Review: Viper are a big, bad and dangerous label and their 2021 annual is an expression of what makes their output so potent. This whole LP is unafraid to be dancefloor heaviness in an approachable sense, and the whole extended roster has turned up, from label boss Futurebound to Murdock, Blaine Stranger and more. 'Dragon' by the latter is especially good, as a foghorn influenced bass node curls its tendrils amidst a a synthy forest of organic ambience and excellent production. Cyantific and Bl4ck Crowz also impress on 'Waiting 4 U', which stomps its feet in a petulance that's less childish and more chidingly sick, a true festival anthem for sure. The album is a must-listen for all those who rate the Viper side of drum & bass.
Review: Manchester collective North Base make their Viper EP debut with this heavyweight genre-flexing four piece: "Polarity" plays the role of the feel-good lighter raiser thanks its major chords and surging synths. "What R U Doing?" features co-production from ISVK and the iconic ragamuffin mic-mastery of the Ragga Twins and is so heavy it works at both 140 and 170. Finally "The Call" brings us back down to earth softly with sci-fi synths and an evocative melody line that wouldn't be out of place in a Hollywood blockbuster. Emotional.
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