Equiknoxx Music is an institution, with a wonderfully sprawling catalogue which is a testament to their adventurous, feed-forward sound. Gavsborg and (co-founder) Time Cow, along with Shanique Marie, Bobby Blackbird and Kemikal, have almost single-handedly flipped the script on what is possible within (and beyond) the confines of what made dancehall great.
In anticipation of his debut Sri Lanka show on 24 February 2024, we hand-selected 10 of our favourite songs from the Gavsborg (and Equiknoxx) multiverse, carrying the rhythm touch of one of the most singular, creative minds in music.
Make that 11.
Unkle G & Gavsborg – Unkle G [An Honest Meal]
The title (character) track that expands on the fascinating Gavsborg (alter ego) Unkle G (note: a great introduction to Gav himself). The trials, tribulation and tabulations (i.e. scores) deadpanned over a bed of patiently built keys and extra-extra horns: In the studio. Every day, every day.
Kat7 – Rubadub Skank (Feat. Irinia Mossi) [Motherboard]
A highlight from Motherboard, the spunky debut LP of Kat7, a collaboration between Gavsborg and reggae artist Exile Di Brave. A rudeboy hit that effortlessly involves the Swiss-Congolese singer Irinia Mossi in the mix.
Equiknoxx – Manchester [Eternal Children]
An Equiknoxx (and modern) classic at this point, paying homage to the time Equiknoxx spent in the famed city of legendary musical heritage. A UK-Jamaica mind-bassline intersection.
Equiknoxx – Urban Snare Cypher [Basic Tools]
A standout from their latest LP (Basic Tools), “Urban Snare Cypher” is a textbook exhibit of Equiknoxx sound: space, torque, and tough basswork. (Listen on headphones, cranked up to 13).
Unkle G & Gavsborg – Popcaan Said My Riddims Aren’t Good [An Honest Meal]
A ferocious, cinematic tour-de-force dripping with signature Gavsborg humour and um, shade.
Gavsborg – Coming to Your Grey (feat. Shanique Marie) [1 Hour Service]
From his ghetto-psychedelic debut on Casstte Blair (1 Hour Service), where Shanique Marie matches haunted atmosphere and snare energy with equally yielding vocals. Wouldn’t be out of place on a Sound Signature 12 inch.
Equiknoxx – I Really Want to Write Her Purple Wall [Bird Sound Power]
From the Equiknoxx’s debut album that arrived like a bat outta dancehall hell, and laid the foundations for their taut and steely sound, that slowly evolved into a polyhedron prism. Along with “Last of the Mohicans”, “The Link”, “Timebird”, “Congo Get Slap Like” (and more) – cornerstone of a sleeper classic.
Time Cow & RTKal - Elephant Man [Elephant Man]
A track with a great backstory, of a night in Kingston lauding the impact of the eminent Elephant Man, that ends “with the ghostly synth + drum repetition concocted by a volca beats trial run by Gavsborg”.
Equiknoxx – Melodica Badness [Colon Man]
From their sophomore album, Colon Man. Another riddim of elephant (man) proportions.
Equiknoxx – Someone Flagged it Up!! [Bird Sound Power]
Equiknoxx at their most sublime, combining Kingston gunfya urgency with stunning Basic Channel bassline flow (with an apt remix from the great man himself).
Equiknoxx – Uggh (feat. Joey B (Mcr)) [Basic Tools]
“You sound like Air France, when mi can’t get through, and I still can’t find my luggage.” A gorgeous 125bpm chugger that feels like it operates at half-speed (and one of the best secret-weapon set-closers).
Gavsborg will perform at 925 Colombo on 24 February 2024.
By: DJ Infrastructur
February 2024