Mary Susan Littlepage

Although the U.K.-based Freestylers definitely drop some breaks in their tunes, when they play, plenty of other sounds creep into their music as well. Hip-hop grooves, drum ’n’ bass, electro and dancehall all combine on the Freestylers’ party tracks. Ragga, siren sounds, electro, booty-shaking bits and snippets of many dance tracks seamlessly blend to make up "A Different Story Edit." Meanwhile "Painkiller" starts out slow and eerie and grows to sounding so rowdy, it’s hard not to think about the song igniting a mosh pit at a show. Even though they’ve collaborated with MCs, scratch DJs and people rockin’ drums, guitar and bass, it’s Matt Cantor and Aston Harvey who always play as the Freestylers. Still, don’t count on all funky breaks and breakbeat mashups all night, for word has it that they like to play other styles, like funky house, as well.

Freestylers, with DJ Deekline, DJ Icon, Brazen and New Guard residents Keith Mackenzie and Local Hero at Smart Bar, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-0203, on March 13 from 10pm-4am. $7 before midnight, $10 after. (2008-03-11)

Also by Mary Susan Littlepage

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Known for his creative, precise mixing and wicked three-turntable assaults, London-based Sims, 33, says that clubbers who catch him on October 17 at Spy Bar can expect to hear "raw, energetic, tough groove-based music"
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Stroke of Genius
Detroit native Barclay Crenshaw has called San Francisco home for about eight years, but the DJ/producer, also known as dirtybird tech-funk record-label owner Claude VonStroke, hasn’t forgotten his roots
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Spin Control
When Samantha Kern, aka DJ Sassmouth, talks about how many clubbers in Cincinnati are insanely responsive and positive about her sets, she has a sound of slight amazement in her voice
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Still Open for Business
If you want to extend your middle finger at someone, The Alley, just turning thirty, stays stocked with helpful items
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Hey! Mr. DJ
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Spin Control
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Tip of the Week
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The Sweet Smell of Soy
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Flush with contentment
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Calling Aunt Jemima
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Taken to the Cleaners
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The Magic Klute
(2005-03-08)

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