OrderingOrdering ProblemsFAQContact Us (Customers)Contact Us (Suppliers)Gift certificatesAbout JunoManage accountMy ChartsJuno Download PlayerFeedbackPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsJuno Marketing and PR departmentArtist / Label Profile SubmissionPromote your label / releasesHow do I download via Dropbox?
Filter
Fokuz
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Super prolific Sevin returns to Fokuz with more woozy soul workouts. At points laid back and hazy, at others absolutely off the wall, once again he's baked a collection of back pocket essentials to throw out and surprise your dancefloor. Highlights include the grizzly subtle wonk on 'You Something', the total and utter lunacy (and precision satire) of 'Generic', the sexy saxy Random Movement flavoured jazz fest 'Rainy Days' and the wonderfully slinky, springy finale 'Boomerang'. Rated.
from $1.89
FOKUZLP 032
15 Mar 24
Drum & Bass / Jungle
15 Mar 24
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Fokuz look to the stars for their next release as Alpha Rhythm rallies up the troops and charges up the rockets for an adventure around each planet in our the solar system. Joining him on this stellar trip are IYRE, Villem, Leo Wood, Natus, Maykors and Gemma Rose and the view is every bit as stunning as you'd expect. From the breath-taking vocals and soul of 'Venus' to the dreamy spring and bounce of 'Neptune' via the much darker, pensive momentum of 'Jupiter', it's an intriguing and exciting project that encompasses many great talents of dnb scene, including Alpha Rhythm himself. Highly recommended. Ready for take off?
from $1.89
FOKUZ 123
23 Feb 24
Drum & Bass / Jungle
23 Feb 24
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Just in time for the winter solstice, Archangel drops this immense EP on Fokuz. The title track says everything you need to know... With its lilting pianos and faraway vocals, and powerful sense of melancholy, there's a powerful taste of Calibre or Artificial Intelligence in the mix. This subtle, high grade sense of soul and introspection is kept throughout as Hireath takes us around the solar system with his remix of 'Sound Of Silence' and Phaction does the business on 'Life Indoors'. Complete with the heart-stopping 'Evening Sun' and 'Inferno', this will make your whole Witching week, let alone hour!
from $1.89
FOKUZ 122
15 Dec 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
15 Dec 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Next up from the team at Fokuz, a system-rumbling display of grizzly flavour as Skoel touches down with four tracks of original D&B heat. We begin our deep-dive with '25 Connections' a very valid title track that links together hard hitting, rave-inspired lyricism with a box of devilish reese synths, giving us a steady yet sumptuous introduction. From here, the more minimal drum designs and skippy percussive pressures of 'Aqua' give us a thunderous follow up, with 'Job' then diving even further into murky waters to follow. We then close up the project with the sounds of 'Bad Trip', a monstrous display of reesey goodness, closing off the EP in typical techy style!
from $1.89
FOKUZ 23205
27 Oct 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
27 Oct 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: More unconditional love from Fokuz's anonymous editor Unknown Artist. As always, expect a stunning slew of popular versions that will pop in any mix. Here, as the title hints, one of Bob James's most iconic standards gets celebrated in a somewhat circular way. If you know, you know. And if you don't, press play and you definitely will. This will trigger some amazing responses wherever and whenever you play it. Elsewhere India.Arie and Roy Ayers get highly respectable treatment while we climax with a trip to the Latin quarter. Quite possibly one of Unknown Artist's best editions yet.
from $1.89
93TI 005
08 Sep 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
08 Sep 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Deep vibes from Albania on Fokuz right here as Alhox returns to the Dutch label with four of his best works to date. All subtle, unhurried and loaded with a housey flavour, each of these four cuts tickle the soul in all the right ways. 'Be Friends' and 'Never Know' both ripple introspectively like classic Soul:r joints, 'Nights' brings a little piano-laced hip-hop charm while 'Adore You' brings the EP to a wonderfully emotional close.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 23212
25 Aug 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
25 Aug 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: BCee, the mastermind behind Spearhead Records and a prominent figure in the drum & bass scene, makes a triumphant return with a captivating five-track liquid sensation, expertly curated for Fokuz Recordings. Prepare to be immersed in a world of dynamic beats and fluid melodies as BCee takes you on a journey akin to a whimsical rave in a magical, natural mineral water spring. The sound design and depth showcased in tracks like 'Water Hole' and 'Rain' are nothing short of mesmerizing, amplifying the everlasting and life-giving essence of drum & bass.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 120
30 Jun 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
30 Jun 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: It's definitely summer time as the big soulful booties start rolling out and sounding perfect. Fokuz have been a great source of these edits over the years and these 90s switch-ups are no exception. In fact they're some of the best we've heard as the likes of Tupac, Erykah Badu and Roy Ayers get the 174 treatment. Subtly done in a way that's reminiscent of the early 2000s golden era liquid, they give the original song all the space it needs to breath while bringing it into dnb realm. Highlights include the glistening jazz of 'Call Tyrone' and the Roy Ayers iconic 'Searching'. Beautiful.
from $1.89
93TI 004
13 Jun 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
13 Jun 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Since establishing in 1999, there is no doubt Fokuz Recordings is one of the most influential powerhouses in the realm of Drum & Bass music. This time, the label is back with this mysterious pseudonym Unknown Artist. We will not be able to answer the tell you who is behind Unknown Artist, but as any previous releases, you are in for another hit here. The track titled 'Take Me As I Am' commences with exhilarating hyper-speed breaks and chilling hi-hats, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Following this, the soothing and romantic 'Do 4 Love' unfolds, offering a tranquil experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. Additionally, 'Long Way Up' presents an exceptional fusion of impeccably crafted R&B vocal samples and sleek beats. Furthermore, the release includes a thought-provoking, late-night rendition of Depeche Mode's 'Enjoy The Silence,' delicately infused with piano melodies.
from $1.89
MARYJ 001
22 May 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
22 May 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz welcomes Sykes once again for another lesson in timeless jungle craftsmanship. Four cuts in total, each one rattles and slaps with precision breaks, hard-hitting twists and more sub bass than your doctor would recommend for a whole year's intake. From the opening dubwise ripples of 'Da Licence' to the final closing shimmers and sways of the finale cut 'Velvet Space', everything is exactly how it should be. Gold.
from $1.89
ASW 002
10 Apr 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
10 Apr 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: The mysterious Unknown Artist returns to Fokuz with another fat round-up of re-rubs and big sample-slapping D&B. Good time D&B for party heads, and sculpted well enough for the heads to stroke their beards or give a wry grin, once again we're treated to a whole load of familiar vocals and hooks laced carefully in, around and over the breaks. Highlights include the Darondo flexing 'Didn't I' (which some may remember from Breaking Bad), the seminal rave classic 'Need Your Loving' and the Badu to the bone 'On & On' but each cut is guarantee to get the butts wriggling.
from $1.89
UNKNWN 004
06 Mar 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
06 Mar 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: BCee and Villem's Vanguard Project returns for the first time in 2023 and it's a full-range assault of the d&b loving senses. 'Adoration' is a gentle opener and almost Balearic in its guitar plucking charm. It's in good company - 'Isolation Station' keeps it jazzy and vibey, 'Just The Ticket' takes us back to the late 2000s/early 2010s Brookes Brothers sound while 'Sticky' plunges us deeper into the underground, rolling deep sound.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 119
17 Feb 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
17 Feb 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: D&B soul man Syren Rivers goes deep with his debut album. Working with the likes of Command Strange, Minos, Sub:liminal, Septa, Silence Groove, Hiraeth, the 10 track result is an exemplary example how authentic, deep, soulful and musical drum & bass can be in 2023. Steeped in emotion and great storytelling, highlights include the shimmering opener 'Something In The Water', the jazzy introspection of 'The Unsaid Letters' and the sun-kissed sounds of 'Searching'. Fans of Children Of Zeus or DRS will be all over this.
from $1.89
FOKUZLP 026
10 Feb 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
10 Feb 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz Recordings has been one of the leading drum & bass labels in the Netherlands for some time. Now well into triple figures when it comes to catalogue numbers, the label is still turning out interesting sounds as evidenced by this new EP from Spearhead bossman BCEE. There is a beauty in the way ever so delicate one-finger piano notes are draped over the relentless bass of opener 'Alpha' that soon wins you over. 'Dogs Behaving Badly' is deeper, more soulful, more tender and insular and then 'Days Like These' is a fluid roller with well-treated string sounds before 'Overleaf' layers dub vibes with jump-up drum goodness.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 117
03 Feb 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
03 Feb 23
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Next up, we return to Fokuz for another powerful collection of remix additions, this time welcoming back Sub:liminal, exploring three powerful overhauls. First up, Silence Groove arrives with a vibrant overhaul of 'Second Spring', giving us big emotive synthesiser sweeps, charming vocal samples and a punchy low end to match, before Command Strange gives a super liquified rethink to 'Future Lines', a valid title track jam-packed with aquatic energy throughout. Finally, the enigmatic production techniques and unique drum processing of Bert H are shown off in full force as 'Motions' receives a hard hitting rework, linking murky synthesiser pulses with those inviting vocal lines above, rounding off the project with a touch of the unexpected!
from $1.89
FOKUZ 22176
04 Nov 22
Drum & Bass / Jungle
04 Nov 22
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz dig deep into Soul Trader's back cat with this reissue VA that taps back to 2016/18 when now-massive acts like Pola & Bryson and GLXY first established themselves and started laying foundations for their careers with timeless tracks that still sound great to this day. From the gentle cascading piano of 'Flat Jam' to the yearning soul of Hannah Eve and Data 3's 'Better Of Without You', this a great journey through time that will still smash floors right now in 2022.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 22193
21 Oct 22
Drum & Bass / Jungle
21 Oct 22
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: The elusive and enigmatic Evasion makes his debut on Fokuz with this four track session that flexes across the spectrum. 'Flipside' sets the tone with some dark jungle sci-fi tension while 'Save My Soul' brings a little soul into the mix as a purring vocal stalks it out over chiselled breakbeats and grizzled bass. Elsewhere 'Let It Move' goes full old school with its sweeping emotional pads but keeps things contemporary with the stuttering breakbeats and finally 'Warlord' lowers the tempo and brings the conclusive KO punch at 160 BPM. Warlord a mercy!
from $1.89
VIBEZ 93013
19 Aug 22
Drum & Bass / Jungle
19 Aug 22
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz are coming into your ears once again with more luscious deepness, this time around courtesy of Motiv, who has been around the block enough times to know how to craft a proper liquid number. All four tracks on this EP rest comfortably within the spacier, more atmospheric end of the liquid spectrum, and they make ideal late night or early morning listening. The title tune is quintessential, with bubbling celestial synth lines that rest gingerly alongside a wonderfully subtle, rolling bassline that strolls along with the serious grace and decorum. 'Orbit' links directly to the space theme present on this release, and it has a low end that's just superb in its soulfulness, a common and tangible theme throughout this release. Lovely stuff.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 21119
08 Mar 21
Drum & Bass / Jungle
08 Mar 21
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Various
Review: Now in their 22nd year, Fokuz has to be one of the longest running - and certainly the most prolific - drum & bass labels to ever come out of The Netherlands. A prime spot for breaking new talent, and renowned for their glacial, atmospheric liquid sound, the label have that perfect balance of newcomers and established names which is reflected perfectly here on this reflective look-back over 2020. Highlights include Command Strange & Cnof's dusty soul delight 'Rainy Day', the twinkling cosmic funk of Maverick Soul's 'We In Here' and the shimmering soul of Askel & Elere's 'Honestly'.
from $1.89
FOKUZCOMP 2020
11 Jan 21
Drum & Bass / Jungle
11 Jan 21
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Sevin is back on Fokuz, one of the most consistent labels in the game, and he's doing so with an EP thhat exemplifies the diverse strands of drum & bass that Fokuz expertly weave together. Panic Therapy has everything, from minimal rollers, to grungy bangers, funky jungle and liquid soul. It's a tour de force and it kicks off with the title tune, a sub-heavy roller that's got inch perfect drums and a sense of sophistication that outstrips its barebones approach. 'Week 3' is pure soul, as a catchy piano riff flounces through the arrangement with a smile and a wave, a nonchalant track that brings up summer memories and more relaxed days. 'Funked Up' is even more funky, as the name suggests, with big, wide drums and an unrepentant love of movement. Sensational.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20099
16 Nov 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
16 Nov 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Soligen has been a frequent presence on the Fokuz recordings catalogue for several years now, and his ability to blend soulful touches with a grittier underbelly places them in perfect stead to collaborate with the Dutch label. This EP does exactly that and it's clear that Soligen has been hard at work refining his sound and working on the basics, those core elements which make or break a release. 'Seeme To Be' embodies this new freshness, a punchingly clear tune with a sparse, modernist tinge that's rolled out across a bed of pinpoint drums. There's more minimal magic on title tune 'Your Touch', and we also love the simplicity of the synth work on 'Lord Please'. What an EP from the young producer.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20084
17 Aug 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
17 Aug 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Resident Dutch powerhouse Fokuz are back at it this week with the next piece of work from Sub:liminal, who has teamed up with previous label album HumaNature and Resurgence to craft something pretty special. The title track takes the cake, with a gorgeously soulful vocal that floats above a bed of gentle instrumentation, but it's the bassline that steals the show; a twisting, winding expression of low frequency force, and a lesson in how to craft something subtle yet heavy. There's more wispy ambience on 'Glass Fields' and 'With You', whilst Resurgence nails 'Stranger Tides' to finish off the EP in style.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20097
10 Aug 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
10 Aug 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz are one of the most consistent labels in the scene and have an illustrious history stretching back into the 1990s. They release a hell of a lot of music across the three labels under their umbrella and Farflow is the latest artist to appear on their schedule, his About Us EP showing off exactly what the label have made a name for themselves doing: combining soulfulness with an inner core of gritty low frequencies. 'Bliss Bliss' highlights this especially well, with an emergent melody of sultry piano chords and wispy pads that give way to a powerful, rolling tapestry of luscious drum & bass. 'Down Under' is down to earth and spacy in the pads, whilst 'About Us' is wonderfully deep, its introduction setting the tone for a breaks-led rendition of warped, vocal music. Bang on.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20086
03 Aug 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
03 Aug 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz's Unknown Artist is back for their latest outing on the imprint and, as per usual, it's an EP full of non-bootleg bootlegs, as the Dutch label continue their somewhat cheeky but nonetheless highly appreciated talent for sourcing recognisable samples. 'Just Vibe With It' is beautifully smooth, its back end just rollicks with soul and there's a deliciously swing, eyes-closed sensation across its arrangement. 'You Know How To' is the other standout, with a set of sumptuous samples that scream samba Sundays, all placed over a funky 174 beat. What more could you want?
from $1.89
LOVELY 001
06 Jul 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
06 Jul 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz are back on the bandwagon of excellent music and they're doing so via the customary flair of Untrue, a producer who manages to combine a playful sense of progression with some seriously heavy elemental forces. The first track - 'Killer' - is just that: a killer. There are Break vibes in the crispness and bounciness of the percussive section, and the bassline is a stormy, tumbling endeavour that pours over the arrangement with the grace and decoroum of a tidal wave. Zero T nails the remix, and the title tune is wraps things up with an effortless portrayal of dark funk at its best. Unstoppable.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20081
15 Jun 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
15 Jun 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: The Vanguard Project, not content with their superb album earlier this year, are back on Fokuz with jovial, upbeat expression of 174 music that is a breath of fresh air from our scene's more common gestures to the ghoulish. The title track sets the tone, with warm brass samples setting a trajectory of funk and soul right from the outset. Even the darker pallette of 'Mode 16' still feels playful in its low frequency pressure and it's a combination pulled off with considerable finesse across the whole five-tracker - excellent work.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 101
08 Jun 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
08 Jun 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Fokuz is one of the most consistent labels in the scene and Sub:liminal has graced their release catalogue on several occasions in the past, each time bringing more flowing, luscious beats with him. Space & Time is more of that and if you like your like liquid, you'll be into this. The title tune is underpinned by a nice weightiness in the percussion but that doesn't prevent it from coming across as deft and subtle, slight piano touches adorn the upper end of the range and each element feels precise and considered. 'Introspective' rolls out with a wicked feeling of melancholia and the whole package is just overall a very nice listen. Shout out to the Dutch crew.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20076
11 May 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
11 May 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Motiv
Review: Sevin is reaching deep into his presumably voluminous archives and has dug out eight rolling tracks of a variety of flavours, his production style is as diverse as his personal tastes and it really shines through. The first track is as funky as can be, with swelling synth lines and jabby stabs set adrift amidst a warm wave of cool energy. The difference couldn't be bigger between that and track two - Doop Doop - which is darker, more foreboding and heavier in every way. The long EP then proceeds to roll out with serious flair, and it's well worth a listen.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20065
06 Apr 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
06 Apr 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: We love this one. It's so absurdly fun and cool, a frolicking journey through show-time synths and upbeat vibes that flicks its hair in the wind and smiles into the sun. Coming from long-time producer Surreal, Space Odyssey is an exercise in celestial funk which is right at home on the often-nonchalant atmosphere that Fokuz have so doggedly cultivated on their imprint since the 1990s. 'Superfly' is our favourite, with an almost retro 80s synthwave aesthetic to its bubbling synth lines, it's a bright neon expression of liquid energy that we can't stop bopping our head to. Awesome stuff.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20068
03 Feb 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
03 Feb 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Soligen has turned into one of Fokuz's most reliable sources of top-quality D&B that straddles a range of sounds and styles. His new single is no different, with two cuts of gorgeous rolling sonics that seem certain to get people moving one way or another. The title tune is solid and punchy, it doesn't subscribe to the weakness of some liquid and instead relies on its pulsating, subby back end to keep it going. 'Lokuj' is the funky one, with ridiculously good sampling that smacks of Macca & Loz Contreras and all-round summery sense of progression. Wicked, and 'With Your Love' takes the vocal shimmers up another level with a superb heading main line and punchy, Perez esque drums.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 20062
20 Jan 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
20 Jan 20
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass
Review: Melinki has been dishing out the goods on labels like Fokuz for a few years now, as well as running his own 'Four Corners' imprint, but he hasn't done many projects like this. The S.T.L project is a full, album length collection of collaborations with producers all over the scene. T>I is on remix duties for previous Melinki banger Dancehall Sound, flipping it into a spaciously destructive bit of work, whilst HLZ is present on the sub-heavy and drum-excellent 'Nemea'. Softer notes abound on 'It's Over' featuring Macca & Maverick Soul, a soft and deftly rolling vocal slice of liquid action, a trend repeated on 'What's Real' with Low:r. This is an expression of scene strength and an excellent one at that.
from $1.89
FOKUZLP 024
25 Nov 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
25 Nov 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Various
Review: Fokuz release some of the best compilations around, partly because they have a large contingent of affiliated artists to draw upon but mostly just because the curation team over there is top-notch. This time, it's the fourth instalment in their excellent Collaborations series, a series in which Fokuz artists team up with one another on collaborative efforts (duh). Simplification and Electrosoul System are back together on Multi Funk, with a great, old-school and funky drum line and bouncy, soulful bass nodes which warp and wobble through a really cool arrangement. Askel & Becca Jane Grey feature on the delectable VIP of Goodbye, whilst Fokux regulars Scott Allen, Monika & Askel roll things out alongside Critical Event on U & Me. Top stuff.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19058
18 Nov 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
18 Nov 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Hex
Review: Previously available on white label with no artist info, dangerous Dutchman FFF comes clean and owns up to the ravey carnage caused by the cult release. Now available digitally on Fokuz, everyone can enjoy the Rotterdam man's rambunctious jams. Rough around the edges, dark and prone to sudden twists and turns, each of these cuts hits the spot for 2019 will keeping their eyes, ears and feet on the rave's most formative era. Highlights include the strange off-beat bleep layers, ragga chants and splintered drums of "End The Talking" and the turbo-charged Orbitalesque finale "World Is Closed" but, to be real, the whole EP is a damagement document. Whistle crew? Horn crew?
from $1.89
VBZ 93002
04 Nov 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
04 Nov 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Following his recent outings on Liquicity, Smote returns to Fokuz with this charming four-tracker. Tailored for those cosy nights in and the long dark journeys we find ourselves having this time of year, each cut hits with the right levels of emotion, poignancy and soul. Highlights include the darker rumbles, pitched down vocal and ethereal feel of "Blu September" and the total vibrancy of "Made By Soul" which the sonic equivalent of sharing a sunrise while holding hands with a new best mate.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19049
28 Oct 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
28 Oct 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Fokuz is one of the most consistent labels in the scene and Minos has graced their release catalogue on several occasions in the past, each time bringing more flowing, luscious beats with him. Voices in My Mind is more of that and if you like your like liquid, you'll be into this. The title tune is underpinned by a nice weightiness in the percussion but that doesn't prevent it from coming across as deft and subtle, slight piano touches adorn the upper end of the range and each element feels precise and considered. 'Cloudiness' rolls out with a wicked sample and the whole package is just overall a very nice listen. Shout out to the Dutch crew.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19055
14 Oct 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
14 Oct 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Fokuz are one of the most reliable labels in the business, having churned out a concoction of light and dark sounds for over a decade now, representing and pushing the Dutch scene on as they go. This release is a transnational and trans-continental, with Askel from Finland, Monika based in New Zealand and Critical Event also hailing from somewhere in Europe (we're not sure where). Purple Skies is a rolling, melodic release that sits inside Fokuz's sample-laden sound with elegant effortlessness. Bazil MC features on the wicked 'Remedy' and his vocals remind us of Bluejay or SP:MC in their tone and flow. The title track is the standout though, a sumptuously deep stepper that dives fast and stays low throughout. Lovely.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19038
07 Oct 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
07 Oct 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: In a world of fake news and misinformation, we need Untrue: a brand new Russian artist on Foukz. The stark, stripped-back results speak for themselves; "Shogun" sets the tone as grumpy bassline harrumphs around a well-chiselled two-step, "Dead Space" brings much more of a ruffage feel with its rolling drums and Dispatch-style groaning bass and "Assassins" brings the headshot with a powerful droning sub, under-the-radar MC bars and layers of palpable high voltage electric sizzles. Finally "Sacrifice" reminds us it's not low-slung, dark rolling murderation as Wednesday Amelia joins the fold for a beautiful jazz-tinged finale. Stunning from start to finish. You want the Untruth? You can't handle the Untruth!
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19046
30 Sep 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
30 Sep 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: It's been an interesting year for French Mexican Joakuim. He's appeared on Intrigue's on-point 16 year collection and even released a techno EP on Planet Rhythm. Now we see him return to Fokuz with a rich spread that covers his musical range. Both "Mandala" and "Party Outside" take us deep into dark rolling territory with a prominent techno feel. Dig deeper for the flip of his sonic sensibilities as "South West Road" rockets us up into the stars on a soaring emotional rocket while "Night" ends on a dubby reflective tip. No stones left unturned, Joakuim never fails.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19045
23 Sep 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
23 Sep 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: The Fizzmeister returns! Mr Joseph back on Fokuz packing a joyously mixed bag of flavours that showcase his widest scope of styles. "Honest Truth" is all about the breezy emotion-coated rollage with the delicate touch he knows best. "Non Stop Wiz Kid" sees him flip to gully mode with a halftime heave-ho and some super hot bars from one of the US's best MCs, NYC's T.R.A.C. Last but not least "Afraid" brings things to a bittersweet conclusion with piano poignancy, rattling breaks and just the right levels of cosmicity. Tom Cruise was wrong: turns out we can handle the truth after all...
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19042
09 Sep 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
09 Sep 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Fresh from dropping a whole load of C bombs (not swearwords but bangers on his label C Recordings) T Base returns to Dutch deep haven Fokuz with three shiny, vibey pearlers. A subdued soul stepper with sweeping strings and soft yearning chords, "Is It True" instantly goes for the sensitive regions of your anatomy while "When I Fear (Who I Am)" goes much more for the jugular in a dark, pensive and future-focused way. "That Loop" brings everything together, fittingly, with a devilishly dark bassline and the jazziest piano rolls we've heard on Fokuz all year. Can you handle the truth?
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19050
12 Aug 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
12 Aug 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Fokuz is one of the most consistent labels in the scene and Critical Event and Scott Allen have graced their release catalogue on several occasions in the past, each time bringing more flowing, luscious beats with them. Broken Minds is more of that and if you like your like liquid, you'll be into this. The title tune is underpinned by a nice weightiness in the percussion but that doesn't prevent it from coming across as deft and subtle, slight piano touches adorn the upper end of the range and each element feels precise and considered. 'Stay' rolls out with a wicked sample and 'Fonkay' is just...funky! Wicked stuff from the Fokuz crew.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19044
06 Aug 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
06 Aug 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Shrust
Review: Last spotted in EP form with a guided tour around his "Dreamland" in January but appearing on compilations and with remixes throughout the year, Austrian rising vibe maestro Minos is fast becoming Fokuz's most consistent success story this year. Proffering an airy sheen but weighty kicks (think GLXY or Artificial Intelligence) each cut hits that's critical spot between the dance and the dreams. Highlights include the mid 2000s High Contrast / Logistics style bass textures on "Wonderwhy" and the addictive chime-led riff on "Kali" that we guarantee you'll be humming for days and days.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19047
15 Jul 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
15 Jul 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Fokuz are one of the most relentlessly consistent labels in the business, churning out an EP every couple of weeks across virtually ever sub-genre you've ever heard of. Bassment is responsible for the latest piece of music from the camp and he's gone down the road of four deep, dark and murky rollers. If you like your minimal D&B then this will be the release for you, in particular 'Heartless', which combines a soulful vocal sample with a wobbly exploration through ominous sonics and foreboding soundscapes. Wicked stuff.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19040
08 Jul 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
08 Jul 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: The Vanguard Project is made up of Villem and Bcee, two of the best producers in the game without a shadow of a doubt. They've been working together on TVP for a while now and it shows, their sound is diverse and mature and each release builds on the next. Cockroach Curry is arriving on Fokuz and there's a requisite blend of tones and styles here, ranging from the soulful junglist magic of Con Gas, through to the minimal, dancefloor focus of 'Murkleton'. There's even a digital bonus - 'Flying Away' - which sees the pair go back to familiar liquid territory, in spectacular fashion. Good stuff.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 097
01 Jul 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
01 Jul 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Nelver
Review: Longstanding Rotterdam vibe merchants Fokuz bring together a delectable rollcall of talents for this sunny-side V/A EP. Perfect timing for the warmer months, almost every track seems tailored and fine tuned for the season; Dreazz, Emery and Silence Groove get all spacey and introspective while Villem & Mcleod add another blissful jam to their ever-growing collaborative body of work with the gilded, Leo Wood-fronted piano-tickling roller "Gifted Lover" while Leniz & HumaNature add a touch of dusky darkness with the fittingly titled dark roller "The Switch". Finally Coop ends of the EP with the only non-collaborative track of the release "Get That". One of the summer's endless nights and heavier hypnosis moments, there's a twang of a young Bop or Phace coded deep into the mix. Take your dancefloor to a better place today...
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19036
24 Jun 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
24 Jun 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Redeyes is a premier soul-merchant, a French badman who purveys hip-hop influenced beats that'll warm your heart and steal your soul in equal measure. He's back on Fokuz for the first time in a while, after a string of releases on The North Quarter, Spearhead Records and others, with this gorgeous bit of music. 'Vibes From The Rhymes' is subtle yet graceful, with rippling piano riffs set adrift amidst a swelling backdrop of gentle bass touches, crisp percussive lines and melancholic atmospherics. 'Shattered Dream' is on a similar tip to the tile track, with a Calibre-esque approach to instrumentation, whilst 'Jamm'in' takes things even deeper and 'Separated' packs a lovely, haunting, Steo-esque vocal. Amazing stuff from Redeyes.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19041
17 Jun 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
17 Jun 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Macca & Melinki are two artists who've really taken off in recent years, the former with his work with Loz Contreras on labels like Shogun, the latter with his own Four Corners imprint and general badassery. Dark Soul is on Fokuz and it's properly sick, with four harsher cuts that show how both of these producers get down. 'Ok' just rolls and rolls, a fluid sense of progression inching in from the constant switch ups and differing bass pulses that form around its solid percussive performance. 'Music is Life' is the heaviest of the bunch, reminding us of Gerra & Stone's 'Arashi' with its choppy bassline and energetic feel. Definitely check this one out.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 098
03 Jun 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
03 Jun 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Shrust
Review: Air K & Cephei are a duo that make some of the most creative rolling D&B in the game and should absolutely draw more attention than they do. Fokuz is a long-time label for them and so they're back on home ground with this double-tracker, which includes one original and one remix. 'Wish To Fade' featuring Nadine is a juxtaposition of a gorgeous vocal and a pummelling bassline, a classic Air K & Cephei approach to making music. The flip is similar but a tad more melancholy, with a filtered out vocal providing the background ambience for a naughty bassline. Top stuff.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19037
20 May 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
20 May 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: Madcap is back, back again and he's landing on Fokuz for a fearsome, junglist EP that smacks of the old school but appeals to the new. We especially like the sense of cleanness in the arrangement, all the elements are disparate but synergistic and there's a real feel of raw vibrancy combined with modernist programming and spot-on syncopation. 'Pressure' is our favourite, with an almost hypnotic vocal sample that pulsates, ebbs and flows throughout the tune with wicked effect. The drums are in point, the basses equally so. Wicked stuff from the Fokuz crew.
from $1.89
VBZ 93001
13 May 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
13 May 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Various
Review: Fokuz is without a doubt one of the best labels in the game, their diversity alone places them right at the top of the metaphorical leader board and nothing exemplifies this better than their Collaborations series. Featuring a litany of artists across almost as many styles, including Molecular, ALB, Critical Event and more, putting this third instalment up there with the others. Molecular's 'What Defines' is darker than what Fokuz is known for and it just absolutely slams the whole way, a proper minimal roller with tonnes of character and more than a little charm. The first track on the album, it sets the tone for the rest nicely.
from $1.89
FOKUZ 19039
06 May 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
06 May 19
Drum & Bass / Jungle
