L2S Recordings At Juno Download

L2S 095
20 May 13
UK Funky/UK Garage

Set Me Free - (5:56) 133 BPM

Set Me Free (dub mix) - (5:50) 133 BPM

Set Me Free (From The Hood remix) - (5:55) 133 BPM

from $1.49

ELIAS SMITH

Love 4 U

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (6 tracks) from ~~$8.94~~ $7.29

L2S 094
06 May 13
UK Funky/UK Garage

Love 4 U - (5:21) 129 BPM

My Baby - (5:12) 132 BPM

Love 4 U (Krissi B remix) - (4:34) 140 BPM

Love 4 U (Roby Howler remix) - (4:41) 126 BPM

Love 4 U (Ollie Macfarlane remix) - (4:34) 125 BPM

Love 4 U (Lojt remix) - (4:14) 133 BPM

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Review: Although hailing from Russia, this young producer's heart defiantly resides in the UK. All aspects of UK underground, from The Chemicals to UKF, are his chief musical influences and it really shows in his productions. "Love 4 U" is all UK garage swing and perky house stabs. "My Baby" takes those stabs even further and mixes in some 2-step for a back in the day Ayia Napa feel. Remix-wise it's all about the cheap drum machine assault of Lojt's 4x4 version.

MR BEEB

Sip

L2S Recordings

L2S 093
01 Apr 13
UK Funky/UK Garage

Sip - (3:52) 134 BPM

Sip (VIP mix) - (3:31) 134 BPM

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Played by: Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage

Review: Of himself, Bryan Vance Hollinger aka Mr Beeb, says this: "I put weird pads on things and cut up vox". We're assuming he's talking about making music here, and speaking of which, "Sip" is a classy slice of unadulterated UKF - all urgent 2-step beats and a laconic drawl. For those of you who like their tunes with a more exclusive sheen, then step beyond the velvet rope for Beeb's own VIP mix that's as smooth and tropical as the tumbler of rum on this single's cover!

WHISTLA

This Love

L2S Recordings

L 2S092
11 Mar 13
UK Funky/UK Garage

This Love - (5:27) 133 BPM

Future Jammin - (5:20) 136 BPM

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Played by: Cosby (Car Crash Set)

Review: Although this is technically future garage, "This Love" is what one might call Clapham house. The L2S bossman Whistla has really nailed the positive, jazzy and soulful good times vibe that has always defined the kind of dance music popular in West London. Conversely on "Future Jammin" the production is less traditional with staccato beats, trippy and repetitive organ riffs and a recurring wide-boy vocal sample that's add some appreciated edge to proceedings. Classy stuff!

BOB CITRUS

Ways Of The Underground

L2S Recordings

L2S 091
11 Feb 13
UK Funky/UK Garage

Ways Of The Underground - (4:25) 129 BPM

Garage 92 - (4:03) 129 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Mr Brainz / Orpheus:ldn, Odiggity, Mat Cant, Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage, Commodore 69 (Hot N Heavy)

Review: L2S set 2013 off to a winning start by adding Bob Citrus to their impressive back catalogue, and the man couldn't have done a better job. The title track fuses ridiculously catchy garage beats with even more seductive synth stabs and coats it all with a sweet set of vocals. "Garage 92", as the title suggests, takes us way back to the early 90s, bringing through some fine beat work and an even tastier bass line for you to nod your head back and forth to.

DYP/REKAB

Hoodrich

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (5 tracks) from ~~$7.45~~ $6.29

L2S 090
24 Dec 12
Breakbeat

Hoodrich - (6:00) 135 BPM

Achaemenid - (5:30) 136 BPM

Odbaby - (5:47) 134 BPM

Give It - (6:05) 129 BPM

Gunman - (5:13) 130 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Mr Brainz / Orpheus:ldn

TOTTE

Nothing Can Keep Me

L2S Recordings

L2S 089
19 Nov 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Nothing Can Keep Me - (5:18) 129 BPM

Late Night - (4:12) 133 BPM

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Played by: Mr Brainz / Orpheus:ldn

Review: It's fair to say that Swedish producer Totte is not one for the dark side of bass music. This is no bad thing at all though, as "Nothing Can Keep Me" is a wonderful-produced slice of prime-time, party-orientated dance pop with skippy garage beats, full, tough bottom end, bright neon synths and even some guitar power chords cleverly woven into the beats. "Late Night" is clubbier, but with its slick, soulful vocals and dreamy, soothing pads, this guy is still clearly all about fun music that doesn't stray too deep into dodgy EDM waters.

WHISTLA

On Drugs (remixes)

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (9 tracks) from ~~$13.41~~ $9.99

L2S 088
05 Nov 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

On Drugs - (5:04) 140 BPM

On Drugs (ENiGMA Dubz remix) - (5:39) 140 BPM

On Drugs (Kanji Kinetic remix) - (4:25) 140 BPM

On Drugs (Bojcot Selectah remix) - (4:47) 140 BPM

On Drugs (Totte remix) - (4:16) 136 BPM

On Drugs (Itchy Robot remix) - (4:20) 140 BPM

On Drugs (Rude Boi Brand remix) - (5:59) 140 BPM

On Drugs (Impact remix) - (5:17) 136 BPM

On Drugs (Smerk remix) - (4:50) 131 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Mr Brainz / Orpheus:ldn

Review: One thing's for sure, Whistla is not one to mess about. Going straight in with the bold statement "On Drugs", the artificial beats and computerized voice immediately create a heightened sense of existence, with bleepy SFX and repetitive rhythms and disorientating atmospheric sweeps. There's an immense remix package to accompany from the likes of Enigma Dubz, Kanji Kinetic, Bojcot Selectah, Totte, Itchy Robot, Rude Boi Brand, Impact and Smerk which each give their own individual twist on the original. And trust - it's well worth listening to them all.

PLEDGE

Coming Home

L2S Recordings

L2S 087
22 Oct 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Coming Home - (4:44) 136 BPM

Long Time Ago - (6:58) 134 BPM

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Played by: Mr Brainz / Orpheus:ldn

Review: Pledge pitches up on UKG/UK funky imprint LS2 for a two track foray into subterranean bass pressure. Lead cut "Coming Home" initially impresses with its smoky, clandestine atmosphere, but on repeat listens it's the skittering two-step percussion, delicious vocal cuts and organ stabs that really hit home. The same could be said of "Long Time Ago", which sounds like a late night tribute to classic British two-step; all simmering strings, booming basslines, female scat vocals and flexible beats. The whole thing sounds like it could have been made around 1999, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Both cuts are certainly impeccably produced.

PLEDGE

Coming Home

L2S Recordings

L2S 087
22 Oct 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Coming Home - (4:44) 136 BPM

Long Time Ago - (6:58) 134 BPM

from $1.49

BUNZER0

Wet Wool

L2S Recordings

L2S 086
17 Sep 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Wet - (5:31) 140 BPM

Wool - (6:33) 140 BPM

Wool (Janner remix) - (6:49) 140 BPM

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Review: Brussels may not be the first place that springs to mind when one thinks of dubstep. Bunzero is all about putting that right though, and after 15 years in the game, he assuredly lays claim to being one of the biggest dubstep DJs outside of the UK. All that said, his new EP isn't strictly dubstep, it's a broader sound that often bridges the gap between Metalheadz-era jungle and future bass. First up, "Wet" has broken beats aplenty along with buzzy bass and trippy pads, while "Wool" is slower and features half-step beats and wavering synth melodies. Janner remixes the latter, and frankly it's a belter - keeping the synth pads top-line, he adds the deepest, throbbing bass notes and melancholic melodies, really sealing the deal on this quality EP.

CLUELESS

VIP EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 085
27 Aug 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Lady In Red (VIP mix) - (6:24) 140 BPM

Cancel (VIP mix) - (5:02) 140 BPM

Ride With You (VIP mix) - (6:52) 140 BPM

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AN EXPRESSO

Lost Lighters EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 084
15 Aug 12
Deep House

Lost Lighters - (5:39) 126 BPM

Hypnos - (5:19) 134 BPM

Rush - (5:55) 126 BPM

Hot Candy (Sweet N Low dub) - (6:13) 124 BPM

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Review: Lost lighters. For smokers there's nothing quite as annoying. Especially when you haven't left the house and no one has been around to possibly steel them. Where do they go? How do they get there? Well it seems they end up in An Expresso's pocket. Lord knows how they get there; he lives in California! Anyway, it seems they've gone to good use, An Expresso sells them for studio equipment then serves us platters of deep, woozy UKG/funky style tunes in return. Take this four-track EP; each one a truly heads down jam comprising slick, stripped back elements and a solid groove. "Hypnos" is our fave thanks to its tricky two-step and soothing pads. "Rush" is rather tasty too, and it comes with a heavy Chicago jack too. Put your lighters up!

M2J

Night At The Arcade EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 083
15 Aug 12
Breakbeat

Pacman's Revenge (Power Pill mix) - (5:40) 136 BPM

Roller Convention - (6:24) 136 BPM

First Of The Summer Vibes - (5:24) 136 BPM

Grime 8 - (4:43) 136 BPM

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Review: Okay, let's get this straight... Anything that uses the nostalgic 8-bit tones of Pacman deserves rather hefty props. Especially when it's been incorporated into a blistering breakbeat track as M2J has showcased here on "Pacman's Revenge": it's rave central and, if we're honest, a nice little dewy eyed moment for the older dancing crew. Elsewhere you'll find the classic angular electro vibes of "Roller Convention" (which don't sound too dissimilar to Radioactive Man if we're honest), you'll also find the endless rises and whooshes of "First Of The Summer Vibes", a track that sounds like a rocket taking off. Finally there's "Grime8", an undiluted filthy rolling breakbeat romp. Hefty props a-go-go!

MONZ

My Name

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (13 tracks) from ~~$19.37~~ $10.99

L2S 082
09 Jul 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Intro - (0:59) 133 BPM

Jekyll & Hyde - (6:13) 133 BPM

Lovers Bubble - (6:41) 136 BPM

Lovin U - (5:18) 140 BPM

Mist - (6:45) 136 BPM

Answer Me - (5:06) 133 BPM

Bliss - (7:32) 138 BPM

Who Knows What - (6:19) 139 BPM

Summerday - (2:52) 138 BPM

We Stand - (5:47) 134 BPM

Lo Waistline (feat Oraklet) - (3:37) 133 BPM

My Name - (5:21) 139 BPM

Li'l Son - (4:33) 136 BPM

from $1.49

DIDZ

Rum 4 Cover EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 081
25 Jun 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Somewhere Out There - (5:53) 132 BPM

Special Ting - (5:26) 136 BPM

G Party - (5:31) 129 BPM

You Don't Hear Me - (5:42) 136 BPM

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Review: Didz steps up with the "Rum 4 Cover EP" on L2S Recordings. Kicking off with "Somewhere Out There" it's all choppy, distorted female vocal, euphoric rave chords and shimmying percussion for the main part. Don't rest on your laurels though as Didz switches things up in "Special Ting", up next, which builds from a sultry, subdued intro into a disorientating main part with muffled vocal and hissing hi hats. "G Party" changes the pace and changes the style once again with a tense, bleepy intro it becomes a slick, R&B-influenced venture, before "You Don't Hear Me" brings the EP to a close with a more stripped back finale.

MILEZ

Perfectly Still

L2S Recordings

L2S 080
11 Jun 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Perfectly Still - (6:38) 136 BPM

Squarely - (7:25) 129 BPM

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Played by: Konnekt - Hot N Heavy

Review: Dutch producer Milez makes his debut on Whista's future-garage haven, L2S, with this hot double-tracker. "Perfectly Still" is crystalline and floaty, with silky strings and surging pads met nicely by thick subs stabs and crisp percussion, while "Squarely" leads the listener on a aquatic braindance via sub deep drones and urgent hats.

OLLIE MACFARLANE

Grey Skies

L2S Recordings

L2S 079
28 May 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Grey Skies (original mix) - (5:51) 134 BPM

Grey Skies (Whistla remix) - (4:17) 134 BPM

Grey Skies (Royce Rolls remix) - (5:14) 135 BPM

Grey Skies (Chemikal Recipe remix) - (4:49) 135 BPM

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JONAS LR

Snow Panda

L2S Recordings

L2S 078
14 May 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Morning - (4:01) 129 BPM

Lacuna - (4:07) 129 BPM

Nonsense - (6:31) 129 BPM

Apple: Juice - (6:20) 136 BPM

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Played by: Konnekt - Hot N Heavy

Review: Hooking up with future-garage label L2S for this debut release, UK producer Jonas LR steps up in style with four tunes of spaced yet focused astral 2-step. Where "Morning" is upbeat and dreamy, "Lacuna" gets gritty thanks to some sick bass stabs and reverbed textures, Best of the bunch though is the distantly-vocalled "Apple Juice", which rides a galloping snare rhythm over an electro rush of bright chords and pads.

WHISTLA

Enter The Swivel

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (12 tracks) from ~~$17.88~~ $10.99

L2S 077
30 Apr 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

The Underground - (5:26) 131 BPM

Way 2 Dark - (4:45) 136 BPM

Music In My Dreams - (4:44) 136 BPM

4 U - (4:49) 135 BPM

Cruel Devil (feat Littlefoot) - (5:32) 140 BPM

Horny - (4:47) 136 BPM

Get Right Down - (5:03) 128 BPM

N35 - (5:09) 138 BPM

My Father & I Remix - (5:34) 139 BPM

Head Swim - (4:47) 136 BPM

Tears In The Abyss - (4:49) 135 BPM

Pause - (3:48) 140 BPM

from $1.49

Review: Following on from his The Swivel Sessions for Sub FM and releases like "Swivel Like You Mean It", L2S head honcho Whistla keeps spinning with this new full length album. A long-time exponent and champion of future-garage, Whistla shows off his slick 2-step chops straight from the off with the creeping beauty of "The Underground", while he really lets fly on brilliantly hyped tracks like the raw percussion-fest "Music In My Dreams", the blurry bass-punch of "Horny" and the charging stomp of "N35". Excellent work all round, Whistla's done a very tough thing in making such a consistent and surprising dance album.

DYP

The Mystic EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 076
16 Apr 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Mystic - (5:01) 140 BPM

Call To Arms (feat Rekab) - (5:48) 136 BPM

Prayin - (7:52) 129 BPM

Every Day (Whistla remix) - (4:47) 136 BPM

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Review: A follow up to his first release for L2S (the Every Day EP), Australian producer DYP returns with four new excellent future-garage blasts including the astral bounce of "Mystic", the fiery 808-bounce of "Call To Arms" and the classic piano styles of "Prayin'". L2S head honcho Whistla also revisits "Every Day" with an excellent remix that shows off his trademark stuttering beats, layered under a delirious chop-up of reverbed samples.

DLVRY

These Words

L2S Recordings

L2S 075
02 Apr 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

These Words - (5:38) 133 BPM

Downtown - (5:16) 138 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage

Review: After getting a huge response via Whistla's show on Sub FM, L2S finally drop these two future-garage nuggets from London producer DLVRY. "These Words" alone is worth the excitement - a madcap series of twisted arpeggios that usher in a fierce 2-step rhythm and some punchy walls of bass. "Downtown" Is more of a twisted, sci-fi beast that settles into a breaks-like melody whilst still sporting some incredibly tough 2-step kicks and snares.

FUSED FORCES/M2J

Fused Forces vs M2J

L2S Recordings

L2S 074
19 Mar 12
Breakbeat

Fused Forces - "Skuffle Shuffle" (M2J remix) - (5:08) 136 BPM

M2J - "Silent Running" (Fused Forces remix) - (4:37) 140 BPM

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Played by: Fused Forces

Review: A neat remix swap here between Fused Forces and M2J on L2S Recordings. First up is the M2J remix of "Skuffle Shuffle", which is all warping, swirling atmospherics and tripping beats underpinned with razor sharp snares and disorientating SFX. It's a superb effort from M2J which is guaranteed to light up the dancefloors til the early hours. Then it's on to the Fused Force's interpretation of "Silent Running" which focuses on chopped up, reverberating vocal snippets with hollow, pattering breaks and distant groaning atmospheric sweeps. A classy couple of cuts here.

KARMA KID

Try As You May

L2S Recordings

L2S 073
05 Mar 12
Dirty/Heavy Dubstep/Grime

Try As You May (feat Module Module) - (4:35) 136 BPM

Heartbeat - (5:01) 140 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Bizt, Sounds Of Sumo

FOXX

Sorrows EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 072
20 Feb 12
Deep House

Sorrows - (5:18)

Futuristics - (5:31) 126 BPM

Smooth Glow - (5:33) 127 BPM

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Played by: Homegroove Project

WHISTLA

Knosis

L2S Recordings

L2S 071
06 Feb 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Knosis - (4:37) 134 BPM

Coconut Udder - (4:17) 135 BPM

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Review: While consistently being a haven for upcoming future garage producers, L2S hadn't actually dropped any new material from head honcho Whistla. Step forward these brand spanking new tracks from the Sub FM man: firstly "Knosis", a dark and twisted bass fantasy complete with hyped old school drums and trippy mangled vocals layered over epic strings, and, secondly, "Coconut Udder" which is simply brilliant. A simple yet jacking dry beat with some chopped and soulful guitar stabs and more blurry acapella work sets it off perfectly. Great to hear Whistla on such effortlessly funky form.

BLIND PROPHET

Skeleton Key EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 070
16 Jan 12
UK Funky/UK Garage

Skeleton Key - (4:45) 136 BPM

Got Me Thinking - (6:24) 136 BPM

Skeleton Key (Unknown remix) - (6:49) 136 BPM

Got Me Thinking (HGLDT remix) - (4:44) 126 BPM

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Review: Long Island in New York isn't exactly the first place you think of when you listen to Blind Prophet's latest release Skeleton Key - the tight rolling 2-step and deadly bass lurking underneath the title track, lost in a haze of smoky synths, sounds like something to come out of London's garage scene ten years ago. However, both this and "Got Me Thinking", rich in shimmering electronic melody bring to mind fellow city-dwellers FaltyDL and Policy. Remix support comes from Unknown, who turns in a growling dubstep refix of "Skeleton Key", maintaining the loose rhythms of the original while beefing it up with some fat low end, and HGLDT, whose remix of "Got Me Thinking" contains rhythms so free-flowing it recalls a jazz improvisation at times, with a kosmische synth backdrop that highlights the dreamy quality of the fine original.

M2J

Stories From The White Isle EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 069
02 Jan 12
Breakbeat

Stories From The White Isle - (6:35) 136 BPM

Downer - (4:56) 136 BPM

Eden - (7:37) 136 BPM

Island Mentality - (5:11) 136 BPM

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Review: London producer M2J returns to Whistla's L2S label for this hugely classy set of crisp future-garage and bass beats. The opening title tune sets the tone perfectly - ushering in a robotic 808 groove over some languid and deeply textured synths. "Downer" keeps things on a creeping and moody vibe thank to some descending bass notes and echoed tech-clutter, while "Eden" switches styles by sporting a Skream-esque slowed-down jungle beat over chunky bass shots.

LITTLEFOOT

Psychedelic Crew Vol 3

L2S Recordings

L2S 068
05 Dec 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

All Aboard - (5:18) 136 BPM

U - (5:16) 140 BPM

Coffee & Painkillers - (5:25) 131 BPM

Salvia Dave - (5:30) 136 BPM

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Review: With a title like Psychedelic Crew, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was some kind of twisted fusion of modern UKG and Terrence McKenna-ish LSD love. The four tracks that make up the EP offer killer dancefloor thrills, utilising LS2's usual sonic staples - booming low-end grooves, stabby strings, darting melodies and snappy rhythms. "U" also features synth melodies that sound like they were stolen from the soundtrack to an old Amiga game (no bad thing), while the deeper "Coffee and Painkillers" is curiously melancholic in its own way.

WHYREZ feat ABI FLYNN

Six In The Morning EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 067
21 Nov 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Six In The Morning - (4:23) 134 BPM

Feel My Heartbeat (Next To Yours) - (4:27) 132 BPM

Let It Go - (4:14) 129 BPM

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Review: Brighton producer Whyrez makes his debut for the influential and dedicated future garage label L2S with the Six In The Morning EP, led by the tight yet hazy 2-step of the title tune. With vocalist Abi Flynn flowing over some delicate percussion and sinuous synth leads, its a real belter, as is "Feel My Heartbeat" which aims itself straight at the floor and "Let It Go" which matches Funkystepz' colourful collision of beats and sounds and goes one better by adding a tasty vocal on top.

MACABRE UNIT/ROWL ICU

Think About Time

L2S Recordings

L2S 066
07 Nov 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Macabre Unit - "Clockwork" - (5:18) 140 BPM

Rowl (ICU) - "Think About You" - (5:02) 144 BPM

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Played by: Odiggity, Monkey Beats, Aquadrop

Review: This new split single from excellent future-garage label L2S sees grime pioneers Macabre Unit go up against fellow UK producer Rowl, with doubly devastating results. Macabre Unit's "Clockwork" is simply brilliant - a stripped down burner with a crisp, Blawan-esque 2-step drum pattern, deep basslines and a slowly rising four-chord pad sound, all mixed together with huge amounts of tension. Rowl goes for a more murky sound with "Think About You" - a complex and deep banger with a worming bassline thread through dubby atmospheres and crackling drums.

SORROW

Broken Moments EP

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (5 tracks) from ~~$7.45~~ $6.29

L2S 065
24 Oct 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Remininscence - (4:48) 129 BPM

False Sunrise - (4:52) 129 BPM

Darth Sharenghis Parkrace - (5:13) 126 BPM

Flutter - (5:24) 136 BPM

Remininscence (Troy Gunner remix) - (7:10) 129 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Commodore 69 (Hot N Heavy), Bunny On Acid, Mike Hindle - Immersed Audio

Review: Back on L2S for his second EP, Sorrow goes on an all-out garage assault with these four new tunes, aimed somewhere between Todd Edwards, Burial and Rooflight. The beautiful swirling textures of "Reminiscence", the ambient 2-step jack of "False Sunrise" and the loose and floating samples that flow in and out of "Darth Sharenghis Parkrace" strongly mark Sorrow out as a producer with a fondness both for future garage beats but also deep and dubby arrangements that are utterly irresistible.

VIERS

Night

L2S Recordings

L2S 064
10 Oct 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Night (original mix) - (4:32) 134 BPM

Night (Duncan Powell remix) - (6:10) 130 BPM

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Played by: Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage

Review: Whistla's garage-championing L2S label plays host to this excellent debut from UK producer Viers, who simply smashes it on single "Night". With a radical rearrangement of the oft-sampled "Think" break providing a deeply funky and snappy flex to the beats, Viers lends it a spooked echo vocal loop and long-attack Juno chords, not to mention a subtle dose of rounded sub bass to form this future-looking 2-stepper. Fellow Brit Duncan Powell drops the remix on this one - keeping the same misty vibes but instead rocking an incredibly tight UKF-tech beat for the win.

WHISTLA

Fluidic Space EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 063
26 Sep 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Fluidic Space - (5:43) 136 BPM

ICU - (4:46) 134 BPM

Digital Dreamz - (4:51) 136 BPM

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FUSED FORCES

Diamondz EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 062
12 Sep 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Diamondz - (5:06) 140 BPM

Mind & Matter - (4:58) 134 BPM

Nocturnal (feat DJ Cable) - (5:39) 137 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage

Review: More known for dabbling in the heavier side of dubstep, UK duo Fused Forces play an unexpected blinder on their new EP for L2S. Going for a crisper, sharper 2-step sound, they mix itchy hats with blunt, Pearson Sound-style kicks on the endlessly enjoyable "Diamondz" - even working in a smart, unexpected half-step break into the middle to keep dancers on their toes. On a slower but equally vital tip, "Mind & Matter" uses shifting Detroit chords perfectly over another 808-riddled beat while "Nocturnal" allows the pair to get moody with some slowly rising pads over more razor-sharp beats.

GAGE

Sharp Eyes EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 061
29 Aug 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Sharp Eyes - (3:46) 140 BPM

No More Lessons - (4:41) 140 BPM

Empty Promises 2 - (4:36) 130 BPM

Kateside - (4:57) 130 BPM

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Review: More UK funky business from the usually reliable L2S imprint, this time in the shape of a Juno Exclusive from Gage. The lead track itself is something of a sweet and unassuming chunk of vocal pleasantness - the sort of thing that should induce tears of joy from dancefloor casualties at three in the morning. Yet for all its melodic sweetness, it still boasts the sort of bassline that would tear apart your intestines on a hefty rig. Elsewhere, there's some deep 4/4 garage fare in the shape of "No More Lessons", a mellow dubstep roller (with a very long intro!) called "Empty Promises 2", and a woozy two-step builder by the name of "Kateside". Along with the title track, it's this latter cut that most impresses.

DARK0

Hyli

L2S Recordings

L2S 060
15 Aug 11
Dirty/Heavy Dubstep/Grime

HYLI - (6:07) 140 BPM

HYLI (VIP mix) - (6:28) 140 BPM

from $1.49

Review: A tune that debuted on Creep's mix for FACT a few months ago, London's Dark0 finally drops the wistful, ghostly 2-step of "Hyli" on L2S this week. With heavily reverbed vocals sitting over crisp garage beats and subtle synth drones, it's a tear-flecked delight and a nicely ghostly counterpoint to more over-produced and unsubtle beats out there. An extra VIP is also included on the single, wherein Dark0 flips the beats up into a half-step whilst boosting up the plucked arpeggio melodies of the original for extra depth.

AQUADROP

Soul EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 059
01 Aug 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Soul - (4:35) 140 BPM

Evolution - (3:57) 140 BPM

King Of The Jungle - (3:51) 140 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Aquadrop, Code Duello, Chrissy Murderbot

Review: With a huge range of fans including Jawkob, Whistla, Mistajam, Untold and Skream, Milan's Aquadrop is bound to gain even more followers with this excellent collection of frenzied, futuristic garage-inspired beats on L2S. "Soul" uses a kaleidoscopic range of short vocal samples and wraps them around deep string pads, punchy bass hits and high-pitched drum hits. "Evolution" follows the same formula, but this time the effect is less garage and more warped Italo/boogie, all arranged with a down-low swagger to the beats. It's an absolute gem, and combined with the darker thrills of "King Of The Jungle", all adds up to a hugely impressive EP.

DYP

Every Day EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 058
18 Jul 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Every Day - (6:09) 136 BPM

Desire - (5:32) 140 BPM

All You Need - (6:06) 136 BPM

Vocall - (6:10) 140 BPM

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Review: Debuting on the always-vital L2S label, Perth's DYP keeps the beats as crisp as hell over these four modern garage beauties. Title tune "Every Day" is simply stunning, with a looped vocal hook that's truly anthemic and a minimal synth rattling away nicely in the background, while "All You Need" is a tight, sub-sporting melange of disjointed drum hits that DYP melts together thrillingly. With the grimey "Vocall" and the dreamy "Desire" also included, this is a hot debut for DYP.

PLEDGE

Unknown EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 057
04 Jul 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Unknown (original mix) - (5:18) 141 BPM

Close To U (original mix) - (4:58) 136 BPM

Unknown (MileZ remix) - (6:44) 136 BPM

Close To U (Clueless remix) - (7:19) 140 BPM

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Review: A prolific home for upcoming garage-tech producers, the L2S label have once again come up trumps with latest signing Pledge. The London producer delivers sheer gold on title tune "Unknown" - a dream-like fusion of chiming arpeggios, sine bleeps and crisp beats. MileZ also gets the chance to remix "Unknown", and builds on it by making the beats a little more upfront and slowly releasing the incredible torrent of synths, making it a real builder. Pledge's "Close To U" is also included on the release and takes a darker and more subtle approach, using droning synths and a huge filter drop to create a mean and moody future garage gem.

OLLIE MACFARLANE

Montpelier EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 056
20 Jun 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Montpelier (original mix) - (5:16) 135 BPM

Home (original mix) - (4:01) 135 BPM

Montpelier (Kdns remix) - (4:40) 123 BPM

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Review: Respected as a home for future-garage stars of, well, the future, L2S score a coup by dropping this first EP from Ollie MacFarlane. Title tune "Montpelier" starts off on a calm, slightly spooked vibe, but quickly drops a sharp beat of thick kicks and claps that anchor the floating vocal samples and chords just right. "Home" is strictly on the dubby side though, with some wonderfully intimate vocal lines creeping into the mix, as well as mighty, tear-stained chords that make this a truly moving tune. Kdns also drops a mix of "Montpellier" that serves as a wonderfully radical departure - with a slowed-down beat and some Aphex-styled leads over an almost hypnotic drone that runs throughout. Stirring stuff from a highly impressive EP.

BUNZER0

Bring Me Toof Toof EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 055
06 Jun 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Bring Me Home (feat Juakali) - (6:05) 140 BPM

Toof Toof - (6:06) 140 BPM

Dub It - (4:48) 140 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage

Review: Famed as a DJ on UK's Sub FM and all over Europe's bass-loving clubs, Belgian star BunZer0 makes his debut on L2S with this three-track EP, exclusive to Juno Download. Very much in keeping with the house style, "Bring Me Home" (featuring Juakali on vocals) is a mix of eerie, echoed textures and whip-smart future garage beats, while "Toof Toof" carries on the momentum, almost serving as a dub of "Bring Me Home". The orchestral, bass-busting march of the impeccably funky "Dub It" is also here and is a must for fans of shimmering yet gritty forward-thinking bass music

JUP1TER

The Next Steps EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 054
23 May 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Alien Warhead (Dubble step m1x) - (6:52) 136 BPM

This 1 (rave step m1x) - (7:49) 136 BPM

Asteroid (Quad Step m1x) - (6:09) 135 BPM

Open Your Eyes (Emo step m1x) - (8:14) 129 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: T.r.o.

Review: The L2S juggernaut rolls on, destroying UK garage's more sanguine exponents with its dancefloor focused canons of justice and scattergun basslines of truth. This time round, the man at the wheel is Jup1ter, who delivers a wonderfully varied collection of cuts that should see heavy club rotation. There are four varied slabs of UK funky/UKG action on offer, each ticking a different box - presumably with a fat marker and a cheeky grin. There's some deep two-step vibes in the shape of "Open Your Eyes", a snappy breakbeat piano-jam ("Alien Warhead"), a two-finger rave salute ("This 1"), and even a proper ruffneck rinse-out ("Asteroid").

TROY GUNNER

No More Tears EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 053
09 May 11
Dirty/Heavy Dubstep/Grime

No More Tears - (8:20) 140 BPM

Sworn Ill Forget - (5:56) 136 BPM

Association - (6:48)

Its Not You - (6:37) 140 BPM

from $1.49

Review: Newcomer producer Troy Gunner joins the L2S camp with a pack of future garage strapped firmly to his back. Inside is a whole heap of serious sub bass pressure, soothing synths and pared down beats. First up, "No More Tears" chops up sinuous beats with a lilting vocal and velvety b-line; "Sworn I'll Forget" meanwhile adds a more sonorous, chiming element with Joy Orbison syle patina. "Association" takes us on a mellifluous trip down 4/4 lane, with clicking beats and bleeps and a minimal sonic palette before moody "It's Not You" concludes the EP.

WHISTLA

Darlings Of The Tripstream

L2S Recordings

L2S 052
25 Apr 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Darlings Of The Tripstream - (5:40) 136 BPM

Take Me On - (4:49) 136 BPM

from $1.49

Review: Some Juno Download exclusive future garage business here from Whistla, released on his own L2S Recordings imprint. First up the Swivel promoter drops the deliciously fresh and crisp title track "Darlings Of The Tripstream" in which an old school garridge beat sits beneath a contemporary melange of clipped vocal elements and a seductive horn-led melody. The breakdown is particularly sublime! This is complemented by the tougher drums of "Take Me On" in which multiple vocals are again whipped up into a visceral stew. Tip!

SCOTT GARCIA

Phuture Cutz EP

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (5 tracks) from ~~$7.45~~ $6.29

L2S 051
11 Apr 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

U Could Be (feat Jay Harvey) - (4:13) 138 BPM

FUTURE GARAGE - (6:22) 134 BPM

Want 2 Be - (5:26) 140 BPM

Want 2 Be (Cutztramental mix) - (5:26) 140 BPM

U Could Be (instrumental mix) - (4:13) 138 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: T.r.o., Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage

Review: There's something oddly brilliant about a forefather of UK garage music dropping a release on the L2S label - typically home to ace first-release future-garage artists. The man who dropped 90s anthems such as "It's A London Thing" hits home with the vocal joy of "U Could Be" as well as the speak 'n' spell jazz of "F.U.T.U.R.E.G.A.R.A.G.E". "Want 2 Be' is just as hot, sporting an enormous bass line and some crisp drums, as well as a commanding, Detroit-style narrative vocal. We're unwilling to say that an old master has learned new tricks, but this is an unexpected and hyper-modern EP of new-school garage warmers.

CLUELESS

Torrid Affairs

L2S Recordings

buy whole release (12 tracks) from ~~$17.88~~ $10.99

L2 S050
28 Mar 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Ride With You - (6:26) 140 BPM

Luminosity - (5:32) 140 BPM

The Girl From Croydon - (5:31) 140 BPM

Fast Forward - (5:59) 140 BPM

Bruksteppa - (5:12) 136 BPM

Reachin - (5:30) 140 BPM

Post - (7:52) 140 BPM

Cancel - (5:31) 140 BPM

Phuture - (6:26) 140 BPM

Jazz Lick - (5:27) 143 BPM

Oh Yuh - (5:58) 136 BPM

Void - (7:14) 138 BPM

from $1.49

Review: One of the most progressive champions of the genre known tenuously as future-garage, the L2S label has championed a phalanx of upcoming producers over the last two years and now celebrates its 50th release with this, their first full-length album. 2-step masher Clueless delivers a masterclass in beats 'n' bass here - just check out the heavy snares and jumbled acapellas in "Bruksteppa" or the effusive Detroit-in-space pads of "Phuture" to see what we mean. With the paced-up, old-school speed-garage of "Jazz Lick" also proving a favourite, Clueless has delivered that rare thing - a dance album that is all killer and no filler.

TRP

CS EP

L2S Recordings

L2S 049
14 Mar 11
UK Funky/UK Garage

Tear Gas - (6:01) 136 BPM

Droaming - (5:45) 129 BPM

Outlaw - (5:33) 126 BPM

Squiggle - (5:33) 128 BPM

from $1.49

Played by: Juno Recommends Uk Funky/Garage

Review: Exclusive to Juno, four-piece collective TRP drop some seriously impressive beats on their debut for L2S, with the excellent "Tear Gas" leading from the front with a fantastic blend of distorted kicks, tropical percussion and Detroit pads making it an essential purchase. Elsewhere, the smooth "Dreaming" is simply stunning, while "Outlaw" is a hectic mix of renegade sine waves and grimy stabs and "Squiggie" rounds off the set with a rough 'n' ready future-garage rhythm. A really impressive debut, and a group well worth staying in touch with based on this fine EP.

SORROW

Existence EP

L2S Recordings