Ed Rush & Optical At Juno Download

Review: Long time collaborators Ed Rush and Optical join forces once again for their latest release, "Crackball," out on RUN DNB. The title track is a heavy D&B number, combing tough breaks, distorted synths, strange FX and swirling sub bass. "Ride the Beast" is darker and more atmospheric, taking on soundbites of Latin styled, church congregation singing. The rolling beats wash over the eerie vocals and create a sense of drama befitting for the huge breakdown at the end.

Review: A banger from 2003, this classic gets a huge rerub from London producer Prolix on Ed & Optical's Virus label. Already on top form after his Scourge EP, his take on "Get Ill" is just what the doctor ordered - a huge and hectic killer that adds gliding synths by the bucket load to make it an absolute destroyer. Backed up by the Dyke and the Blazers-sampling "40 Channels of Funk", this is yet another essential slice of Virus.

Review: A re-issue of Ed Rush & Optical's 1998 classic, Wormhole is a seminal album that is an essential for any neurofunk / techstep fans. This re-issue comes at a time when Calyx & Teebee are back on the scene, Spor has returned and so perhaps there will be a darkside revival in D&B again. Right from the off, "Mystery Machine" plunges us deep into the subterranean world of Ed Rush & Optical with its futuristic, sci-fi sound and whomping bass. Watch out for Optical's two solo efforts "Slip Thru" and "Millenium" which are exceptional. "Compound" is another killer cut with squelchy bass and tense, ticking breaks, whilst "Point Blank" is another iconic cut from the album. An essential slice of D&B history right here.