Samurai Music At Juno Download

Review: New Zealand based label Samurai Music gets Dutch D&B producer Nymfo involved for the sci-fi sampling "Greetings Starfighter". Making a cursory nod to the sound and style of Ed Rush & Optical enthusiasts, Ulterior Motive, Nymfo's track has a tough edge, but he holds back to create a poised and purposeful tone. Tight drums spell out the score, metallic synths grate and a low slung, grouchy b-line underpins the whole lot. Straddling the murky barrier so oft put up between intelligent, interesting music and dancefloor destruction, "8 Band", on the flipside, is another rigorously executed piece. A percussive, atmospheric intro paves the way into a more explorative phase, replete with a warped, whomping b-line, hushed hi-hats and infectious energy.

Review: Belfast's Calibre once again delivers that trademark smooth, liquid D&B on this new EP. "Jungle One" leads things off and the undulating percussive rhythm keeps the vibe aimed straight at the floor, as does the chiming "Thrust" which contains a bassline that spills messily out of the speakers. The glorious title track "Judgement Day" might be the stand out though, with a vocal appearance from DRS beautifully integrated into the tracks arrangement as two note piano hooks and string samples sweep out over a rolling beat. Judgement Day is an EP that highlights the skill and sophistication of Calibre's production yet again.

Review: The world moved a millimetre closer to the sun when Loxy and Resound started collaborating, such is the weight of their production power. If you checked their album Burning Shadows on Exit Music last year, you'll understand the heaviness we're talking here. "League Of Shadows" and "Metro" are their first contributions to the ever-ready New Zealand stable Samurai, and both of them tick the same spectrum of D&B boxes as their previous work. "League Of Shadows" is the doom-monger of the duo, all pensive pads and a "Disco Dodo" style Afro rhythm. "Metro" meanwhile refers to both early hardcore (with an incessant rapid vocal loop and rush-worthy synths) and Ed Rush and Optical flavoured tech-step. Earth-shakingly heavy stuff.

Review: Proving that the D&B scene is very much alive, kicking and active across the world, Kiwi producer Dose steps up with some smart stuff on Presha's Samurai label. A long atmospheric intro paves the way for a weighty bassline roller with shimmering atmospherics and soulful waves of vocal in title track "Reason Being". It's got a dark, dancefloor edge that will appeal to Renegade Hardware veterans, but errs on the side of caution so as not to scare away the more musical and melodic. "Helpless" makes a good bedfellow, with its driving energy, ticking breaks and bass eruptions.

Review: Burgeoning Manchester based D&B talent Dub Phizix has been the name on everyone's lips since the explosion of his incendiary underground hit "Marka" earlier this year. Since then he's had a couple of strong follow-ups and now there is this collab with Skeptical - "Run It Like The President". The title track is a politically charged, sparse cut with aggressively delivered lyrics, razor sharp snares and rolling sub bass from below adding further edge. "Half Man" brings in Sparkz for a more upbeat, funky cut full of snapping drums and pattering beats.

Review: It's five years since the first Samurai Music release. To celebrate, Geoff Presha's acclaimed D&B imprint has decided to put together a follow-up to 2009's well-loved Way of the Samurai compilation. As with the first volume, the tracklist is heavy with exclusives and boasts contributions from a range of scene heavyweights (Marcus Intalex, Loxy & Resound, ASC) and up-and-coming talents. According to the PR blurb, it was designed to offer a snapshot of where D&B is in 2012. While that would be difficult to achieve, it certainly covers most bases, flitting between tech-tinged rollers, melodic futurism and bowel-bothering darkroom boomers. With 22 tracks in total, there's plenty to enjoy.