Among the myriad of talent in the News Shopper newsroom is a DJ of many years experience, so when an unsolicited CD arrived on my desk on a quiet morning (computers down!) I asked him to have a listen.

The CD was from Acetate Records and included its mega-mix, Scar U 4 Life and Life's Chambers. But you don't have to made do with the CD you can hear the material live in Northfleet this month.

Here is what our DJ who shall remain anonymous said: "Searing dance and metal fusion which, thankfully, avoids sounding like The Prodigy. The music is a potent cocktail of high-quality guitar thrashing blended with late-night pirate station beats and chatter.

"Most definitely a London sound, this is a rich tapestry of atmospheric samples, chords, rap and guitar, all backed up by a beat which is tighter than a Sumo wrestler's death grip. This isn't destined for "Classical Chillout" but if you are lucky enough to hear about an Acetate Records party, I would suggest you get along for the ultimate live sound."

Acetate Records consist of a band of eight people with an average age of 23, all from Gravesend and Meopham.

Lethal A.K.A iii Jargon, who made his debut in the UK hip-hop scene at the tender age of 13, fronts the band surrounded by Trash Can Dan and Shade, both on bass, Seb on lead guitar and Steve on keys. Powering the band is ErbnDub on drums and DJs Misto Driscoll and On-Fire bring the turntable skills and horn blowing.

The band is prolific.At the end of 2000 their music attracted massive downloads from their host website Peoplesound. Since then they have produced another 12 tracks which also form the basis of their new live set. The next gig is going to be on Friday, December 21, at the Red Lion, Crete Hall Road, in Northfleet.

Steve said: "Everything we do creates a bit of a buzz. Everyone who hears us says it is something completely different and we capture people's attention."

The most exciting aspect of this unit is their tremendous songwriting strength and their individual musical dexterity.

Lethal has developed his craft alongside DJ Destruction (now the UK's finest hip-hop producer) and his lyrics capture the sheer lust for the life of youth while also tackling more emotional subjects.

Steve adds his many influences, from classic piano to drum and bass, and ErbnDub's incredible drumming skills, to produce a mix that shouldn't be missed.

Dec 21, Acetate Records, Christmas Rince Out, The Red Lion, Crete Hall Road, Northfleet, £4, 01322 521439.

December 10, 2001 19:21

Joan Gardner