Rhythm Division

Rhythm Division is a collaboration between Chris Hawkins and Leigh Savage, who began experimenting with a fusion of breakbeat and funk-driven techno whilst recording as ‘Paramatrix’ and ‘808 Force’ for the cutting-edge Sense Of Sound label. However, it is since adopting the Rhythm Division moniker and signing to Mark “Meat Katie” Pember’s pioneering Whole 9 Yards stable that the pair have fully realized their now-trademark union of rugged, percussive beats and deep, humming basslines with twisted techno overtones.



“This is the dog’s bollocks…” and “…a genre that’s as yet un-named, that’s how cool and underground it is” (Mixmag), were the glowing terms used to describe the debut single by Rhythm Division, which was the first release on Whole 9 Yards back in 1998. ‘Gimme Some Juice’ served as a perfect introduction to Whole 9 Yards and the Rhythm Division sound, which embraces beats, breaks, techno and liquid funk, combining to create their own unique form of knockout tech-funk. This first 12” was licensed by Jon Carter for his Seven/DMC compilation, and was followed by Rhythm Division with a series of blistering 12” releases which earned them committed DJ support from the likes of Rennie Pilgrem, Tayo, Adam Freeland, Orbital, DJ Hyper, James Zabiela and FreQ Nasty.



However, Whole 9 Yards finally deliver Rhythm Divison’s debut long-player in the form of ‘Divided Rhythms’. ‘Divided Rhythms’ is available on CD only and features some of those key dancefloor 12” releases that put Rhythm Division on the map, including ‘Uzi’ and ‘Skin’. However, these proven DJ bombs are more than matched on the album by new dancefloor-destroying tracks, which in turn are complemented by more subtle and emotive material that showcases a depth and musicality which might surprise those who’ve been floored by Rhythm Division’s clubland carnage. The end result is an album that will appeal to both the heads and the headcases, and will work for both the pre-clubbing warm-up and the after-hours session. DJs and vinyl-lovers are being catered for with the release of two two-track 12” samplers.