Southern Fried

"14 finger clicking choons from the Sunny South" reads the upful by-line from Southern Fried - a collection of music from producers based in and around the Cork area.

Only three of these acts have released material to date, including hometown heroes Bass Odyssey, who contribute an exclusive track. Hence this selection of lazy vibes and hazy beats is drawn straight from the heartland of the underground.

These are the self-produced cuts that have been moulded and crafted over hundreds of hours hard graft in bedrooms and makeshift garden shed studios. The general level of production is impeccable - proving that you don't need the best equipment, only attitude, originality and a willingness to get your hands deep down and dirty in the mix.

Strong offerings come thick, fast and slow from Brian Ring, Fishgodeep and Edwin James' excellent electro-bass driven gentle boogie 'Gifted People'. The DJ triumvirate of Stevie G, Greg Dowling and Shane Johnson aka Deep South chip in a honey-dripping Corkonian Soul cut 'The Jazz'.

It's hard to pick standouts, but on a purely personal tip, Connection 924's muffled beats and build ups, iced with breathy vocals and voice-overs, come on like a lo-fi Massive Attack searching for the dark soul of the Leeside. On a completely different vibe, the highly endearing croons of Pat O'Sullivan's swoonsome parting glass ballad, 'This Song for U', could melt the frostiest of hearts.

The prevailing mood of chilled bliss is apt for the time of year that's in it - all grey skies and financial hangovers. Southern Fried is a welcome respite to late winter drudgery.