Module 220ep by KMD: A Hardcore Time Capsule That Still Slaps (1990, UK)
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—this ain’t your polished Spotify playlist filler. KMD’s Module 220ep is raw, uncut, and hits like a brick to the face. Released in 1990 under their own steam (no label drama here), this EP is a wild ride through the grittier corners of electronic music. Think Hardcore, Techno, Electro, and some bleepy madness all mashed up into four tracks that’ll either make you lose your mind or fall in love with it forever.
First off, Me & You Against The World Eh Mate. Damn, what a mouthful of a title, right? But don’t let the cheesy name fool ya—this track is pure fire. It's got that hardcore edge with breakbeats so sharp they could cut glass. The energy is relentless; it feels like someone strapped a jet engine to a rave and hit the gas. What sticks out most is how chaotic yet controlled it feels. Like, yeah, it’s kicking your ass, but there’s still this weird sense of precision behind it. You can tell these guys weren’t just throwing stuff at the wall—they knew exactly what they were doing.
Then there’s Module 220, the titular banger. This one grabs you by the throat from the first second and doesn’t let go. The synths are cold as hell, almost mechanical, but somehow they still feel alive. There’s this relentless pulse running through it, like a heartbeat for machines. Halfway through, when those bleeps start going off, it’s game over—you’re either dancing or dead. Honestly, I remember this track because it sounds like something from a dystopian future where robots throw underground raves while humans hide in bunkers. Wild imagery, but that’s the vibe.
Now, onto the other two tracks real quick. Dr. Drophead brings the weirdness factor up a notch, with glitchy sounds that feel like your headphones are malfunctioning—but in a good way. And Large Organ? Dude, it’s basically an acid trip condensed into six minutes. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re into that sort of thing, buckle up.
So yeah, Module 220ep isn’t perfect. Some parts sound dated, sure, but who cares? This EP captures a moment in time when electronic music was still figuring itself out, and that makes it special. Listening to it now feels like eavesdropping on a secret conversation between pioneers who didn’t give a damn about rules.
Reflection time: If you think modern EDM is edgy, slap this on and see how long you last before your brain melts. Oh, and fun fact—I once played Module 220 at a party, and someone thought it was an alien transmission. True story.
