Review: Following up releases on Strictly House And Garage and Ditto Music, next up on Midlands-based label drippyboii is S3 Dubs with a collection of deeply dark subterranean delights on the Better Go Home EP. It's clear that this is a strictly neurofunk affair, as heard on the murky opener "How You Like It", while "You Give Me" is the perfect soundtrack to the stoned ride home on the night bus. Elsewhere, "Swindle" incorporates grime influences into the mix, while the experimental and off-kilter beats of "Ducksweat" ends things on an interesting note.
Review: There really are few labels within the extended garage and 140 crossover zones that are able to say they hold the consistency of releases that Chameleon Audio possesses. The last few years have been a serious worldwind of underground flavour, with the second edition of their 'Colours' series being another welcome catalogue edition. They welcome the likes of Sour F4ce, MoJoe, Jakebob, Khabs, Fork & Knife & more back to the label to showcase the best of their roster with some serious bassweight. The compilation dives perfectly between garage and 140 flavours, with our immediate pickouts including the swampy bass textures and gorgeous percussive pulses of 'War Dub' from Nenkz, alongside the euphoric vocal harmonies of Itmek's 'Lust', and moogy goodness of '80's Fella' from the one and only Tubz. You may even find a sneaky carnival mix of 'Cub Bubblin' from our very own KXVU floating around the ether for good measure.
Review: When we look back over both the roster and discography that we have seen the team at PAR assemble over the years, it is very difficult to not be incredibly impressed, with back catalogue boasting arguably one of the strongest selections in UK bass music. We here see them set out on another goliath conquest as they present their ninth birthday release 'PAR IS 9'. This project features a host of exciting guests, from heavyweight veterans such as Garna, DeadbeatUK and Moony, to more new school hard hitters such as S3 Dubs, Daze Prism and more. Highlights for us include Dubzta's grimey sheller 'Side Effect' and the madness of Sekt 87's skippy belter in 'Surge & Rush'.
Review: Based in Walsall, the Chameleon Audio imprint, headed up by MoJoe and Chemist RNS, has been one of the most impressive midlands based movements in recent years. This latest compilation entitled 'Colours' sees them gather together a selection of their finest troopers, including the likes of Chemist RNS, Aranha, Triple S, Particle and more. We also some exciting debuts from the likes of Defiant and Khabs as well as stormers from S3 Dubs with 'Blur' and Sensi with 'Corvus'. For us the standout track of the whole compilation comes from grimey man of the minute Jakebob alongside fellow producer and vocalist: Rakjay entitled 'Sailor Jerry's. The pair get busy on this one as they lay down some skippy UKG flavours and electric vocal flows.
Review: It's that time again, as the infamous PAR imprint returns for their yearly Christmas compilation, showcasing their extensively versatile roster and variety of musical styles. This year is a collection of returns and debuts, as we see Killjoy, Deadbeat, Dr Cryptic, KXVU, Moony, Jakebob amongst others all make solid return appearances. Some of our favorites include the haunting sounds of Dallen's grimey roller 'Time', the catchy 4x4 riffs and rhythms of Kind Hydra's 'Bass Trap' and skippy arrangement and aggressive synth design on 'Trigga' from the elusive Rotti. There aren't many labels that can boast such an extensive yet versatile roster and yet remain so assured in as many different areas of UK bass music.
Review: BOOM! Rocking, nu-school d&b sounds from the Chameleon Audio massive, and it's high time we'd heard some fast-moving breaks amid all the half steps and grime-leaning house. It's a family affair on this new comp, Walsall Sound, landing on our charts like a steamroller on speed. Don't get us wrong, there's plenty of darkcore bass in here, too, such as Chemist RNS' cheeky, wobble-friendly "Green Crack", or the supremely smoky haze emanating from the bass of "Duality" by S3 Dubs. Sour F4ace's "Ello" is a sneaky dubstep bullet that would have been received with copious rewinds in the FWD days, and other favourites include "Sandwell St" from MoJoe, a murky swarm of percussive fury, and Zobol's subtly electro-leaning, drum-machine charge called "Lektrojuke". Don't sleep on this lot!
