Marco Del Horno - Wake Up Call

After the masterstroke that was the first collection of Marco’s Bullet Train imprint compilation, the grimey / UK funky DJ releases his debut proper – part banging mix, part personal statement and concept album, Marco here offers a rather tasty slice of current UK bass culture.

Unbeknown to most, Marco Del Horno turned his back on music for a career in advertising, his life eventually spiralling out of control through money and excessive partying. Alas, Marco stuck up for a friend in a brawl and ended up in hospital with three stab wounds for his efforts. Cue the Marco we all now know, full of vigour, passion and a clear and positive attitude.

The concept of the album follows Marco through the critical moments in his life, from the opening Intro and then ‘I Don’t Want You To Love Me’, it follow Marco’s progression and shaping events , switching up the BPM, tempo and slowly representing the feel and attitude of this scenario’s with hard hitting clarity and force. Soaked with personal affectation, the album moves through ‘Still Standing’, its uplifting, 2-step beat soaked with synth melodies and ethereal chimes hark back to a day of reckoning, the meandering, sub loaded and juxtaposed ‘Decision Time’ floating along with Tracey Thorn vocals interwoven and faded dreamily within a complex and serious tone.

Title track ‘Wake Up Call’ and others throughout the album have Marco’s lyrics delivered by the creator itself – at times, makes it sound like The Streets, but with heart, feeling and integrity. As Marco himself said, “Let’s be very clear – I’m not a rapper” – he’s not wrong, but with lyrics as close to his heart, he couldn’t have let anyone else on the mic duties. The tempo and tonal quality of the album steps up a gear as we arrive towards Marco’s present with more uplifting tones and break beat laced emotion on ‘Back in the Game’ and finally, ‘London is Ours’, featuring Emi Green.

With such a challenging concept, and the desire to create your first artist album, establishing yourself as a producer as well as a DJ can be tough. But aside from a few ropey vocals, this fresh and eclectic album is a more than notable effort at creating something interesting and stimulating.