After teasing their upcoming Souped Up neuro/dancefloor epic Cooked for nearly a year, the 14-track LP is finally due out this Friday, 13 June. Fans might be scratching their heads at the unlikely pairing of Benny V and Serum’s funky label and the Russian/Ukranian neuro mainstays, but the trio of Teddies have actually been switching it up for a while now. With five other singles on Souped Up in 2024, singles on Monstercat and Roadblock Rcords as well as remixes on Disciple and Gud Vibrations, it should be apparent to anyone tuned in to TK that they are branching out, not just with labels but with style.
We began working with Souped Up in a very natural, organic way. After releasing a few singles on the label and having a fantastic experience, it felt only right to approach them when we decided to create this album—a project that marks a significant shift in our sound. I guess it was influenced in a way by the Souped Up sound, so we brought our idea to Mark and Ed. From the very beginning, they were incredibly supportive, and the entire process was truly collaborative. -Greg TK
So for those who wondered how this shift came to pass, there’s the answer, at least for Souped Up. It’s easy for any neuro artist to feel a bit boxed in as the punters can be so rigid in terms of structure and sound, but Teddy Killerz have always tried to push back against the pigeonhole. As an inclusive label which generally focuses on tech prowess over any loosely-defined perception of genre the scene at large has, it makes sense that this partnership would eventually form.
So what about the sound? Is it really that much of a diversion in style? With six tracks from Cooked already out, there is already a fair bit to compare, and it does seem at first listen to be quite a shift. Heavy on the amens with beats roughly influenced by old school jungle in tracks like ‘Supa Sweet’ with Armodine, ‘NRG’ with Inja and the latest ‘Tonight’ with jungle legend Sweetie Irie, neuro heads may think the Killerz have moulded themselves to Souped Up entirely. The rest of the album isn’t quite as cut-and-dry, however, and those really familiar with the TK stye will still find that teeth-grinding neuro aggression at the base of almost every track. Similar to Zombie Cats releasing on High Tea and Liquicity in recent years, you can take the neuro out of the track, but you can’t take the funk out of the artists.
One track that’s got the aggression front-and-centre is today’s premiere and likely the last track fans will hear before the LP drops is ‘Mom I’m Going to Rave’. A collab with fellow neuro grinder Gydra and new artist Rysick, ‘Mom I’m Going to Rave’ has a minimal, snappy beat with equally snappy snares, a full staff of ambient noise and a grindy bass synth that would make any neuro fan happy. It’s also a nod to youth culture and old school party vibes with its sampling, a cheeky extension of the title with a little acid house loops thrown in for good measure. It reminds the most serious tech heads that rave culture is still a party culture and it doesn’t need to be all so serious, whist throwing some serious neuro bass.
For punters thinking of skipping Cooked because it’s different than standard Teddy Killerz fare, reserve judgement until the full album drops. There’s more than enough stubstance to go with this new style, and no shortage of heavy gooves, no matter where your sub genre loyalties lie. It’s a diverse, party-heavy summer offering with something for every stage at every festie.
Cooked drops Friday, 13th June on Souped Up and can be pre-saved or pre-ordered here.