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RS 1008
07 May 13
Review:
North Welsh producer Feonix is pushing dubstep to its very extremes with this wonderfully dynamic ode to archaic bone-bashing riddims. Clicking and whistling through myriad found sounds, this is truly unique (a term that really can't be used very often in such an over crowded scene). "Night Creatures" is equally as immersive with breathy pads, heartbeat kicks and spacious clicks that build into an abyss-level sub drop and funky - if a little warped - two-step. One (Jurassic) step beyond...
TRUDD 074
08 Apr 13
Played by: Nice Up! Soundsystem, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Gabriel, Juno Recommends Drum & Bass, Juno Recommends Dancehall/Ragga, Juno Recommends Dub, The Funk Hunters, Euphonique, Good News Boppers, Highgrademuzik Aka Don D Selectah, Mo' Matic
Review:
Wrongtom Meets Deemas J's album In East London was met with some serious levels of hype when it arrived on the reggae scene last September. "The strongest modern reggae set to emerge from the UK for many years" said The Wire. High praise indeed. So "Superteng", the second single to be released from the roots-inspired LP, is a toned-down affair, groove-driven and minimal, letting the lyrics do the talking. Featuring a cool and collected remix by Scoop & Alter Ego & Rico and the bonus addition of jungle mashup "Jump + Move + Rock" remixed by the one and only Benny Page, you can't mistake the top quality of this release. If you're a fan, buy the LP too, it's a modern reggae masterpiece.
BDDNL 226
06 May 13
Review:
Entitled simply Grime 2.0, this mammoth release sees grime originators sit next to a new breed of artists, all compiled by Big Dada label boss Will Ashon and journalist Joe Muggs. Documenting grime's continued development over the past ten years, its track selections also demonstrate that it's still a vibrant and flourishing genre. Some 35 tracks deep, the compilation sees Ashon and Muggs securing exclusive, previously unheard material, with notable grime figureheads such as Youngstar, Wiley and MRK1 contributing alongside current stars in Royal T and Preditah as well as an international cast of emergent new talent, with Local Action artist and Grimetapes documenter Slackk featuring too. Essential!
TERR 014
13 May 13
Played by: Highgrademuzik Aka Don D Selectah
Review:
A large serving of aggression with plates of euphoria and filth on the side, sir? Coming right up... The mysterious AWE has cooked up a five track menu that reveals, as EP title suggests, his most free-spirited fusions of funk and fire. From rifle-like trap grooves ("Rust Lung") to concentrated star-gazing halfstep euphoria ("YYY") via utter bass chaos ("Jurassic"), every meal is as tasty as the last.
CIRCLP 002
13 May 13
Review:
Doctor P and Flux Pavilion hand over the selection duties to familiar label faces Funtcase and Cookie Monsta for the second Circus set. A 25-strong banger compendium balanced between classics and exclusives, it oozes the perfect blend of bare-faced bass attitude and tongue-in-cheek humour. From Roksonix string-soaked jig jamboree "Music In Me" to Brown & Gammon's emotional audio rainbow "Dark Matter", the Circus sound is represented at its boldest, most characterful and, above all, fun. Not a dull moment in sight - check this and remember why we all got into dubstep in the first place.
DRUMSOUND/BASSLINE SMITH feat FLEUR
885012 017228
05 May 13
Review:
Drumsound and Bassline Smith's mainstream D&B assault is well worth watching. Applying catchy pop sensibilities to their tonked-out bottom-heavy technique, they're nipping at Fresh and Sub Focus's heels with real determination. Remix-wise we see Northern Lights throwing down a big dubstep vibe that sizzles and snarls with metallic menace while Tantrum Desire switches up for a speedy spliced and diced technicolour D&B version. Big.
KAP 010
12 Apr 13
Played by: Juno Recommends Dubstep
Review:
Dropping that purple funk like only he knows how, Joker is back on Kapsize for another bout of pimped out steppers laden with synths and a strong whiff of boogie. Opening track "Zim Zimma" proudly rips out some hair metal guitar licks over dramatic piano stabs, and even chucks a jungle break into the mix towards the end of the tune. "Gully Side" is more devoutly aggressive in its demeanour, grinding on a mid-range buzz and a slimline beat of just a few key parts sharply honed for guaranteed floor-flattening. "Handz Up" has a cheeky dose of trance worked into the emotive chord progressions, while the beat even sneaks into 4/4 in places before switching back into a steppy stance. "Newham Generals" rounds off the EP with the most lairy of all the tracks, channelling all the strengths of the previous tracks into one bold and bashy beast of a track.
505578 1514173
11 May 13
MAD 192
13 Feb 13
FGR 080
22 Jan 13
Played by: Mooqee, All Good Funk Alliance, Borgie, Juno Recommends Electro House, Utah Saints, Winter, Freemasons, Martin Solveig, Mat Zo, Moonbeam, Fed Conti, Nick Warren, Sister Bliss
Review:
Oliver - An LA outfit comprising two gents called Oliver. Introductions over, let's get acquainted with the music. "MYB" is a satisfyingly simple and understated groove that instantly reminds you of Homework era Daft Punk and 2020 Soundsystem. "Night Is On My Mind", meanwhile, takes us into a much deeper, cosmic field that tips a nod at the likes of Terje and Lindstrom. "Control" is a brighter, breezier affair that glistens with a timeless synth sound and an utterly positive chord structure, while the title track brings us to a dramatic crescendo with anthemic slo-mo sassiness. Refreshing electro sounds throughout, Oliver have got real potential.
FGR 083
19 Mar 13
BNR 096
08 Apr 13
Played by: Smutlee, DJ Cable, Juno Recommends Electro House, Winter, Cosby (Car Crash Set), Highgrademuzik Aka Don D Selectah
Review:
2013's trap attack continues unabated and the mysterious UZ is leading from the front. "Trap Shit V12" takes a series of warm, belly-punching 808 bleeps and bruises while processing the well-known "I Know You're Going To Dig This" vocal beyond recognition, while "Trap Shit V13" strips the vibe even further back into the ghetto thanks to some menacing counter melodies and throat-slicing snare rolls. Meanwhile in remix territory we're bombarded with a cavalcade of genres; Audionite takes us into peaktime techno territories, Justin Martin massages the perfect dosage of funk into the mix while Clicks & Whistles remind us where trap came from in the first place. No shit here; just raw, undiluted 808 science.
MS 028
23 Sep 11
JIM 002
06 May 13
Review:
Space soul superstar Deft defies the assumption that all Croydon boys are gnarly dubstep champions with this startling exercise in genre defying. "Let's Hook Up" is a warped and weirded out love song with spooky processed vocals and a well textured, off-beat groove. "Lucid/Overline" is a dreamy, sludgy 4/4 slug-out while "Loqux & Past" rides roughshod on some very trippy drum works. Going through the motions? Then cheer yourself up and go through "The Motions".
MDCTN 005
24 Mar 13
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.
TANK 7
20 May 13
BBEATS 003
25 Mar 13
Review:
Croydon lad Kutz has lived up to his razor sharp name since his early releases on Soul Jazz, and this Benga Beats debut is certainly no exception. If anything it's his most diverse release to date: "Rock N Rolla" is an all-out bass-ravaged half-step moshfest while "Big N Bad" is almost techno-like in its slamming 4/4 presentation. Elsewhere we find ourselves swaying to a textured series of metallic basslines on "Canonical" and getting all warped, jacking and housey on "Yellow Bear". With nods towards the widest spectrum of influences, Kutz has laid down a template for future bass music right here.
WAP 348DA
10 Apr 13
TRUDD 076
06 May 13
TECCD 014
30 Apr 12
Played by: Ennio Styles (Stylin Radio Show), Hxdb, DJ Cure (Aufect Recordings), Bunny On Acid, Giovanni Pasquariello
Review:
Amid much anticipation, Distal's album crash lands on Tectonic in a myriad of electronic styles all thoroughly typical of the plucky Atlantan. There's raw juke-isms on "Preach On Hustle", where the Chicago style gets slowed down and spread out, while on "Around The Fire" you'll find a swung techno framework full of alluring melodies just under the surface. There's melodica-baiting dubstep on "Rattlesnake", while electro gets pitched down for the peak time banger "House Party Five". Everywhere you turn, Distal's supremely developed production stands out, whatever vibe he's turning his hand to. In the end, that skill becomes the glue that holds this free ranging album together.
GD 006DDW
29 Jan 12
Played by: Fed Conti
Review:
As January nears its bitter end, it seems this the time to release mega compilation albums. AEI, the company behind Get Darker, UKF and D&B Arena unveil their next project: Get Darker Presents: This Is Dubstep 2012. And what an album it is. Bringing in all the flavours of contemporary dubstep, it succeeds in providing a sweeping panorama of an increasingly fractionalized scene. From the deeper sounds of Author, VIVEK, Kryptic Minds, Icicle & Distance and Phaeleh, through material from scene pioneers such as Horsepower Productions, Skream and Benga, to the more aggressive sounds of Gemini, Flux Pavillion, 16 Bit and Nero, it's all covered. A brilliant "who's who" of dubstep in 2012 - highly recommended.
GD 003DDW
13 Sep 10
Played by: Juno Recommends Dubstep
SUBWAY 027
13 May 13
Review:
The Greek economy may have had a kicking but its dubstep scene is still thriving in a major way. Represented by both Camelorg and UZZI, they've developed quite the reputation on the international circuit over the years and here they collide for a feisty sub-slaying five-pack. The results are deeper than you'd expect with cuts like the title track and "Doghouse" both rolling with a slimy, stank dungeon vibe. Looking for some funk in your halfstep and wobbles? Head for "Doomsday". Looking for some audio napalm? Head for "Sonic Boom".
FF 035
04 Mar 13
Played by: Mr Brainz / Orpheus:ldn, Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage, Highgrademuzik Aka Don D Selectah, J69
Review:
All aboard the remix express! Four40 follow up last month's b-boy two-stepper from IKK and Slick Don with four sparkling reversions. Pedro 123's re-imagination strips the original back into a plinky plonky trap attack that comes in both vocal and instrumental forms while KSH add much more of a bashy grime riddim. Then there's the obligatory VIP for added rewind pleasure. Get to the "Crux" of the matter... It's a vibes ting.
OWS 030
26 Feb 13
Played by: Spinforth, Hong Kong Ping Pong, Mooqee, The Funk Hunters, Basement Freaks, Tosses & Varvez, Dusty Tonez, Krafty Kuts
Review:
Any walls remaining between glitch, disco, funk, bass and cosmic disco have been completely razed. And it's all down to Kill Paris. Rocking a cocksure vibe that falls somewhere between Pretty Lights and Koan Sound at their cheekiest. "Slap Me" is the most psychedelic of the set, "Catch You" unwittingly captures the TOTP2 vibe and brings it into tomorrow's world while the title track rolls out on of the most lavish cosmic disco basslines this side of Norway. There's all manner of fantastic remixes on offer, too. OWSLA aren't missing a trick right now.
DMZLP 002
30 May 11
Review:
You can rely on one of dubstep's forefathers to reach out and provide an antidote to the tirade of frenetic, synth-driven bangers that have to come to dominate the dubstep scene of late. If you find yourself despairing, then look no further than this masterfully crafted seven-track LP from DMZ's Coki. Opening cut "Shock It" is all serrated snares, oceanic rumbles and thudding drum kicks imbued with aggressive b-line swagger whilst "Serious" and "Intergalactic" add a dose of musicality and early Skream-meets-Mala style meditation. Things get dark and grimey again in "Robotnik" but "It" rounds things off with disorientating SFX, gloomy atmospherics and dubbed out riddims.
43064
06 May 13
Review:
Well respected amongst the biggest MCs in grime, J Beatz productions are crisp, aggy and screaming for vocals. From the moment the swaggering breakbeats of "Sargent" rifle their way militantly into the mix, you know this six tracker is going to cause trouble. The urgent, insistency of "Red Cups" follows and it's a non-stop ticket to drama town. Elsewhere we join the Spiral Tribe for some Orb-like dubbery on "Based Riddim" and head to the moon in search for soul solace on "Sour Diesele". Quality control has never been higher.
WAP 337LMD
23 Jul 12
Played by: Ennio Styles (Stylin Radio Show), Diplo, Ya Dun Know, Tom Central, Guerilla Speakerz, Chris Coco, Mooqee, Diplo, Chris Coco, DJ Cure (Aufect Recordings), Mr. Mitch, Aquadrop, The Captain, The Golden Toyz, Cyantific, Gntlmn, La Royale, Sounds Of Sumo, Nsekt, J Courage, Avicii, Illmana (Dirty Trainer Crew), Filth Collins, The Mane Thing, Black Butter Records, Chocolate Puma, Major Lazer, J69
Review:
Making their debut on Warp, Hudson Mohawke and Lunice proudly cross their beams to rain down a sick and slick kind of future-crunk, aptly demonstrated in in the introductory nature of bass-rich teaser "Top Floor" with its juke leanings and menacing posture. There's a detuned nature to the recognisable bleeps and wails on offer here while the beats remain crunchy and steadfast. "Higher Ground" is more overt in its use of juke to create a twisted kind of hype, while "Bugg'n" drips and drops in a loping vat of sub bass and slow-mo strangeness, leaving you with one of the oddest takes on the contemporary mess of electronic beats.
JMEDD 030
01 Jun 09
SUBT5.5
13 May 13
Review:
Variety is the name of the game as Berlin's Tim Eliot unleashes a quad of uncompromising bass compositions. It all kicks off with "So Loud", a glittering, wafty, dreamer of groove with warm kicks and psychedelic twists. Things get much darker from here on: "Experiment" is a crunchy, industrial halfstepper while "Go Offline" is fractured and more fearless again, sounding akin to an alien invasion circa Hollywood late 60s. "Gear Up" ends us on a more of a classic metallic stabby bass style. Loud, gritty and nasty: just how we like it.
RAMA 6
19 May 13
KOR 003
10 May 13
XLCD 170
21 Jul 03
NONPLUSCD 003
11 Apr 11
Review:
Alex Green and Damon Kirkham's debut album has been a long time coming. It follows an action-packed decade that's seen them morph from drum & bass punishers to dubstep fusionists and, more recently, bass music experimentalists. With such experience behind them, it's perhaps no surprise that Resolution 653 is an eclectic set. What's more surprising is the expansiveness of their approach. Within the album's 13 tracks lies glass-clear electronic futurism, brain-warping acid tracks, murky dusbtep, slo-mo 4/4 sweetness, hard edged electro bounce, off-kilter IDM and, naturally, 140 BPM bass bangers. As a summary of where British bass music's at in 2011, it's unsurpassed.
CRDIGI 014
21 Oct 12
TBD 079
18 Sep 12
Review:
Rinse FM's dark dubstep/grime and garage hero returns with a new seven tracker on Trouble & Bass, "Bad Like Us" is pure SL-2 'On A Ragga Tip" retro hardcore rave featuring MC Doctor. "Senate" couldn't be more different: being a cool and slick orchestral hip-hop number. "Pwnd" goes darker and slower: featuring buzzy bass drones and sparse beats. Finally MC Doctor returns to wrap things up with "Rebel Music" which is a synthy lighters-in-air anthem.
CHST 014
31 Oct 11
Played by: Dcult
Review:
For the 14th release on Chestplate, label boss Distance gets murky and menacing with this sumptuous four-track venture into bass music. Opening track "Drawn" is a synth heavy number, with crackling SFX, smacking drums and a heavy, lethargic dragging bassline. "Knowing" is another gruelling cut with bubbling bass, snapping snares and metallic SFX, which leads into the title track "Meanstreak" - a whomping, dancefloor driven beast with mid range belches and squelchy flavours. "Mind Control" completes the EP with a more traditional Distance cut - punishing subs, eerie vocal samples and sludgy b-line in abundance. Brilliant.
APORN 029
25 Feb 13 |