Review: It doesn't seem so long since the last album from serial badman Audio but lo and behold he brings us something new to soothe the soul on Ed Rush & Optical's legendary Virus Recordings. "Soulmagnet" is every inch the killer tech-stepping, neurofunk-mashing collection of tracks one might expect. After the intro "Fringe", we are treated to an array of dark, twisted flavours. Particular highlights include "Creature Comforts" with its stuttered, punchy kicks; the epic "Point Of No Return" and of course the title track itself "Soulmagent" with its driving, tech-y energy.
Review: Drum & Bass Arena has ruled on high for nearly 20 years, and in that time has helped to forge the careers of every drum & bass artist worth their salt. It's impossible to downplay the influence the site has had on the scene, as a club brand and an online resource, and this year their official compilation is a doozie. Featuring some of the largest tracks around right now from Friction & Skream, J Majik & Wickaman, DJ Hazard, Rene LaVice, Calyx & TeeBee, Original Sin and Optiv & BTK as well as bangers from fresh artists like Heist, Zen & Nitri, this is an essential purchase for any D&B fan. Focussing on the heavier end of the spectrum this 35 track behemoth is basically your 2013 compendium of bass. Don't leave home without it.
