Review: To celebrate their consistently growing empire, the team over at Artikal Music UK have unveiled this awesome new collection for their loyal fans to enjoy, sourcing 14 original steppers rollers from some of the best in the dubstep game. We are immediately gifted a wickedly wide range of steppers originals, from the warm sub work of Mystic State's 'Ever Further Dub', to the more party-driven drums of 'Tribal Alien' from Legion and the squelching sub squeezes of MYTHM's 'Dead City'. This is an LP that truly celebrates how varied and unique dubstep music can be, with our standouts including the super-clean sub work of 'Vanquisher' from head-honcho J:Kenzo, next to the sweetly syncopated drums and haunted harmonies of Cimm's 'Deep Red'. What a collection this is!
Review: Truth is on Deep, Dark and Dangerous for an EP that's, well, deep, dark and dangerous. That doesn't quite do the range of sounds and styles on this release full justice, however, as Truth stretches his legs across shuddering halftime, funky jungle and fluid rollers. 'Eyes On Me' is especially delectable, as a haunting vocal sample shimmers up into full view and perches above a juke-influenced, stepping halftime beat that strides out across the full track. 'Heartbreak' is a faster, heavier number that lends some heft to the release, whilst 'Pass Me By' is a lovely, soulful liquid number. This is one for the heads.
Review: Whether it's as a performer, a producer or a label head honcho, J:Kenzo has never done things by halves, so Artikal's debut long player was always going to be special. 15 exclusive cuts from the label's talented family and friends, this collection of contributions doesn't just document where bass music is at, but where it's heading. Each track is a highlight in itself, but it's cuts like the slinky hypnotic groove and cosmic congas of TMSV's "Scorpion", Sleeper's star-gazing, dub-drenched sub science of "Coxsone Dub", Skeptical's lesson minimalism and aggy restraint ("Skavenger") and Eshone's treacle-like dirge "Qualia" that really represent the depth, scope and vision of Artikal. Designed for the dance, arranged so well it works as an entire listening experience, Artikal don't do things by halves.
Review: Brooklyn-based bass dealers Tuba blow their sub trumpet with a rich collection that spans their impressive history so far. Ranging from the meditative steps and jazz shimmers of Subreacher's "Future Target" to the techy breakbeats, sub-soaked steps and dreamy breakdown of D-Operation Drop's "Origami" via the ghostly, cavernous resonance of Below's self-title nightmare soundtrack, Tuba have curated a fine selection that represents their clear and confident contributions to the ever morphing and mutating dubstep sound. If you've not picked up on any of these yet, now is most certainly the time!
Review: Here, digital DJs get a rare chance to own a slew of previously vinyl-only plates from Mala's Medi Musik imprint. Deep Medi Releases 3 continues the format of its two predecessors, including cuts from 12" singles released in 2008 and 2009. For fans of good quality dubstep, it's well worth a look. While there's the odd intense dancefloor wobbler (Goth-Trad's busy "Saturn", Skream's "The Shinein"), there's also plenty of depth, melody and beauty amongst the trademark low-end pulse. Look out in particular for a pair of luscious, emotion-rich cuts from Quest, a pleasing bleep-fest from Truth, and Clouds' brilliantly far-sighted "Protecting Hands" - here available in two stunning mixes.
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