Mrk1 At Juno Download

Review: A huge release for Manchester's Midication crew as Virus Syndicate studio/turntable monster MRK1 gets lively across a range of vocal and instrumental joints. Highlights include the Old Spice style string drama of "Renegade", Roll Deep affiliate Jamakabi's fast-tongued chatter on "Deeper Than You" and the dancehall harmonies of "Badman" - a perfect example of how autotunes should be used. Still not convinced? No stress; there's an instrumental on offer too.

Review: The Mancunian D&B-turned-dubstep/grime producer brings us another fabulous release on the celebrated Dark Circles imprint. Meticulously fusing instrumentals with the darkest, inkiest pools of bass, Placebo-style vocals and ominous synthetics, "Summer Rain" is anything but light, airy and warm. There's no sign of summer, no gentle tropical vibes here, instead we witness a treacherous thunderstorm of sound...but it's stunning nonetheless. Counting down '10, 9, 8...' with a growling horror movie style voiceover, "Sick Tonight" swiftly descends in to a rave horn toting, shuddering drop. Rapped lyrics taunting 'someone's gonna be sick tonight' are paired with stomach-lurching subs and hissing hi hats. Yes, it's another rowdy one on the flip from MRK1 and a gutsy release all round. Thumbs up!