Rene Lavice At Juno Download

Review: Another new name that Ram have brought to the table in their slew of signings over the past couple of years, Mr Rene La Vice impressed with his Ram debut "Headlock" On the Dimensions 5 EP and now steps up with his own solo EP. "Dank" gets things started with reverberating vocals and punctuated beats, before the more explorative "Meow" takes over. Title track "Absolute Monster" is the more familiar sound of Rene La Vice as established in "Headlock" with its grinding, scintillating bass sounds and sturdy drum beats. "Dungeon", on the other hand, really strips things back before an immense "Headlock VIP" rounds things off.

Review: Ram's latest darling, Canadian D&B producer Rene La Vice, comes up with his next release on the iconic label. Hot on the heels of his last EP, All My Trials sees the star set out a more vocal-driven, liquid-leaning approach with Ivy Mairi on vocal duties. The title track begins with a shimmering intro full of sparkling notes and curious SFX, building with a glossy wail into the drop and an uplifting, feel-good frenzy with rolling drums, glowing bass and plenty of hands in the air factor. Accompanying this is "Not Deep" which is more instantly recognizable as Rene La Vice and features his trademark bass sound along with terse, metallic breaks. Cool stuff.

Review: Since first making his debut on Canada's Stride Recordings back in 2009, Toronto native Rene Lavice has been inching towards 'D&B heavyweight' status. While he's not there just yet, this confident debut album for the mighty RAM Records should nudge him a little nearer his goal. Bold, brash and rave-inspired, with both eyes on the dancefloor, Insidious breathlessly flits between steppy jungle, tech-step and deeper flavours without a care in the world. It has its share of darkness, too - see "Thorax" and the brilliant old skool roller "Tap Dat" - but the overall feel is one of thrilling release. As debut albums go, it's pretty good.

Review: The Dimensions 5 EP brings together four brand new tracks from a range of non-Ram signings. Rene LaVice's "Headlock" kicks things off with a gnarly, swaggering b-line, terse drumbeats and infectious dancefloor quality. Then it's on to Hospital's Cyantific for another exercise in the infamous motorbike bassline that has become a Ram motif of late, complete with soaring vocal and grinding sub bass. June Miller shake things up with impassioned screaming heavy metal lyrics and a Noisia-esque soundscape in "64 Thousand Dollar Habit (feat. Secret Handshake Club)". Wickaman & RV round things off with "Ev's Dead". More top stuff from Andy C's legendary Ram Records.