Review: If there is one thing that we could never criticise about the Iron Shirt Recordings team, it's their consistency, with a bulging catalogue of original bassy slammers, they always seem to hit the nail on the head. This latest compilation plays testament to that as they unleash the fifth edition of their 'ISR' series, welcoming back a host of dubstep heavyweights, including L Nix, Roklem & Sebalo, Jaswan and more. The whole feel of the project revolves around system-ready rollers, welcoming a host of exciting newer names to the table at the same time, all of whom deliver the goods. For us, there are a few real highlights, with the clunky, clock-like drum ticks and lethal bass crunches of Basura & Dalek One's 'Pure Destruction', next to the eastern melodic flicks and grizzly synthesiser pulses of 'Ruffhouse' from JWire and the intense drum triplets of Split's 'Midnight Hour'. Another seriously beefy body of work!
Review: For a number of years now, the Iron Shirt Recordings team really have been at the forefront of dubstep music, with their release catalogue constantly showcasing a fantastic combination of fabulous newcomers and established stepper veterans. This latest body of work sees them invite the ever-ready Split inside for a masterclass in dub-design as he unveils his full length 'Dream Catcher' album. Featuring twelve vibrant originals and two well-placed remixes, it's a top quality showcasing of Split's intricate production style, from the precise percussive pulses of 'Poison', the gnarly synth twists of 'Mafia' and big room drum smashes of 'No Escape', to the twisted, evil sounding didgeridoo warbles of the title track 'Dream Catcher', which instantaneously catches the ear. It's a pretty masterful display, with our highlights including the delicate clicks and engulfing sub-textures of 'Bubbler', next to the system sizzling reese=bass action of 'Tenacious Theme' and swampy LFO swoops of 'Amanita'. It's a wicked overall project that can be taken as either an enjoyable long play listen or a pick n mix of DJ-friendly singles.
Review: With roots dug very deep into dubstep culture, we are always thrilled to see the After Dark Music team back in action, this time unleashing this killer four tracker from Split who delivers some devilish delights indeed. We kick off with the haunting melodic twists and high energy drum shuffles of the title track 'Demon Choirs', which through its unique compositional value kicks us off in serious style. This is then chased up by both the heavyweight sub & snare drops of 'Evil In Town' and the raucous synth explosions of 'Hammer It Down' which takes the EP to a whole new level. Finally, the aquatic basslines and subtle percussive flicks of 'Organic' arrive just in time to calm down proceedings with an exquisite exit.
Review: Is there really anything better for a 140 fan than unwrapping a banging new dubstep selection? This potent new selection from Split, courtesy of the well renowned After Dark Music imprint is a real testament to the genre's strength, kicking off with the forward marching drum rolls and hard hitting basslines of 'Original Raggamuffin'. Next, 'Nuff Sound Can't Play' emerges with some slap in the face drum work, followed by the subtle LFO expressions and stunning vocal movements of 'Voodoo'. Finally, 'Ganja Anthems' emerges, stuffed with potent dubwise energy, rounding this one off with a touch of class.
Review: The Iron Shirt Recordings returns here in epic proportions as they unveil this incredible new LP from Split, who heads up a 15 track expanse of dubstep delights. The project is made up almost evenly of original recordings and intuitive remixes, with incredibly creative arrangements such as the swampy textures of 'TopDogs' and the glitchy percussive rolls of 'Kotomble' taking stand out roles. As far as the remixes go, Wreckage immediately stands out as he revamps 'Left Area' into a serious neurotic roller, as well as Michael Dayne's incredibly well thought out soundscaping of 'Two Skies'. Overall it's a fantastic project, projecting across the full range of dubstep's ever expanding fences.
Review: As one of the leading forces in New Zealand's currently thriving underground bass scene, we have seen Iron Shirt Recordings lay down some phenomenal releases since their establishment in 2011. With this latest release we see them delve into a selection of high quality remixes, reworking previously celebrated in-house releases. The reesy landscapes that lay within Digital Monk's rework of 'No Mercy' and the chilling dungeon design of Vael21's recreation of 'Cacoethes' really announce themselves as instant dubstep winners. As well as this, the splendid Kikola and Photes halftime overhaul of 'Presence Known' definitely deserves a mention.
Review: Iron Shirt Recordings continue their fine form, a burst of activity which has seen them grow from fledgling dubstep collective to game-defining future-bass. This, right here, is the third instalment of the deadly Iron Shirt series, a time for recollection and unity among their catalogue's fine roster. You won't find any wobble-bruisers in here, the majority of the 8 tracks are taken up by slow-burning, cavernous bits of cerebral beat music for those wishing to meditate on some deep-as-hell bass-weight. Tunes form the likes of Split, Chikage, L Nik and Dark Entity are some of the best examples of the deeper end of the bass spectrum that we've heard this year, and we're fully confident that Iron Shirt will continue to evolve their sound with the objective of dominating this corner of the scene. Recommended!
Review: The Dubtribu crew know how to cap off a year in fine style, especially seeing as they've had a pretty good one themselves throughout this unpredictable 2016. We now know them as the label who produce consistently excellent levels of low frequencies, and who are also kind of experts in spotting new talent from the streets. Deep Dub Inside 2016 features all of their best names, and then some. This badboy is twenty-eight tunes long, and mean as motherfu**** - inside, you'll find dark, brooding, ominously constructed bass cuts from the likes of Fiend, Mr Tetris, Krease, Yin Yang Audio, and plenty more bass scientists. From two-step to bro-step and back to garage, this will surely satisfy even the most ravenous of DJs and dancers.
Review: Dub master Split likes to take his time, preferring to concentrate on richly textured slow burners than quick fix gimmicks. Here we get three totemic beasts, all boasting his trademark full and tough finish. "Rockaz" is a throbbing dub-hop headnodder, "Land Of Origins" features stoned wobbles of bass and tropical synth noises before "Lock It Down" hammers it down with plenty of menace, pent up anxiety and bare beatbox action.
Review: The badboy steppa returns to Glasgow's Squinty Bass with a four-piece of deep dubby bubblers. "Jaro" is the most authentic dub document; slow-and-steady rhythm, rich warm bass and meditative flow ensure its potential to resonate to dubstep, bass and tech playlists. "Keep The Fire Burning" takes us further into tech territory with a mild jack and a slap that leaves the same red mark that Fink left during his Sideshow days. "Rocking & Grooving" is more upbeat again, this time wearing a daring day-glow house t-shirt, all bumpy and shuffly. Finally we hit "Ungaya", a straight slab of tech funk that wouldn't go amiss on the likes of Get Physical or Mobilee. An exceptional spread... No one will go hungry on this.
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