Culture Shock At Juno Download

Review: With a steadily growing fanbase on Ram, initially coming off the back of his inclusion on Andy C's Nightlife 4 and a number of killer singles, Culture Shock's showing no signs of slipping with "Bad Red". With a funky and crunchy bassline working in tandem with some huge lead stabs, it works itself into a smooth breakdown before coming back in with even more fire and menace. "Surprise" on the flipside is also a tasty treat, with some militant and unpredictable synths filling gaps between the razor sharp jump-up drums. Clearly a producer on the rise, look out for more heat from Culture Shock in the future.

Review: Since the release of Andy C's Nightlife 5 album late last year, Ram have really taken the D&B scene by storm with new acts coming through like Wilkinson, Delta Heavy, Loadstar, Culture Shock and Mind Vortex. "Footloose", up first, is all pumping beats and chiming synth work; "Onslaught" features an early Pendulum-style build with epic choral input, falling into a tremendous drop with squelchy bass and pelting drums. Hive goes dark and tech-y with the raucous "Blackout" and Commix remix influential classic "Lunar Bass" in a resplendent final track. Possibly the best of the Nightlife EPs to date - highly recommended!