Review: Mass is back, once again, onto Liondub International and this time it's with the Murder EP, an exemplification of his production ability, as well as that of the A&R people over at Liondub. He's a regular feature both on Juno and on the label family and you can see why, his ability to craft hard-hitting jump-up beats reflecting well the new primacy of jump-up within the D&B scene. 'Gats in Ya Raps' is a highlight, it's snapping, steppy drums supporting a rough, gargled bassline that chokes its way down the range. 'Cartoon is another highlight, the introduction is wicked and the build-up is exquisitely put together. Top stuff.
Review: Low Down Deep are regular appearances here for two main reasons. Firstly, they release a hell of a lot of music. Secondly, it almost always hits hard and in good order. So, with that in mind, let's take a look at Vital & Mass' collaborative EP Think First/Rolling Stoney/No Gangsta/Deeper. 'Think First' is without a doubt the highlight of the EP, with an infectiously funky arrangement that's grounded in a glitchy sense of progression and movement. It goes hard, but in a way that's not off-putting or over the top, and it's a fitting tribute to an excellent original by the late DJ Dominator That's the general impression of this EP: jump-up with serious finesse and class.
Review: Every now and then, you just want a release that slams start to finish. No frills, no pretence of trying to be something that it isn't, just solidly banging D&B that gets your head nodding and your feet moving. Mass has done that here and this single is a run of attitude-packed jump up, all of which would sound fat through a sound system. 'Oh No' is a highlight, big-boy synths and gully vibes leading you in into a fluttering array of bouncy sonics and boom-bap drum hits, a vibe that's quickly transferred across into 'Not A Test' - snapping percussive hits, moody bass notes and melody that oozes power. This is a giant single that'll please those who love things dirty.
Review: Liondub International's 10 year celebrations continue with a sense-shocking body slam into the future of the label and its ever-growing family of talented artists. Hitting hard like the label's ever-on-point Street Series, the rollcall reads like a who's who in gully talent: Dutta, Bou, Jayline, Vital, BlckHry and loads more. Whether you want to be completely twisted and spat back out by a brass section (Pharoah's "Fire In The Hole") you'd prefer to be hoovered by a jet engine then shot up into the stars (Jayline's "1408") or you're more into the idea of being rattled around in a big tin bassline can (Danny The WildChild's "Body Moves") this future shock has every physical experience contemporary (but heavily rooted) drum & bass can offer. And there's even more to come. Big up Liondub!
Review: Mass is back, using his force to compel you to pull ugly bassfaces and throw your drink with an EP that doesn't hold back. Its not the kindest on the ears but then again it's not supposed to be, it's a monograph in hard-hitting sonics and dastardly tones. 'Trance' is undergirded by a booming snare drum and percussive clarity, but the action happens in the steadily melodic but still raucous bassline, a pitched-up monstrosity of dancefloor proportions. The others feature more big synths, but with emphasis instead on forward movement and serene rapidity - top release.
Review: Low Down Deep is arguably the most popular jump-up label around and the only real competition is Serum's Souped Up imprint. Low Down Deep always rolls out the big hitters though and this time is no exception, with a fiery two-tracker from Mass that'll go down well with anyone who's into the Low Down Deep sound. 'Be You' is couched in a warm vocal sample but overall is anything but kind, with punching bass stabs that have the sort of devilish anxiety Low Down Deep are known for. 'Sting Ray Dub' is the less subtle, more overtly destructive of the two with a huge bassline that extends into the ether, monstrously pulsating and perennially grating. Big tunes.
Review: We do love a good ol' collaboration EP as it's always nice to see artists coming together under the purview of a label in order to further each other's respective sounds. Tarz, Vital, Tee and Mass have done exactly that, the result being a wicked little EP that's full of variety from start to finish. Vital and Teej steal the show with 'Good Sensi', a bouncing number that's quaint yet full of that raw attitude which so endemic to D&B at the moment - a top, top tune. Lovely liquid also abounds on this release, Vital's 'Don't Pretend' had a superb melody, whilst Tarz's 'Abstract' kicks the whole release off in beautiful fashion. Definitely cop this EP.
Review: Bou & Dutta's Diamond Audio cuts through the noise with laser like charm on their latest V/A collection. A signature since the label's launch last year, this is their most supersized batch to date as it includes more fresh names and a full spectrum of underground styles; the footwork pace of Aesthetics opener "Questions", Bou's barking groaner "Frequencies", Jeopardize's matchless trippy funk stepper "Contemporary", Leaf's wonky woodblock knocks and freaky funk on "Watch It" and MelloDrama's hospitalizing space stepper "Thrill" are just some of the many album highlights. Shiny shiny.
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