Review: Artificial Intelligence are back on Metalheadz for their first label EP in three years, a seriously long time considering the foundational role Headz played in their evolution and we're all so happy to see them back. As you would expect, this release takes a step away from the genre of liquid they've been pioneering on Integral for the last few years, and instead blends harsh rolling sounds with lighter flicks to create a diverse, rough and ready piece of work. 'Outer Origins' is certainly tough, with loping drums that flow with restless energy and an expansive, growling bassline that oscillates in the gutter and only goes up from there. 'Good Things' is lovely, spacious liquid that moves through shimmering synth spasms; Satl joins for the minimal soul of 'No Choice'; and title track 'Signs Signs' is warm and evanescent in its movement. Gorgeous stuff.
Review: V Recordings do some of the best compilations in the business and their brand new Foundation series is a natural recognition of that fact. They're not being hyperbolic with the usage of the term 'Foundation' either, because this is truly an overview of some of the scene's most foundational producers. Old-school Dillinja, Krust, Roni Size and DJ Die, amongst others, make up the roster of acts that formed an integral part of the genre back in the day. The new crew is also represented, however, in the form of L-Side, Think Tonk, Nasza Linez and loads more, all of whom bring some of that V-style heat. Wicked album - one for the heads.
Review: Drum&Bass Arena: The longest-standing, and one of the most respected, platforms for all things jungle D&B celebrates an impressive 20 years in the game with this ridiculously hefty document that pays respect to the genre's every twist and turn. From scene-shattering megahits ("Tarantula", "Feel The Love", "Rock It", "Afterglow") to unarguable historical underground scene-smashing megabangers ("Machete", "Aztec", "Nasty Ways", "The View", "Champion Sound", "Turbulence", "Up All Night", "Deadline", Ram Trilogy's remix of "Pacman") by way of tracks that may have slipped under the radar ("Defcom 69", "What's Wrong", "Song For Lovers") the whole album is loaded to the lips with some of the most important records the genre's enjoyed in the last 20 years. Time to get nostalgic, time to fill those holes in your collection, time to educate your dancefloor. Here's to another 20 years!
Review: V Recordings: A genus source for drum and bass, the launch pad of so many great careers it's not worth counting and still a consistent source of forward-thinking beats. If any label can justify five volumes of back-cat badness, it's Bryan Gee's. Going right back to 1993 (Roni Size's "Timestretch"), we whistle, rattle and roll past some of the label's (and scene in general's) titans. Dillinja is repped hard with an array of discography highlights such as the shattered amen attack plan ("Bad Man"), Krust is paid in full with cuts such as the minimal muscle roller "Set Speed", jungle godfather Sappo reminds us of real old school with "Into The Light" while Future Cut's later-era "Prophecy" is rewound to great effect. And that's just five of the album's 21 chapters. A must read document for junglists old and young.
Review: Labels, artists and websites all tend to adopt a retrospective tone as the end of a year gets ever closer, so it's naturally quite timely for V Recordings head honcho Bryan Gee to crank out a third volume of his excellent Retrospect series. With it comes a wealth of old jungle riddims, influential classics and long forgotten favourites from the likes of DJ Die, Roni Size, Ray Keith, Krust, Lemon D and more. Gee opens in style with the Brizzle roller "Fashion" by the legendary Roni Size and maintains the pressure throughout, dropping gems such as DJ Die's "Something Special", Krust's iconic stepper "Check Dis Out" and the jazzy, liquid loveliness of Lemon D's "Get On Down" with its shimmying, sunshine filled vibes. For a trip down memory lane, this one's essential.
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