Skanna - Heaven E.P

A masterpiece from John Graham as Skanna, the Heaven EP is a very expensive release from his early days as producer.
Despite "Heaven" being amazing as well, "This Way" is the tune of this single: Deep, atmospheric & sophisticated Jungle piece whose female vocal sample "This waaaay" belongs to the Soul II Soul singer Caron Wheeler, took from "Keep On Movin' (Big Beat Acappella)" (1989). The sample was taken from Caron's quote "Groovin' On... It's our time... Stay in my life... Oh, why...? Do they choose to leave... THIS WAY? Oh... yes! Keep On Movin'!" that you don't get on the other versions of the single except the Big Beat Acappella and the album one (you can check it out on their clip).

On the B Side, "Heaven" got a very powerful line of Breakbeats with fat bass & filters that Acen used on "Trip To The Moon" parts I and II, and Krome & Time as well on "This Sound Is For The Underground". Despite the beats, there is also an atmospheric environment, with pads with nice bass & piano lines.

'This Way' showed Bukem how to progress and he never quite hit the heights of this jazz soaked jungle/dnb work out, perfect in nearly every way, musical and melodic hardcore that lives up to the term 'intelligent'. Flip it over and you have 'Heaven' which is as about a 180 degree turn as flipping the vinyl itself, soft synth, bongo and staggered rolling snares give way to the ferocious break popularised by Nebula II's Atheama and some serious filtered mentasms for a ride through the outer reaches and back again. The third track is unfortunately rather disappointing next to its groove mates but still would class as an A-side for many other producers of that era. Skanna was a seriously classy act and very under-recognised, if you see anything by him out and about, don't hesitate!