Review:
Phengophobia, the fear of daylight. In our eyes, this name couldn't be more accurate as Bushbaby rolls out his fourth full EP with Brighton based high flyers: Southpoint, and it's a dark one for sure. As a project, this really summarizes how far Bushbaby has come, with 'Hold Up' being the perfect piece of dark bass magic to transform any crowd into an absolute zoo. The infamous vocal presence of Dread MC makes an appearance also on 'Montana', a gnarly dancehall infused stomper, packed with lethal energy. The mood then dramatically alters as the young soundsmith unleashes a phenomenal dosage of electronic soundscaping in the title track 'Phengophobia', showcasing the true depth of his skill.
Review:
As one of the leading forces in bass music in the UK, it's always a monumental moment to hear that My Nu Leng have put together a new release. This project sees them take a seat on their own 'Maraki' imprint, showcasing their multigenre influences perfectly. The title track 'Junctions' is a perfect example of this, bringing together pounding UK bass themes with crunchy breakbeat additions, perfect for adding a bit of flavour to any dance. To follow this 'Super 8' kicks back with a bag of moogy bass energy, before Takura and Holy Goof join the party for some tearout antics on 'Gully'. Finally, we hear Madi Lane join forces with the Bristol based duo on 'Turn Around', a breaksy roller, packed with spacey emotional energy and smooth harmonies, rounding off this EP with a touch of class.
Review:
Within Bristol's super appreciated 140 scene, Lemzly Dale has solidified his name as one of the most exciting forces, always bringing something powerful and potent to the table. That rings true here as we take a look at this exciting three tracker, with our first tastings being the constantly evolving flavours of 'High Noon', bringing sublow skankers energy from the off. Next up, 'Go Away', which takes the form of a nostalgic R&G chop, filled with emotional energy and nostalgic layering. To finish up, we get proper grimey as Merky Ace steps up for a lively vocal appearance on 'What We Do', layering typically skippy verses over Lemzly's exceptional production.
Review:
As one of the real leading forces in Bristol's 140 scene, we were very excited when we heard tell of a new project dropping from Boofy, especially when we learnt that it was to be alongside now legendary Tectonic imprint. We kick off the party with title track 'in My Head' which is a creepy, old school roller, driven by spooky harmonics, along with the skippier drum stylings of 'Perfunktion' and the quite frankly incredible sub work that takes place across the triplet driven arrangement of 'Back In The Box'. We then sign the project off with 'Herbie', another haunting expanse of unpredictable soundscaping, driven by organic drums and persistent, grizzly drones.
Review:
It was an absolute pleasure getting stuck into this futuristic body of work from Deft, who touches down on the ever impressive 20/02 LDN imprint for six tracks of pure weight. The title track 'Bellyboy' alongside the vocal talents of Buchanan is a demonstration in electronic excellence, bubbling up suspense and darkness in perfect harmony. Along with the extended edition, the EP hosts four additional recordings, starting off with the perfect drum processing of 'Done', along with the glitchy atmospherics of 'Rollon', the crunchy VIP mix of 'For Sudden' and the spacey melodies and trap rolls of 'Scope', rounding off a very impressive body of work.
Review:
Wheel & Deal are set to continue their impressive year here as they invite in the punchy production stylings of Dayzero for an official three track project, stuffed to the brim with organic dubstep goodness. The title track 'Dagger 3' is a stripped back glitch driven piece of magnificence, initially led by an offkey synth arpeggiation above scatty rolls and lethal sub shivers. Following this, we have 'The Lord Boy', which boasts it's perfect mix of glitchy lead melodics in a call and respond with tasty LFO movements. We finish up on 'Dinosaur Age', which combines stomping brass leads with subtle 808 stabs for a super shocker showdown, polishing off an exciting bag of originals.
Review:
During dubstep's original rise to notoriety, there were few producers who came to the table with as much originality as Silkie, who's smooth, soulful productions around the 140 area catapulted him into an instant fan favourite. We are therefore super excited to see him return here, courtesy of Pretty Weird, for two tracks of pure fire. The title track 'Don't DJ For Free' is a marching masterpiece, driven forward by bubbling LFO leads and punchy drum riffs, not forgetting some crispy cowbell action. On the flip we are blessed with 'Rhythm Junkie', another stomping creation comprised of smooth sub harmonics and dazzling soundscaping.
Review:
Straight out of the dubbed out streets of Manchester, we are pleased to welcome Hypho and Amadeo Sanchez's new project 'Manuka' as they unveil their debut four track drop. We kick off with new school dubstep high flyer: Arkwright, with his shimmering roller in 'Course', before dipping into Kelly Dean's dungeon dwelling demon in 'Childs Play', which is packed to the rafters with reesey energy and grizzly subs over skippy 4x4 infused beats. Next, Sensei brings some more original flavour as the gritty bass tones of 'Red Cross' run riot, along with the wobbly moogish bass designs of Zygos on 'Paz', rounding off a fantastic debut release.
Review:
As one of the most prominent forces in the northern world of niche bassline music, Chip Butty have delivered us yet another tasty feeding of 4x4 heat here as they bring in Sample Junkie for three explosive original creations on 'Chips & Curry Sauce'. We kick off the party with the ominous synth layerings and scattered beats of 'Odin', before taking the grooves down a more neurotic route on 'Bad Boy Trip'. From here we move into the last of the three tracks entitled 'Get Wrecked', which between a contrasting triplet based intro and sharp LFO led 4x4 breakdown provides the project with the perfect final touches.
Review:
As one of the real standout label projects across 2018, We are very happy to see Southpoint make their return to JunoDownload amidst an extremely hectic release schedule. Here we see them unveil Movement's debut 'Mendax' EP, which explores everything UKG with a serious twist of flavour. The title track itself is an ode to old school 2-step compositions with 'Camlet Moat' providing some more nostalgic tastings and 'The Burial' twisting into a darkened expanse of bass and drum work. Next up, 'Aku Aku' see's the return of Banzai's unique vocal presence over tribalistic percussive spreads, before we finish up with Moony's smoothened out rethink of 'Mendax', topping off a terrific body of work.
Review:
Within UK dance music's expansive circles, there are few who have offered as much as Scuba over the years, who here returns to his beloved Hotflush household for a stunning new project by the name of 'In Retrograde'. This project sees him traverse a complete spectrum of electronic music, with a half time dubstep feel being the central yarn in its tapestry. From the distorted utterings of 'Buzzsaw' and funky inspired flavours of 'Gyroscope' to the more soundscape led compositions of 'Entrospect' and 'Ants', this project boasts a wealth of musical expertise, showcasing a depth of dubstep influences and offshoots.
Review:
Following last year's Where Are The People release, Addison Groove and Bim Sanga get together to deliver another Bags Inc release. Drawing on deep house textures and a ghetto 'work' sample, "D Question" is a tough, steely affair, designed with crisp drums and angular rhythms. "Seven of Nine" is more stripped back and sees the pair deploy a repetitive sample, albeit over a noisy, jacking groove. Changing tact again, the duo deliver "Bashton Valed", where a predatory bass underpins dreamy synths and strings that float over an acid backing. Rounding off the release is "Tanga Toll", which marks a return to a more pared back, jacking approach, albeit with the duo using a smart cut-up technique.
Review:
Soundbwoy Killah excels with this release and making the older amongst remember old-school raves, and the younger wish you could've been there. 'Yours' glides into the start of the release with bass shakes and soulful vocal samples, before a refreshing bout of 2-step tumbles out of the swirl and cuts in with a naughty, diving sine bass. 'Come My Selector' takes you back to 2005, in a good way - one for the rude boys and the ravers. 'Abra Cadabra' is packed with eclectic percussion, bumping you along before taking a dive down into the deep, the dark and the dirty, blackish atmospherics providing the backdrop for a non-stop sink into the bass below. You might recognise the sample in 'Turn Off The Lights' from Mak & Pasteman's 'Oh Baby', but this is a different beast altogether. More punchy kick drums and tight, spinny back ends evoke even clearer notions of the rave. Top stuff.
Review:
We were thrilled to see this one hit the shelves as the living legend that is Plastician touches down on his own, highly appreciated 'Terrorhythm' imprint for three tracks of pure fire. From the off, new school grime dons Jafro and Renz jump forward on the electrifying title track 'Anyway', providing us with some insightful flows and punchy lyricism. Plastician shows his grimey routes throughout this project as he flexes his synthy skills on 'Hit Somebody', which brings together classic grime drum and gun sounds coupled with an evil lead melody. These two tracks along with the instrumental version to 'Anyway' are sure to cause a ruckus in the rave.
Review:
The Innamind Sound has been on a serious rampage of late, putting out some of the most sought after releases within the dubstep sphere. TMSV supplies the goods this time as we kick off with the title track 'No Sleep', which is an unpredictable roller, laced with unusual rhythmic structure and crisp production. Next up we slip into the lethal bass leads and haunting atmospheric extensions of 'Temple' before finishing up tidily on the punchy horn stabs and distorted 808 hits of 'Maniac Mansion'. A seriously impressive three tracker for sure!
Review:
The Macabre Unit Digital imprint has made itself home to a number of heavyweight releases in recent times, with Manchester's JFO being the latest to join the illustrious roster. We kick off this four track bonanza with the title track 'Spectrum', a phenomenal piece of dubstep inspired sound design, driven by blazing subs and masterful mix work. This is then followed by the similar stylings of 'Mind Control'. Next up we splash into the pool of weighty subs and precisely processed percussive rolls that is 'On My Skin', descending into delightful synth growls and sharp drum work. Finally we finish up this masterful body of work with 'Hailstone', an incredible arrangement of haunted atmospherics and powerful beat stops, reminiscent of early DJ Madd.
Review:
Bristol's Peverelist is known to be a truly innovative musical figure within the city, having been a major part of the early dubstep movement and continuing to influence trends after. Here we see him return to the exquisite sounds of Punch Drunk for a top draw two track release, kicking off with the super swinging hi hats, unpredictable delays and engulfing subs of 'Bluez'. On the flip side we are given another treat by way of 'Und_92', a masterful piece of broken garage production, letting the subs run wild beneath sharp drum processing, expert chord delays and organic atmospherics, making this a very special return indeed.
Review:
In a crowded dubstep and grime scene, there really is something that stands out about the consistency of Zha's White Peach imprint, who have struck gold again here with an expertly crafted four track masterclass from Hebbe. We begin with the soothing aquatic melodies and hypnotic sub pressure of the title track '3 Tabs' before landing on the darkened structure and haunting overtones of 'Appropriation'. Next we step into the super wingy excitement of 'IPA' which is driven by grizzly lead bass textures, before finishing up the EP with the nostalgic lfo movements and dubwise drum creations of 'Post Modern Dub'.
Review:
After what is approaching a decade at the cutting edge of bass music, DJ Madd has solidified himself as one of the greats. This latest release sees him team up with the Roots & Future imprint for an explosive halftime two tracker. First up we have Gone Like A Fool which is a schooling in bass control and use of space, incorporating haunting vocals and the occasional moogy arpeggio. On the B-Side we hear Badboy Selection which runs with similar themes alongside additional percussive instrumentation and dubbed out chord FX. This is a weighty one for sure!
Review:
A debut album from Etch on Sneaker Social Club isn't something to be sniffed at. The producer has proven time and time again he can make some of the most creative breaks music around, this time his skills being shown off in a nasty 12-track format. The diversity on this release is just mad, from the soulful sampling yet gully undercuts of 'Groove Control' to the penetratingly deep ambience of 'Outsider' featuring Farrah. This is dance music diversity at its finest and Etch is the purveyor. Don't miss 'Snell's Law', where bass notes underpin crisp drums that constantly switch and keep you on toes, as well as 'Swirls and Spirals', a hip-hop leaning number that bring some gawpingly good funk influences into the mix. All twelve are interesting including some wicked interludes, so be sure to grab this one.
Review:
As one of the freshest tech labels to emerge out of the UK in recent years, Kaizen continue their trail blaze in the more than capable hands of all around electronic hot shot Biome. This 6 track EP summarizes why the Manchester native is praised so highly. In short, it's a masterpiece in electronic sound design. From the dungeon-esc atmospherics of 'Weekend' and 'Trenchfoot' to the unpredictable percussive leads of 'Ancoats' and 'Stealth'. The EP is then rounded off perfectly with the rolling subs and vocal cuts of 'Fargo' and well controlled distortion lead madness of 'Yoof'. It seems in truth that there is very little Biome isn't able to craft with an impeccable level of finesse.
Review:
London's shadowy bass maestro Zomby lands on the above-the-line XL Recordings with 8 hybrid tunes, a blend of pure experimentation from the lower end of the sound spectrum. "Neon" is a wonky, bleeped-out jam, whereas "Bloom" is more of a contemporary hip-hop instrumental. On the B-side, "Peroxide" takes a slow tempo and dabs plenty of gunfire over its groove, and "Xenon" prolongs that vibe into an even more melancholic bundle of sounds and beats. On the B-side, Surf I" and "Surf II" are the housiest things we've heard from Zomby, but although many producers seek to imitate the 4/4, our main man does it his own way. "Slime" is a wonky bit of stutter-house with clear grime influences, and "Acid Surf" is a bumping lick propelled forwards by gargling swirls of 303 delight. Strong.
Review:
What a trip it's been for young Monty in the last nine months. Since his debut on 1985 he's dropped slick and critically acclaimed EPs on Flexout and Vandal before returning to Alix Perez's imprint with a second round of stark, stripped back jams. "Hypnotise" is the eeriest creeper of the set while "Random Conduct" grizzles and grunts with a much darker undertone. Flip for the slinky, groaning "Sleepless" and the brimstone burning stepper "Magma". Hypnosis guaranteed.
Review:
Both 50 Weapons and the Monkeytown massives would not be where they are if it weren't for the dedication and continuously high-calibre music of artists like Fjaak. The Berlin trio are total music junkies, preferring to spend their days with their heads in hardware manuals rather than in clubs or being seen at parties. We love that kind of dedication; it's what the underground community has always been about. Their new album, out on Monkeytown, of course, is self-titled and fully representative of their rugged, amorphous blends of bass and breakbeat science. In fact, there isn't a tune on here that could be categorized under one genre, and even heavy techno tunes like "Wolves" contain something new and curious, whether that be weird and wonderful melodies, or even a little injection of jungle juice. Techno viking Rodhad appears on the dark and mysterious glow of "Offline", but even that tune is drenched in enough experimentalism to render it utterly singular. Check and indulge.
Review:
The guys at In:Flux really do deserve a lot of credit for their tireless contributions to the UK bass scene over the last few months, having made themselves one of the most prominent Northern imprints within the wide span of the genre. We are here to celebrate and enjoy this compilation celebrating five years of activity from the label. They pull out all the stocks for sure, inviting the likes of Brent Kilner, Pavv, Pelikann, Dr Oscillator, J69 and more to join in the party, with our specific highlights coming from Tik&Borrow themselves, the leading forces behind the project. We look forward to many more years of the In:Flux wave continuing to run!
Review:
Across multiple genres of UK underground music, Riko Dan is already solidified as one of the vocal legends. He is also known to step outside the 140 box and work alongside unusual production to create some truly phenomenal work. His brand new EP has been released through Tectonic and is a homage to his vocal versatility, be it the rapid fire patois voicings upon 'Vibration', the slower more dancehall inspired lyrics on 'Slap It Up' or even the uber grimey flows on the title track 'Hard Food'. Along with these we are also blessed with the techy arrangement of 'Hungry', the 8bit melodies of 'Alright Then' and a fantastic remix of 'Big Slug' from the ever creative production fingers of Walton.
Review:
Next time someone tells you that jungle's too narrowly defined and formulaic, reach for this admirably inventive EP from Dust E-1, which brings plenty of fresh ideas to the genre. 'Sun Dials' intersperses fierce ragga jungle licks with a dusty, lo-fi jazz loop, while 'Civilised Rhythm' could almost slip unnoticed into a straight-up dub set but also brings chipmunked vox and ominous synths ? la vintage hardcore. On a more typical junglist tip, 'One On One' is a sparse, moody roller that could have beamed straight in from 1993 and 'Truck Stop Steppers' has an uncompromising darkside feel.
