Moving On

With Moving On, Bristol producer and turntablist X-Ray Ted delivers a debut album that feels like the culmination of years spent digging through crates, studying grooves and refining a sound that effortlessly bridges past and present. Rooted in funk, soul, hip hop, breaks and beats, it is a record that wears its influences proudly while carving out an identity all of its own.

From the opening moments, Moving On announces its intentions. Infectious guitar riffs, heavyweight rhythms and rich layers of instrumentation create an immediate sense of momentum. This is music built for movement, whether on a packed dancefloor or through a pair of headphones, with each track carrying a sense of joy and purpose.

What makes the album particularly compelling is X-Ray Ted’s ability to reinterpret vintage sounds without simply recreating them. The spirit of classic funk and soul runs through the record’s DNA, but the production feels vibrant and contemporary. Familiar textures are reshaped into something fresh, creating a collection that feels nostalgic without ever becoming trapped in the past.

A carefully assembled cast of collaborators adds further depth to the project. Hip hop veterans Afrika Baby Bam and Fullee Love bring character and presence, while UK favourites Dr Syntax and Professor Elemental inject charisma and lyrical flair. Elsewhere, the soulful vocals of Carys Abigail provide warmth and melody, helping to balance the album’s harder-edged grooves with moments of genuine emotional weight.

The strength of Moving On lies in its cohesion. Despite drawing from multiple genres and featuring a range of guest contributors, the album never feels fragmented. Instead, every element serves the wider vision, resulting in a seamless journey through funk-driven rhythms, soulful hooks and hip hop swagger.

Celebrating the sounds of previous decades while confidently pushing forward, Moving On is an assured and highly enjoyable debut. It captures the essence of a producer who understands the history of the music he loves and knows exactly how to breathe new life into it.