Sleepwalker - "Age Of Aquarius (No Surrender, No Retreat)" (L.D remix) - (5:58) 157 BPM
Hedgehog Affair - "Parameters" - (5:45) 143 BPM
DJ Mayhem - "Inesse" - (7:53) 154 BPM
Luxury - "Twirl" - (4:22) 61 BPM
The Invisible Man - "The Flute Tune" - (7:51) 160 BPM
Escape - "Escape" (The Optical mix) - (4:46) 154 BPM
Xray Xperiments - "Techcore" - (3:58) 181 BPM
Review: Blank Mind Recordings, based in London, has tapped into the significance of a particular strand of jungle and breakbeat hardcore music prevalent during the period of 1991-1994. Their latest compilation showcases eight tracks characterized by dense atmospheric breaks, featuring artists such as DJ Mayhem, Luxury, and Skanna from that era. The standout track, 'Inesse' by Mayhem, serves as the focal point around which the compilation is curated. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous political climate, notably marked by the passage of the stringent anti-rave Criminal Justice Act in 1994, this record and its pulsating compositions take on a renewed significance, reframed within a context of resistance and social justice.
Review: Eusebeia and Artificial Red Join up with "Mindgame 4," a three-track EP on MindGames, a sub-label of Samurai. The opener, "Sweet Memories," sets the tone perfectly. Lush pads wash over a downtempo groove, while Eusebeia's vocals shimmer with a touch of longing. Then it is "peace of Mind," offering a sense of resolution, with a gentle melody and ethereal vocals. However, a subtle tension lingers, suggesting that inner peace may be a fleeting state. Rounding out the EP is "Cloud Nine," a blissful soundscape that brings the release to a peaceful close. Ethereal vocals and shimmering synths create a sense of weightlessness, leaving the listener feeling uplifted and serene.
Review: Spreading the positive vibes for well over 20 years now, D&B solider Heist lays down pure gold with this epic spread on Logan D's Low Down Deep. He's in good company on the title track, too, as Inja brings the wise words on 'Good Over Evil' before Jim goes solo for the rest of EP, slamming down bubblers and bruiers alike. 'Beg For Your Lives' is a tremendous highlight with its big splashy drums and twisted vocal sample, elsewhere 'Drop The Gun' goes full-on stripped back and bumping and 'Light Speed' is all about that wobble. Evilly good!
Review: Word on the street is that there's going to be a YouGov petition to get DJ Hybrid to change the name of Deep In The Jungle to something more honest such as Absolutely Banging In The Jungle or Rinsing Hard In The Jungle. He's going to have to with cuts like these from Lowriderz or trading standards will be on to him... Each cut is a walloping floor-flattener! Highlights include the really sleazy dark feeling with 'Soundbwoy' (featuring Enek) and the raw funk fusion and snake-like percussion of 'Hybrid Skank VIP' but the whole EP totally wallops. Big love to Lowriderz and DJ Hybrid.
Review: In for the kill! Rowney joins the crew at Screwface, a burgeoning new jump up label from Alphaze. He celebrates the occasion with two gifts... The absolutely murderous 'Assassins' chops down hard with chainsaw grit and tension while 'Only You' hits with a lot more swagger and a plump, dark funk bassline that oozes around walloping tripletty beats. Destination dancefloor.
Review: Feeling sleepy? Need a cosy little rest all cuddled up in your comfies? Well don't go asking GinX over... He'll sing you a 'Lullaby' so cold and deathly you might as well marry Freddy Kruger. Pure laser-infested grot, this vibe is carefully maintained throughout as GinX gets more and more twisted with his sound design and processed demonic vocals. Each cut painting from a similar sonic palette (think somewhere between Simula and Toxinate), there's a dark allure to the whole EP and a lot of great mixing potential. Rock-a-by me babbers!
Review: Doctor, doctor, I feel like a firework. Put some bangers on then, pal. Doctor, doctor I feel like a reload. Come again? Doctor doctor I can't stop spitting bars. Then stop eating nightclubs. All jokes aside, Doctor Roberts is not actually your typical healthcare professional. He'll cure you but it'll be with dutty bass and high energy tear-ups rather than medicines or modern science. The toxic waste electro thrills of the title track will have you doing dancefloor surgery, cutting up the place with your sharp moves. The groaning filthy reese of 'Wheel & Come' will have you sweating out your fever in a jiffy and 'Nice Guy' will clear any migraine thanks to its precision drum clarity. Pull yourselves together!
Review: You can search high but have you searched Lo!? Now's your chance... Following a string of sizzlers on Liondub International, Chicago artist LO! now makes his debut on Ray Keith's iconic Dubplate Dread with 'Talk 2 Me', a five track party where everyone is invited and the vibes range from slippery Creative Source style liquid funkery ('Take Me Higher') to the hefty swagger of the halftime finale track 'Paradise Dub'. The favourite for this particular reviewer though is 'Triggah Warn'. Featuring a classic jungle sample and some stunning drums, this one absolutely slays. All talk, all action.
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