Hi Times emerged from the vibrant UK underground electronic scene of the mid-1990s, a period when garage and electronic music were pushing boundaries and capturing the energy of club culture. The project represents the creative pulse of an era when bedroom producers and DJs were crafting innovative sounds that would define the decade's dancefloor aesthetic.
Feel It, released in 1996 on Underground Classics, stands as a compact but potent four-track EP that perfectly encapsulates the UK garage sound at its peak. The vinyl serves as both a snapshot of the era and a testament to Hi Times' understanding of what made the underground scene tick. Rather than stretching across numerous tracks, the release demonstrates quality over quantity, with each side carefully curated for maximum impact.
The album opens with Feel It (The Full On Mix), a driving garage track that immediately establishes the project's dancefloor credentials with rolling percussion and hypnotic synths. Journey Into Jazz follows, offering a more introspective detour into jazzy textures and looser rhythmic structures, showcasing Hi Times' range beyond straightforward club tracks. Side B revisits the title track with Feel It (Red Eye Version), providing an alternate interpretation that strips back elements for a more stripped-down aesthetic. The EP concludes with Red Eye Beats, a percussive showcase that highlights Hi Times' skill with rhythmic layering and groove construction.
For collectors seeking authentic mid-1990s UK garage on vinyl, Feel It represents an essential piece of underground electronic history. The 12-inch format perfectly suits these tracks' dancefloor orientation and sonic density.
