Review: Joining dots between two sounds that came from the same mindset and very similar streets and cultural context, Influence Records have curated something incredibly special here with 'Diaries From Detroit'; a VA collection boasting some of the most talented names across the D&B generations from Seba to Conrad Subs. All exploring those cold futuristic aesthetics that both jungle and Detroit techno share, highlights can be found at every twist and turn but you'd be crazy not to check the likes of subtleties and immense subs of A Audio's 'Mercury', the ice cold grumbles of Lynx's 'De-Tro' and the shimmering dub techno influences on L-Side's powerful 'Point Of View'. What a collection.
Review: Intrigue is one of the most consistent liquid labels in a drum and bass scene which has a conspicuous absence of high-quality, indie liquid imprints relative to the rougher side of things. This is their yearly album and it's on an astounding 18th year, a monumental achievement that is marked this time around with nineteen top quality cuts. Soulmotion's 'Moments of Blue' is a highlight, with a sumptuously deep back end that swells and swells to luxurious effect, as tinkling piano notes flutter through the top lines in nonchalant fashion. Label boss Ben Soundscape steps up for a remix of Raw Q's 'NY State of Mind', an Intrigue classic that he strips back and rolls out, with a supremely crisp set of drums that underpin a simple but sleek bassline. There are more cuts from Joakuim, whose halftime exploration takes him to deep depths, and The Insiders & Mutt, who get funky and old school with their liquid sounds. Sick stuff.
Randall & Ben Soundscape - "Rollin' Ruff" (feat MC Fats) - (5:24) 58 BPM
Review: The yearly escapades of Bristol's Intrigue Music are entering their seventheenth consecutive year, a huge achievement for the label. Like always, the album is full of a broad range of tempos and sounds that embody the ethos of an imprint known more for its consistent quality than any particular style. 'So Many Moments' by Philth and Farz, with Collette Warren on vocals, is a beautiful, floating track that rests on solid foundations but which carries a lightness, a deftness which sees it hover in hypnotic fashion. Randall, MC Fats and Ben Soundscape get jungley on 'Rollin' Ruff', Octo Pi gets even heavier on 'Battle Cap', and the album is all round just an ideal LP for all the heads out there. Big.
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