Review: Joining dots between two sounds that came from the same mindset and very similar streets and cultural context, Influence Records have curated something incredibly special here with 'Diaries From Detroit'; a VA collection boasting some of the most talented names across the D&B generations from Seba to Conrad Subs. All exploring those cold futuristic aesthetics that both jungle and Detroit techno share, highlights can be found at every twist and turn but you'd be crazy not to check the likes of subtleties and immense subs of A Audio's 'Mercury', the ice cold grumbles of Lynx's 'De-Tro' and the shimmering dub techno influences on L-Side's powerful 'Point Of View'. What a collection.
Review: Spearhead are coming out with a huge compilation that seeks to be a statement of intent for 2020, combining a load of new tracks with some of the choicest cuts from the Spearhead back catalogue. There is old school talent like Need For Mirrors, Bcee, Carlito & Addiction & Saikon, as well as recruits from the new school like Whiney, Black Barrel, Monrroe and Walk:r, all of whom have done a wicked job walking the Spearhead stylistic line between hard and soft. Need For Mirrors' 'Zxana' is the ideal example; it's stripped back and minimalist in its percussion but expansive in the low-frequencies, with a hypnotic feeling of movement and a seriously solid piece of sound design. The rest of the LP is typically epic as well, so shout out to the Norwich crew.
Review: Fresh from launching their own label for their collaborations last year, longstanding compadres Seba and Paradox land on the Metalheadz mothership once again with two outstanding lessons in D&B realism. "Hexagon" is glacial and furious. Original late 90s rudiments; the beats are pneumatic, the flavours and cosmic, the vibe is barbed and tense throughout. "Love Or Death" takes us down an even darker drumfunk rabbit hole where the breaks do all the talking. Absolute slap-about business with no holds barred in any element or ingredient. What a way to kick off the new decade for both Paradox, Seba and Metalheadz.
Review: It's that time of year again! The scene's longest-standing platform Drum&BassArena step up with their annual flagship album and once again it's a fitting salute to all corners, all shades and all styles of the rich, wide scene. 60 tracks deep comprising absolute bangers and bliss-outs from the likes of Chase & Status, Noisia & Phace, K-Motionz, Rockwell, DJ Hybrid, GLXY and Seba, it's also home to exclusives from Kyrist, Brookes Brothers, Bou & Simula, Kanina, Kove and A.M.C & Turno. From jungle to jump-up, liquid to dancefloor and complete with three killer mixes for life when you're not practicing your double/triple/quadruple drops, Drum&BassArena continue to celebrate the widest possible scene.
Review: Spearhead Records - which was started by Bcee in an internet caf? - is hitting its 100th release and celebrating the fact with a huge compilation of brand new tracks, including contributions by Calibre, Technimatic, LSB and Bcee himself. Staying true to the label's origins, it's pretty much all gorgeous rolling liquid and we're very much into it. One of the highlights is the Bcee refix of his seminal 'Back to the Street', which has been given a revamped bassline and a fresh veneer of bassy purpose. It's not just the old on this album, though, and Walk:r lays down the gauntlet with 'Wallflower', a sublimely subtle, pacey piano tune that rolls out in delightful fashion. Wicked stuff here from one of the best in the game.
Review: Scene legend Seba is back on scene staple Spearhead Records, bringing with him four slices of music that are all effortlessly Seba. 'She Looks Real' is celestial and spacey, floating synths peppered over a steppy drum line that has a gritty, old school feel; the progression is constant and driving - what an opener. The steppy vibe carries on in 'Close To You', as the percussion creeps in as the tune evolves turning this one into a real listener, simplicity reigning supreme the whole way through. The pace is turned up a notch in 'Time Will Tell', featuring more old-school progression in the drum line, there's no cheap thrills or quick fixes and you have to really appreciate the genuine quality of the music. 'Why Can't This End' is the finisher, soaring vocals end things on a high as subtle synth rises and swirling background pads come together to build a rich texture of rolling liquid funk. This release takes things back to basics and honestly shouldn't be missed.
Review: Few producer / vocalist partnerships in drum & bass have been as enduring or iconic as Seba and Robert Manos. Even though they both work autonomously with other artists, you can really feel it when they work together. Mystical, moving, soulful but heavier than lead boots, it's been this way since 2005's "Make Peace" and their work keeps getting better; "Etherall" is a hurricane break-based piece with fluttering pianos and dynamic breakaways that let Robert and his earnest, heart breaking lyrics shine through while "Always" shakes with more of a jazzy, cosmic energy where Manos's vocals provide just as much texture as they do soul. Timeless.
Review: It's been a long time since Swedish pioneer Seba was last spotted on Metalheadz - over seven years in fact - but here we find him making up for lost time with four pristine pieces of drumcraft. "Machine" is a restrained, dreamy soul-stirrer that sees him teaming up with long-time vocal sparring partner Robert Manos, "Node 46" is classic Seba - all layers and mysticism and a momentum that's crafted from pure dark magic while "The Unholy" fulfils its devilish title with outrageously demonic low end harmonies. "Unreal Adventures" closes the show on a real creeper flex where the track builds on every 16 in a spell-binding way that only Seba knows how. Essential as always.
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