Review: Last seen collaborating with Need For Mirrors and HLZ on a single for Warm Communications, Swedish-born, London-based producer Mikal returns to Metalheadz for one solo cut and two team-ups. Solo track "Where They At" is full of Mikal's trademark bounce, a sparse, atmospheric production with jungle-inspired rhythm fragments darting off invisible surfaces in an irresistible manner. "The Chosen" sees him join forces with Nymfo for something a little more driving, as evil subs push things forward, while RIOT gets involved on "Control Of People", a slow-fast heavy hitter with crushing bass drops. You shouldn't need any proof that Metalheadz is still leading the way, but if you do then this should do the trick.
Review: Hear that? It's the sound of drum & bass fans over the world rejoicing that Mikal - a man whose releases are sparing but always stately - is finally dropping his debut album imminently on Metalheadz. Here are three signs Wilderness is going to be the real deal: the pneumatic tech steps of "If We Become", the iced-out atmospheres and militant kick-snares of the Xtrah-collab "At The Controls" and the jazz-tinged liquid soul of "When The Wind Changes". Bring on the album!
Review: The wait is over: Metalheadz have been teasing us with the prospect of a Mikal debut since at least 2012. Naturally the Swedish skirmish starter hasn't disappointed. 16 tracks of grazingly fresh designs we range from the sci-fi laser ballad opener "Patterns" by way of dagger-sharp dark tech ("Ruff Life"), elastic space drones ("Segunda") and even slinky, sassy funky drummer work on his ode to the master ("JB's Groove"). Complete with cameos from Break, Xtrah and Buraka Som Sistema's RIOT and Chimpo, this is the type of debut album you'd take home to meet the folks... If your folks understand the virtues of precision engineered drum & bass, that is.
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