Review: Over the course of 2023, there is no denying that Incurzion Audio were one of the most impressive imprints out there, with a fantastic focus on unveiling a wide range of new dubstep talent. This time around, they commence the year with a heavyweight compilation drop, inviting 30 artists inside for the fourth edition of their 'We Are Incurzion' series. From the epic soundscaping of Gendo's 'Marble Elephant' to the emotive synth melodies of Lokal's 'Flatline' and more minimal percussive clicks of 'Ballistic' from Undercentrum & UMBRA, we get a fantastic array of electronic sounds to enjoy. For us, the two standouts include both the stomach-turning sub crunches of RWB's 'Vask Des Na' and of course the mind-melting acidity of Eth:er's monstrous 'Requiem' original. Awesome work across the board!
Review: One of the most consistent, respected and forward-thinking labels on the techier, future-focused side of drum & bass, Overview Music hit the third volume of their VA series Zone and once again it's loaded with some of the most exciting and talented names in the D&B game. ABLE, Felov, Rekek, Minor Forms, Spektiv, Notequal, Yatuza, Headroom and so many more artists all deliver their most futuristic pieces to this collection, mapping out the next few years of drum & bass in the process. Each cut is a highlight but Tweakz and Teej's hyper-tense 'Involved' and Headroom's bulldozer-like 'Gambol' are particularly spicy takes. Essential for all D&B heads.
Review: Charging into 2023 with all the grace of a bull with a jetpack, Incurzion Audio continue to set their own unique and far out benchmarks in bass music. Unapologetically operating on the leftfield side drum & bass and dubstep, each of these 24 tracks lives in its own world and bubbles and grinds on its own terms. Every tune is a highlight but 140 heads will be melting all over cuts like Adzzy's sub-soaked woozer '12 Gauge', Wooflet's somnambulant bruiser 'Dusk' and Censored The Audio's breakbeat cruiser 'I Drew A Picture Of You'. D&B heads meanwhile will be fizzing over superlative cuts like Illament's emotional 'About You', Para's glitched out futurism fire 'G Check' and the soulful spacefunk of Elk's 'Consideration'. And that's a fraction of the heat happening here. Get to know!
Review: The man is at it again, but this time around, on both the instrumental and vocal side of things as Smokey Bubblin' B returns on 'FTC'. This one a seriously cool rave-ready anthem, utilizing Smokey's vocal debut with some poetic, throwback lyricism, layered with smooth bass action below and warm organ chords above, giving us a sizzling summer feel throughout. On remix duty, Para arrives for a much more melodic design, alongside the instantaneously recognizable bars and flows of Smasher, giving this one a very tasty overall overhaul indeed, perfect for BBQ season and the dancefloors it brings with it. Fabulous work!
Review: Incurzion Audio are proud to present We Are Incurzion Vol.2. This next installment in their various artist release series consists of 14 underground/alternative drum & bass cuts, featuring contributions from long-standing label staples and ascendant newcomers alike - debuting before their full releases in the near future. Whether it's Hexa's deep medi roller "Dont Miss The Bus", Niallo's off-kilter stepper "Crisis" or Para's crossover from UK bass into techno on the suitably titled "Austere", the label proves they are open to different genres. In addition, the likes of River and MidKnighT MooN contribute two tracks each - the latter's "Kiwi" is exactly the kind of deep dubstep we can dig!
Review: We have absolutely loved watching the growth and structural enhancement of the Steppers Club movement, who begin their end of year run with a sumptuous two-tracker from Para. We begin with 'Bodybag', a sizzling fusion of new school melodic grooves and old school rhythms, melting the old and new together with fabulous results dipped in a beautifully colourful arrangement. On the flipside we then take in 'Losing Control', a much more 808-driven arrangement, oozing charisma with it's gorgeous melodic flips and flickering rhythmic progression. Both of these are absolute gems for any garage DJ to sink their teeth into.
Review: This Cardiff/Brighton-based label call themselves Breeze but they're actually more of a typhoon in their energy and approach. It's been proved time and time again with hurricane releases from the likes of HYN, Dreadnaught, Formula, Parallel and many more exciting new names. Now, with a good few years of building their discography with exceptional new-gen talent, comes the remix EP. A whole load of the label's best and brightest, remixed by each other and fellow label kindred spirits. Highlights include Stuss's dramatic sledgehammer twist on Para's 'For You', Nautik's tense and grizzly take on Hyn & Pengo's 'Frequency' and Drowzee's head-twisted rhythm on his rub of 'Selecta'. Furious business. No airs or graces necessary.
Review: Well, when we saw this title land in the store we were as surprised as anyone to see that Four40 Records, one of the most active and exciting UK bass labels across the full breadth of 2020 has just turned 10 years old. This is a pretty outstanding achievement, for a label that is still at the forefront of it's sound to this very day. The compilation of course features some of the biggest releases from across the breadth of Four40's incredible catalogue of content, from the likes of Hybrid Theory, I Killed Kenny, Pavv, Limita and more, condensing ten years of musical progression into one extended tape. We also get to hear a bag of exciting new exclusives from the newer breed of the Four40 roster, including music from The Phat Controlla, Blakk Habit, Lucas Maverick, Gemi, Badger, Patrick Kane, Yozhi, George IV and more. What an incredible way to round off the year!
Review: Many rumours abound about the name young Bristol talent Para. Is he a paratrooper when not on murking duty? Is he a paramedic keeping the world alive and being a hero? Was he born in a parachute? Is his middle name parallelogram? Or is he just paranoid? We don't know any of these answers but we do know this EP is a very high calibre statement as to where he's at and what he can do. 'For You' brings a little housey spirit with the soulful vocal over stamping beats, 'Knock' brings a little jazzy touch with those piano trembles while 'The Witch' sees him teaming up with fellow rising talent Willow for a truly darked out finale. Paralytically intoxicating sounds.
Review: There have been few labels that have impressed us at Juno Download more than Strictly Flava this year, primarily due to their incredible levels of consistency. This latest drop is a fantastic way to demonstrate that as they unveil the first of the 'Strictly Flava Allstars' series, with Brenz starting proceedings with a super groovy vocal mashup entitled 'Lingerie Music'. Next, Tuff Culture touches down with a big room roller entitled 'Vibrations', before the colourful melodies of Para's 'Promise' and old school LFO work of Pepe Elle's 'Fresh Pillow' roll out. Finally, we find ourselves with a really original piece as Sensa lays down some refreshing sub work, alongside smart vocal assists on 'Let It Go' to polish this one off with some serious finesse.
Review: A leading light on breaks-tinged funk label Breaking Bread, UK producer Para's take on cut 'n' paste hip-hop has led to gems like 2009's "Rescue Me". Here however, he tackles Otis' epitaph with a more downbeat vibe - using Hammond organs and pianos to drive the song along, as well as some trademark funky drum loops of course. More upbeat however is the swooning psych-pop of B-Side "The Night That Stole My Mind" - check out the hypnotic, Can-like groove and the beautifully swirling guitar solo especially.
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