Review: Hitting us like clockwork, every three months since last October, Exit 100 EPs have been an exceptional journey into the label and everything it's stood for since launching 21 years ago. Over the last two EPs we've had all kinda of beat wizardry and boundary burning but for this one it's all about the cutting edge drum & bass. Each cut is a highlight but Loxy & Resound's 'Tyranny' is a direct trip back to 97, Skeptical & Kid Drama's 'Scorn' is a hearty homage to Krust and Mark System's 'Chinook' is every bit the take-off tune you'd expect from it title. Get to the chopper!
Review: The most prolific man in drum & bass, Conrad Subs returns to Ray Keith's Dubplate Dread for the first time since 2020 with a humungous wedge of wallopers. Seven cuts in total, each one of them tailored for those magic 3am moments, big moments range from the gruesome growls and grizzles of 'Octavirus' to the pure raucous shreds and slaps of the title track 'Real Dread', a cut which really does live up to its name. Oh boy, this could well be Conrad Subs' mightiest EP so far, which is really saying something. Real talk.
Review: "Shut The Lights Out" is a funky throwback brimming with infectious energy, courtesy of Berlin production duo Lovebirds and vocalist NILE. Lovebirds channel their well-regarded love for 70s and 80s sounds into a groovy production. The foundation is an arresting funk beat, bolstered by classic disco instrumentation and dreamy synths. NILE's vocals are the perfect compliment, with a motivational spoken-word style that adds another layer of interest. The package is completed by a remix from disco aficionado Birdee, who takes the original's sparkling energy and adds their own signature touch. Birdee's remix is an upbeat and spacey take, perfect for extending the dancefloor journey.
Review: Vibe Chemistry applies the science once again as his Make Your Era laboratory welcomes another chemical solution: Medicine. Having broken through on Diligent Fingers' Spynal in 2022, Medicine has since gone on to smash it on Kingdom and Gorilla Warfare and is now already at debut album level with 'The Line'. Hitting all the right spots, the album is a full trip into the heart of the dancefloor with naughty ravey numbers like 'Take Me Up', big vocal cuts such as 'Let Me Go Now' and sexy, sweaty weapons like 'Make It Rain' and plenty of heaters in between. High recommended. Follow 'The Line'!
Review: Laurent Garnier and Scan X's label does a great job in showcasing emerging and established talent, and this split release is no exception. The brilliantly named Return Of The Luddites deliver the raw electro-techno of "Scream Into The Darkness". In stark contrast, Detroit techno-inspired tracks also loom large, courtesy of Skatman's string-filled "Tribute To A Dancefloor" and Squal G's more ominous "Waiting 4U". Mirroring Garnier's own wide-ranging tastes, the release also features the call and response hip-hop/drum'n'bass crossover of Joaquim Plossu, Salem Focus and Phoebe Train's "Theory Of The Tide". Taking the tempo down, Yes Basketball's "Next" is a slowed down, bugged out beatsy track.
Review: As generals and overseers of the dubstep genre for a number of years, we are always filled with excitement around a new drop from the ever-present Dank 'N' Dirty Dubz imprint, who once again have delivered a killer collection for this year's edition of their 4/20 compilation. Featuring the likes of The Widdler, Roommate, Pushloop, Jafu and many more heavyweight names, this is a compilation that hits the mark across so many levels, with its variation being a primary factor. The initial standouts on first full listen for us, would have to include the scattered drum taps of Khromi's awesome 'Loki' VIP mix, next to the super dubwise atmospherics of Jafu's 'Budder' original. Top work across the board!
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.