Album Review: Rusko O.M.G.!

Do you remember when there was a Jungle Room at every Rave? Probably not, it’s a post 30 thing. In any case, a couple years ago we were all wondering when Dub Step was gonna come back. And by comeback, we mean when it was gonna stop being a gross underground gutter punk thing in nasty goth fat pants, poo dreads and street dogs doing crank in stinky warehouses. Then we saw Diplo insert the Dub Step tip at CiRCA in between A Milli remixes. And there it was. Half time DnB + double time Hip Hop. Heavy bass. We waited with baited breath for our unnamed hero to emerge from the wreckage of those fat pants and take it mainstream. And just as the fixed queer uptown assholes who never could make the jump from 90s hip hop to electro almost ruined the resurgence of dub, from the ashes rose Rusko. And we’ve been thankful ever since. Finally O.M.G is the dubby album every owner of a vagina has been waiting for. And bonus just in time for the summer. -Anna Von

Rusko is to music what Bowzer is to Mario Land: a threat to your life and his shake-shattering moves make you sweat beats. With the release of his debut album O.M.G.! (Mad Decent Records), the Leeds-born DJ/producer is the coveted king of dubstep. O.M.G.! is fifty seven minutes of raw, thrash banger fun.  Cover to cover it carries rarities from dancehall to chillwave, and the production makes triganometry look like apple sauce.

Leading track and epic single, “Woo Boost” nails the classics of his genre and the mélange communion of hip hop, reggae and techno rampage through the echos of house music.  A lyrical overture, and hands down THE top track of the album, “Hold On”, features Dirty Projectors leading lady, Amber Coffman. Synergy, right? “Rubadub Shakedown”, adds to the fang-gushingly braises, fall-off-the-bone delicious, never-wash-that-t-shirt sort of awesome first side.  Dope friend repertoire aside, the album is way detailed. Cruise control and Lead foot. Horns, woodwinds and whole lotta fuzz.

Jazzy “Dial My Number” recklessly drops the bass momentum, numbing seamlessly with signature grime lathered, “I Love You”.  ”Kumon Kumon” pinches Jungle roots, and the vibe totally has an ironic touch. Popular ghetto rapper, Gucci Mane throws down on a B side and as the album’s finale, “District Line” lands you safely in a pool of neon oblivion.  A nostalgic toast to the dobbington and the dance floor, O.M.G.! is an instant classic. Just shy of experimental, Rusko goes beyond the surface of his reigning territory, challenging the boundaries of his castle.  With a summer packed full of festivals, he returns to Toronto August 14 and Montreal August 15 for Hard Fest. Let’s Rumble, yes?