DJ Blakey At Juno Download

Review: Known primarily as a DMC champ and 1Xtra regular, DJ Blakey steps up to the mixing desk in style on these two severe funky/garage-leaning bangers. While the title tune goes in for some vogueish detuning of vocals, astral pads and some crisp, 2-stepping beats, "Back Then" is a more upfront pre-garage house workout, with some pleasing touches of Todd Terry in the hyper-jacking drums.

Review: Underground garage upstart DJ Blakey - sadly not a big fan of the infamous character from 'On The Buses', as far as we know - returns to spiritual home Slime with a decidedly summery chunk of deep garage. Those who like their 4/4 garage a little more subdued will enjoy its loose and fluid mix of skippy beats, bold melodies, atmospheric chords and Todd Edwards-inspired vocal cut-ups. Given the ubiquity of sillier garage-influenced jams at present, it makes a refreshing change from the norm. The obligatory remix comes from D&B type Basher, whose raw junglist onslaught - all warped bass, scattergun beats and old skool flava - is in stark contrast to the comfy original.