Review: Antwerp-based label Gun Audio have already clearly marked out their intentions. In case there was any doubt lingering over their credentials, DUB003 comes out roaring and snarling; a technical and massive-sounding selection of tracks from newcomer Dub Berzerka and friends. The eerie beginnings of "Jumanji" are quickly overtaken by serious levels of bass pressure, while title track "Death Ship" is a nasty stepper with dancefloor-smashing bass Andy C would be proud of. "Living Hell" uses vintage cinema clips and jungle breaks to build an infectious head-nodder fit for any heavyweight set. "The Evil" continues this theme of vintage sounds and heavy bass with a subtler tone, as stepping rhythms crackle around big, brutal bass. An EP for the heavyweights.
Review: Heist: one of drum & bass's darkest forces behind so many of talent's careers, so many big producer's mixing desks and so many of our go-to bangers... Both as a label owner and producer. Here he plays the role of both as he leads an expertly-curated collection of innovative styles with a breezy vocal soul roller "Never Enough". Bringing up the rear Ceph gets sci-fi and spacious on "Solitude", Simula gets a cosmic funk on with the Lynx-esque "Truth Serum", Skore's fuses classic hardcore dynamics with Detroitian synth tones on "Roger", Metal Work charm us with delicately layered liquid keys on "Simple" and Zere & Gabriel Habit sign off with the darkest cut of the collection. Fresh and full of exciting new talent, Heist is killing it this year.
Review: Austrian D&B heads know the score. Quite literally when it comes to Vienna jump up merchant Skore. Returning to Heist's Co-Lab laboratory for his first full label EP, we get straight to business as he lays down basslines so filth they could make an adult entertainer blush. Highlights can be found in every track but you'd be mad not to immerse yourself in the mechanical chaos of "Machine Routine", you'd be a fool not to play air machine gun to the AK47 funk of "Word Of Warning" and you're a braver man than us if you don't feel total awe and fear from the sheet metal bass on "Clear Em Out". Power time.
Review: There's something about the name Skore which just emanates dastardly undertones, in the words of the always quotable Super Hans, "an impending sense of dread." Unlike Super Hans, however, Skore can actually make music and his latest piece of work is out over on Calypso Muzak. Thrashing Machine is an energetic piece of jump-up construction that doesn't hesitate to punch you in the face and its exemplified by the title track, a bass-filled expression of dancefloor hatred which moves in mysterious yet obvious ways. It bangs, basically, as does the rest of the EP. Top stuff.
Review: Every now and then, you just want a release that slams start to finish. No frills, no pretence of trying to be something that it isn't, just solidly banging D&B that gets your head nodding and your feet moving. Skore has done that here and this single is a run of attitude-packed jump up, all of which would sound fat through a sound system. 'Haunted' is a highlight, moody samples leading you in into a fluttering array of jagged sonics and boom-bap drum hits, a vibe that's quickly transferred across into 'Execute' - snapping percussive hits, moody bass notes and melody that oozes power.
Review: Having appeared on Logan D's other imprint Subway Soundz earlier this year Skore returns to the Low Down Deep mothership with two twisted murderation missiles. "Formants" is all turbines and heavy machinery on full-pelt, blazing and burning with more drama on every 32 while "Blown Fuse" whips us off track with a wonky robotic funk vibe that nods back to the early 2010s. You know the Skore.
Review: Skore has been on a bit of a roll recently and he's back on Subway Soundz for a stripped back, roughshod single which showcases an interesting blend of the minimal sound with the jump-up side of the scene. This is a style that's been taking off recently and we're very much into it, it's a bit less full-on that jump-up and not as screechy, yet still has the wicked attitude and urban-edged toughness of jump-up. 'Sauced Up' is an excellent example, with an ice-cold demeanour and multiple criss-crossing strands of reverberating bass, an amalgamation of low-frequency textures which just roll out the whole way through. Sick stuff here.
Review: Skore has been absolutely smashing it recently and is fast becoming one of the scene's most reliable sources of explosive dancefloor material. This release is no different, featuring two cuts of pure damage in classic style, with plenty of attitude and plenty of gunfinger moments. The second tune is our favourite, with a seriously hype-inducing build and a raucous drop that reminds us of a neurofunk track except without all the unnecessary noise it becomes ten times heavier. We love this one - big-ups to the Low Down Deep crew.
Review: Gun Audio comes through correct with their fifth release in the form of an extensive D&B compilation featuring some of the best new talent out there. Much like their previous signings, these guys are relatively unknown but are sure to become big names in the future and to be honest, it's pure quality throughout. From wobbling jump-up to techier rhythms, this LP is about the best summary of what's happening at the moment in the UK D&B scene. Too many names for ya to digest so just press play and blow your speakers up!
