Review: Dave Lee's Z Records bring us the third instalment in what is a very occasional series, with Vols 1 and 2 having dropped in 2009 and 2020 respectively. In fairly self-explanatory fashion, the 'Dubstramentals' compilations round up some of the best Instrumental and Dub mixes from the label's recent(ish) back catalogue, and as you'd expect from a label of Z's stature that makes for an impressive roster of talent, with remixes coming from the likes of Grant Nelson, Dam Swindle, Dimitri From Paris, Michael Grey and Sean McCabe. Spanning right across the spectrum from soul, funk, disco and boogie to peaktime house bizniss, this is a fine collection that will make a worthwhile addition to wide range of DJs' virtual record boxes.
Review: Going for gold each and every, Danny Styles' 24 Karat family lives up to its name in a major way as its sprawling team bring treasure on treasure on treasure on this bountiful 51 track VA modern jungle trove. From well established names like Styles himself, 6Blocc, Epicentre, K-Jah and Sola to brand new talents Xian Juan, Samphet, Bren and Just Jungle, the vibe is timeless, future focused and all-encompassing as all flavours or samples and influences are hurled into the mix. From the sunny-side dancehall-flexing vibes of 'Done This' to the emotional rushes and powerful thrust of BOTB's 'All Massive', the vast expanses of contemporary jungle are explored in every possible direction here. Essential for all junglist old and new.
Review: All time original jungle label outta Caledonian Road, London, is 24 Karat, a platform that since its inception in '94 has tirelessly delivered all matter of drum and bass that over the years has morphed through hip hop, grime and trap while remaining a central port of call for UK club culture. Deep into 2020 the label presents Heavy Hitters: Volume Two - a 23-track large compilation that brings back productions from new signings Armada, DugBass, Destiny and Sasha Khan ("Soundclash") to established regulars and in-house pioneers like DJ Direkt, Keith Patience, Pablo G and label boss Danny Styles. Introducing new flavours from the freshly signed H2O and Juxt with the dreddly "Danger Dubs", other highlights include DJ Direkt & Faysha's demented "Killa" alongside the the grubby dubs and rave of Dugbass in "The Lies". It's a knockout.
Review: 24 Karat presumably get their name from the measurement for gold and this compilation is, by any stretch of the imagination, full of weight. Featuring tunes from artists old and new in the 24 Karat camp, this album stretches across 17 heavy, dancefloor numbers. The first outing, 'Heavy Hitters' by Danny Styles, is classic funk-into-dancefloor vibes and we love the array of twisting, snarling basses that fans of this producer will recognise. Danny is a regular throughout this one and he nails it consistently. Shouts also to Faysha on the sweet 'Heavy', as well as Keith Patience on thee crazy jungle number that is 'HeadShot'. Big.
Review: Smoking sounds right here as Big & Heavy live up to their name and go for gold with this all-star VA cast of ridiculously on-point artists ranging from Conrad Subs to Tenner Dee. High in all the best intoxicating ways, flavours range from the all-out fire and venom of Ikon B's 'Turning Into Monsters' to Bill & Ed's mischievous jazzy tear-up 'Know What I Need' via DJ Direkt's early 2000s-style bubbly bass swagger on 'Boss' and the low slung, Sofa Sound style grunts and flicks of Pandora's 'About Tonight.' All this and 16 more fuming tracks, this is one pack of smokes you do want to pick up. No filter!
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