Album Review: Hmm Cheapcore by DJ UEP
Released in 2000 under the UK-based label GGM, Hmm Cheapcore is a no-holds-barred dive into the frenetic world of Gabber, an electronic subgenre that thrives on raw energy and unapologetic chaos. DJ UEP, a name that might not ring bells for mainstream listeners, delivers an album that’s as abrasive as it is unforgettable. This record doesn’t aim to please—it demands your attention, and it gets it, whether you like it or not.
One standout track is the aptly titled “Untitled.” It’s the kind of song that grabs you by the collar and shakes you until you’re disoriented. The kick drum hits so hard it feels like it’s trying to escape the speakers, while the distorted synths spiral into a frenzy that borders on cacophony. Yet, there’s a strange beauty in its chaos. You don’t just hear “Untitled”—you experience it. It’s the auditory equivalent of being caught in a mosh pit, where every beat feels like a shove from behind. For fans of Gabber, this track is quintessential; for the uninitiated, it’s a baptism by fire.
Another memorable moment comes from the album’s relentless pacing, particularly in what I can only assume is another untitled track (the lack of proper names adds to the DIY charm). Here, DJ UEP layers warped vocal snippets over a breakneck rhythm that refuses to let up. The production quality is lo-fi, almost deliberately so, giving the impression that this was recorded in a garage after one too many energy drinks. But that’s the point—it’s authentic, unfiltered, and dripping with attitude.
What makes Hmm Cheapcore linger in your mind isn’t necessarily its technical brilliance but its sheer audacity. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s running over the wheel with a tank. At times, it feels like DJ UEP is daring you to keep listening, to endure the sonic assault. And strangely enough, you do.
Reflecting on this album, it’s hard not to think about how music has changed since 2000. Today’s electronic scene often feels polished to a fault, with producers chasing perfection at the expense of personality. Hmm Cheapcore reminds us that imperfection can be its own kind of perfection. It’s messy, loud, and utterly unapologetic—qualities that feel refreshingly rare in today’s musical landscape.
And honestly? Listening to this album feels like finding an old mixtape in the back of your closet. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s what makes it special. Who knew Gabber could feel so nostalgic?
