson in how to craft direct dancefloor grooves that still maintain a real sense of underground credibility. From the light positive funk of the guitar to the rolls of the kick drum all is taken care of, a package that seems impossible to fault. Three different cuts of the track are provided, radio, explicit and instrumental taking care of all eventualities

A really diverse EP from a hard city with plenty of soul.