Review: The so-far-unmissable releases of Amplify & Metalwork's Gradient imprint continue into the new year with this gunslinging danger doublet. Amplify takes the lead with his first appearance on the label - the roughhouse gritty funk of 'Bank'. Meanwhile Fanatics gets us all grizzled out with the savage sounding 'Wounds'. Proper bare naked bassline business with some very interesting trippy sounds woven into the mix, like the rest of his peers on Gradient, Fanatics is developing a unique and exciting sound. Get connected.
Review: One more Toon! Gradient head north for their second release as young Newcastle guns go toe-to-toe on this gut-crippling double A. Both tracks packing punches like the clubs never closed down, it's impossible to pick a favourite. Do you go for the one-fingered salute, heads-drown drive and twisted harmonics of Hexa's 'Distance'? Or do you go for the full-on grunt and thrust and heavenly pads midway on KL's 'Game Changer'? Either way, you're going to cause serious damage. Stay connected.
Review: Brand new from Metal Work and Amplify, Gradient is a platform right at the future cusp of drum & bass and it's just levelled up with its first official release. 'Connected' marks the start of a series that brings some of the most exciting new-gen artists together. First up: two crucial groaners from UK's Jando and Germany's Cramz. 'Drop Top' kicks off with a two-tone bassline that scorches and grizzles on the top and hums with low subby pressure on the bottom while 'Run Riddim' attacks with a spikier, dramatic staccato approach. Vicious, tense and full of the dark energy we need to get through this bleak winter, Gradient are an essential new label to keep very close tabs on. Get connected.
