Ballad of Henry by 0898 Dave: A Trip-Hop Odyssey That Kicks You in the Ears
Alright, let’s get this straight—Ballad of Henry isn’t your typical electronic album. Released back in 2005 under Heart & Soul Recordings, it’s a gritty slice of UK trip-hop that doesn’t ask for permission to invade your brain. This thing is raw, unapologetic, and weird as hell—but that’s exactly why it sticks with you.
First up, “Glockrock (Original Mix).” Damn, this track slaps harder than most stuff out there. It's got that grimy bassline that feels like someone took a sledgehammer to your chest but made it sound smooth somehow. The beat? Clunky yet hypnotic, like tripping over broken glass while still vibing. You remember it because it’s not trying too hard—it just is. No frills, no overproduced nonsense, just pure gut-punch energy. If you’re into tracks that make you want to nod aggressively on a dimly lit street corner, this one’s for you.
Then there’s “Ballad Of Henry (Homelife Re-mix).” Now THIS version flips the script entirely. Where the original might’ve been more straightforward, Homelife takes it somewhere darker, almost dreamlike. The remix drags you down some damp alleyway of sound where echoes swirl around like cigarette smoke at 3 AM. There’s something haunting about how the synths creep in—you can practically feel the cold air nipping at your neck. It’s moody as fuck and refuses to let go even after the last note fades. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you question if you accidentally stepped into another dimension.
The rest of the album follows suit—tracks like “Plug On (ACR Soundclash)” bring their own chaotic charm, blending jagged beats with an industrial edge that keeps things unpredictable. But yeah, skip the filler moments if you’re short on patience; they’re not all gold here. Still, when it hits, it REALLY hits.
So what’s the deal with Ballad of Henry? Is it perfect? Hell no. Does it try too hard sometimes? Maybe. But damn if it doesn’t leave a mark. Listening to this record feels like getting sucker-punched by a ghost—painful, disorienting, but kinda unforgettable once it’s over.
And hey, isn’t that what good music should do? Screw the polish. Give me messy brilliance any day.
