Review: DnB Radio's second label Plush has had some impressive artists grace its books since its inception. Pushing the intelligent, deeper sounds of drum and bass, this EP looks to showcase some of their ethos, as well as providing a platform for some seriously intelligent newcomers to sound their battle cry. Paperclip launches straight in with the icy breaks of "In My Dreams", a solid techy roller with plenty of attitude. From his addition to the compilation, Durban definitely casts himself as one to watch with the oriental vibes of gorgeously flexing, neuro nasty "Infinity", featuring the smooth vocals of Ella. Shivaxi offers some respite in the calming deepness of "In The Moment", where ParaDigm's glitchy, intensely-studied "Modern Fortunes" acts as a half-time counterpoint to the EP's fast-paced d&b heart. Meek Odyssey bubble and brew a Bjork-influenced soundscape; Mr Mann adds some twinkling beauty and final track "Pheadra" offers some deep lulling bass to soothe and comfort. A seriously accomplished EP from some exciting new talents.
Review: An interesting one here from Place 2B & Paimon, who collaborate on the first two tracks of the EP before Paperclip takes over for the final cut. "Quite" is a quirky blend of sweeping atmospherics, purposeful drum kicks and chiming SFX with an oriental guitar strumming a melody. The gentle percussion continues for the duration with big bass warps and a sense of unease permeating throughout. "Magnetic" continues the story with blissed out sounds, trippy, whispering vocals echoing around shuffling breaks and a warm undulating b-line. Paperclip adds his touch with some lush, ethereal D&B with a euphoric tint - all twinkling melodies, murmuring bass and crisp breaks.
Review: It's time to reach beyond the skies as Flame & Paperclip take a side each on this dreamy EP on Fokuz. "Whom I Belong" sees Russian producer Paperclip marinating his studio in a cauldron of progressive emotion as guitars gently lick the back of the mix, hiding behind an evocative bassline of surging sub low beauty. Flame takes over on "She Knows", a cut coated in the essence of soul thanks to lingering vocals and twinkling pianos. On the right side of epic but loaded with sonic sentiment, both cuts press buttons you didn't even know existed and come replete with their own unique twists.
Review: Prepare to adopt a screw face as Paper Clip kicks off his 'Sonic Blaster' EP with a flurry of sci-fi SFX, super grimy b-line and bruising drums. Followed by up by the mighty Transformers referencing "Optimus Prime" - a tense, post-apocalyptic intro is interrupted by a turbo charged cyborg bothering bassline and battering atmospheric rumbling - it's a terrifying and thrilling first half. Things don't get any easier on the ear in the second half, as metallic stabs and pattering drums pave the way for more teched up neuro funk in menacing roller "Manuscript". "Obscurantism Aura" concludes the EP with an epic choral element blended meticulously intro thunderous breaks and pressurised bass.
Review: Ammunition's highly anticipated "Russian Roulette" EP is finally here. Featuring a collection of extremely talented and respected artists from across Russia, including DaVIP, Paperclip, Flame, Nvader and Hectix, they deliver quality slices of thick Neurofunk Drum & Bass that will smash dancefloors the world over. Standout cut, "Freestyle" by Hectix merges D&B with fierce guitars, rap lyrics and hugely distorted synths. A true dancefloor bomb, this EP will tear up every dancehall its set loose in