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Played by: Leo Zero, Clairvo (MustBeat), Mo-Matic, John Hendicott / Beatsy Collins, MR.DERO, Don Dayglow, Johnnypluse, OMEGAMAN, Hidden Riddim, Juno Recommends Breakbeat
Review: A huge new release on Riddim Fruit and an all-Bristol affair as John Hendicott and Rackabeat & Bar-Low share this single, offering up two new breaks smashers each. Hendicott's "Babylon Shall Fall" goes for an intense, psych-funk vibe thanks to some excellent samples and maxed-out bass, while "Make 'Em Bounce" aims itself straight at the floor and uses classic drum samples and neon-coated synth stabs. Rackabeat & Bar-Low come in on an amped-up 2-step tip with the dubby "Version" but stick to a fist-pumping breaks sound with the cut 'n' paste thrill of "Get Down".
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RIDDIMFRUIT 007
07 Dec 11
Breakbeat
07 Dec 11
Breakbeat
Review: Radio 1Xtra DJ Crissy Criss shows off his skills in the studio here in the "Now More Than Ever" EP on Simon Bassline Smith's label Technique. The title track pairs a familiar sample (see Pendulum circa '05) with gritty, gnarly bass, jittery synths and pumping drums. "Need Me" is a Circus meets Dub Police style dubstep venture with chirping screeches, grinding b-line and plenty of fun factor. "Gangsta" strips it back a bit and focuses more on clipped percussion and grouchy, squelching bass, whilst concluding cut "Everybody" rounds things off with another dose of brostep.
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TECH 079
18 Dec 11
Drum & Bass / Jungle
18 Dec 11
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Review: 100 Silk continue their unstoppable run of fine hazy house jams in brilliant style with this EP from Brooklyn based producer Octo Octa, who works through a number of styles to fantastic effect. "Let Me See You" is an interesting mix of slo-mo piano driven house, booty rhythms and vocals and arpeggiated Italo pop, while "High Reflection" takes the direction into more expansive territory with its breathy synths and billowing vocals building up to a beautiful crescendo of saw waves and icy melody. "Coldwaves" is a similarly roomy production, focusing on deep bass and glacial organ tones which give the track a frosty appeal. The undisputed highlight however is "I'm Trying", which takes a sample from an already well reworked Amerie track and filters it through some New Jersey house production with deftly handled classic synth stabs with an undeniably jacking quality.
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SILK 011
12 Sep 11
Deep House
12 Sep 11
Deep House
Review: This album from serial electronic music experimentalist Ulrich Troyer is surprising on many levels - not least that it's been released by Mala's respected Deep Medi Musik imprint. Fiercely downtempo, Songs For William sees Troyer turn his hand to dub with mesmerizing results. Troyer has previously eschewed more traditional musical forms in favour of white noise and breathtaking ambience, but here he gets the formula just right. The combination of dubstep/dub techno style atmospherics, unassuming dub rhythms, analogue pulses and soft-focus electronic melodies is judged perfectly (see the Kraftwerkin-dub vibes of "Driving To Cologne", or brilliantly titled "Shoegazing Muff"), resulting in an album that's simultaneously calming, beautiful and steadfastly otherworldly.
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MEDICD 005
05 Sep 11
Deep Dubstep
05 Sep 11
Deep Dubstep
Played by: Dev79
Review: No Hats No Hoods maintain their status as one of the leading London grime labels with this next release from Kozzie. The solipsistic "I'm Famous" appropriately appears in no less than six forms; radio edits, instrumentals and Virgo remix aplenty. The original pairs nasal, razor sharp lyrics delivered with acerbic intent, repeated almost to the extent of imitating a juke track. The track underneath is a bonafide bassline badman, with undulating b-line, filthy subs and pounding drums. Virgo transforms it into an upbeat, jiving, Redlight-style 4/4 number with less bass, more jumping melodies and buckets of fun!
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NHNH 117
19 Sep 11
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
19 Sep 11
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
Review: Having already seen the light of day on a limited cassette release, 100% Silk do the right thing and share the woozy delights of Polysick's EP with the rest of the world. As usual with 'Silk, acid house forms a great deal of the inspiration, but the concept is a nifty one as two ten-minute pieces meander through all manner of vignettes on an imaginary radio band. The plush synths that dominate the start of "Side B" are a thoroughly tempting proposition for the dancefloor, but the presentation of the music in this patchwork fashion almost forces the music into a comfortable corner of home listening.
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SILK 026
06 Mar 12
Coldwave/Synth
06 Mar 12
Coldwave/Synth
Review: IDMA nominated and Malta's leading trance force Tenishia (The Outsiders, Burning From The Inside) once again join forces with Armada linchpin Ruben De Ronde, following on from 'Story of Love'. There is clearly some magic conjured when the trio step in the studio as 'Marsascala' is another stunning production. Named after a Village on the isle of Malta, the sound-scape is beautifully picturesque, combing Tenishia's trademark emotive prog-trance vibes with the moodier melodies of the Dutchman. The Original would be hard to better with remixes, however Soundpiercing draft in Alexander Popov for the perfect uplifting alternative.. Making it this weeks essential tune!
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SPC 111
05 Mar 12
Uplifting Trance
05 Mar 12
Uplifting Trance
Review: British DJ/producer Rhymos - or Aaron Binstead to his mum - has been floating around the after party scene for some time. In that time, he's become resident at the Junk Club, played alongside Geddes and the Crosstown Rebels clique, and released a handful of EPs. Here he returns to the production field with two tracks of hypnotic, loopy, tech-tinged deep house. The rising and falling synth motifs of 5am head-nodder "Krang" suggest long, slow mixing and blinking, locked-in dancers. "Mungloid", meanwhile, builds a more interesting, old skool influenced take on afterparty grooves thanks to some smart percussion programming, a busy bassline and lashings of gentle rave riffage.
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KNMX 015
15 Mar 12
Deep House
15 Mar 12
Deep House
Review: Agata Melnikova is Sign Libra and in her utopian vision we are given 'Seas' of tranquility, serenity, knowledge and cleverness not Orwellian ministries of truth, love and plenty! With So much 'conceptronica', as it's being tagged these days, suggested to come from the social and political angst of many experimental electronic producers at the moment it's comforting to know there are still visions of peace to find. Sea To Sea, Sign Libra's second album, docks with RVNG Int'l and brings with it tales of a future exotica from the far east and beyond!
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RVNGNL 060DIGITAL
14 Feb 20
Ambient/Drone
14 Feb 20
Ambient/Drone
Played by: Lexx
Review: For their latest delve into the archives, Music From Memory offshoot Second Circle has decided to focus on Sandoz, a celebrated Richard H. Kirk solo project that generally joined the dots between dub and then contemporaneous styles of electronic music. The four tracks contained here were originally released on the earliest Sandoz 12" singles (1992-93), all of which are now frustratingly hard to find. Kirk's healthy obsession with Afro-futurism can be heard in the tribal chants, dub-wise bass and glassy-eyed electronics of opener "Human Spirit", while "Beam" sounds like a deeper, dreamier take on the Yorkshire Bleep sound he helped to create. "Chocolate Machine" is another deep, drowsy and melodious workout rich in clanking percussion hits, and "Steel Tabernacle" is Sweet Exorcist style "clonk" with added ghostly melodies.
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SC 015
21 Feb 20
Disco/Nu-Disco
21 Feb 20
Disco/Nu-Disco
Played by: Gerd, Carlos Nilmmns, Juno Recommends Deep House, Amplified Orchestra, James Johnston (No Matter What)
Review: After impressing Jimpster and Moodymanc with Honesty, his debut EP on the Undertones imprint last year, James Johnston returns with more deep house cuts on "Missed The Party" for the 4 Lux Black label. The Glaswegian has only just returned to the house music he grew up on after several years of delving into experimental music as part of a guitar noise duo and playing squat parties throughout Europe (Thurston Moore was a fan) but Johnston clearly has a talent for crafting impressive deep house. The title track takes the plaudits here - a bumping percussive rhythm wrapped in neat vocal edits and extra warm bass line where the hypnotic groove early on is transformed into Romanthony sampling deep house bliss. Johnston opts for a jazzier feel on "In The Dream Count To Three", drenching the lolloping beats in an exquisite synth melody and submerged atmospherics. "The Day We Expanded" brings you out of the mist with a slow building mix of uptight hi hats, Detroit-esque synth work and squiggly acid bass stabs.
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4LUX 037
25 Jun 10
Deep House
25 Jun 10
Deep House
Played by: Calculon
Review: If you love jungle this will be the release for you, as Rainforest and Calculon take a deep dive into the fractious world of 160 and 170 jungle, blending floating sample work with crisp percussion of the type which makes or breaks releases like this. They've nailed it, and it's especially apparent on 'Homebwoy Jungle', which makes full use of the added groove possible when you dip down 10bpm and focus on core aspects - sensational.
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SHOOT 017
07 Jan 21
Drum & Bass / Jungle
07 Jan 21
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Juno Recommends Bass
Review: Within electronic music, Black Marble Collective have a pretty impeccable reputation for releasing incredibly forward thinking music, a mindset that is displayed to its maximum throughout this brand new LP from DJ Ends. From start to finish this one encapsulates a truly delicate approach to electronic music, from the gorgeous chord movements of 'Broken Piano' and stunning synth work of 'Empty Space' to perfected vocal work on 'More Beautiful'. The project displays mastery, patience and to put it simply, pure elegance. We loved every second, with additional highlights being the lofi genius of 'Ikodiko' and truly stunning soundscaping of 'Episode 8'. Incredible stuff.
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BMC 030
05 Mar 20
Bass
05 Mar 20
Bass
Review: It's nearly three years since Bristol-based dubstep explorer Phaeleh released his debut album, the decidedly deep and murky Fallen Light. On this second full-length, he switches his attentions to the more accessible, downtempo-influenced end of the genre, matching his ever-present low-end heaviness with intricate melodies, breezy atmospherics, and woozy, trip-hop style female vocals. For the most part, it's a formula that hits the spot, with stand out tracks "Here Comes The Sun" and "Whistling In The Dark" offering a contemporary take on '90s trip-hop. Best of all, though, is the beatless title track, which is little more than a powerfully emotional exercise in sublime piano playing.
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AFTRCD 1004
01 Jul 13
Deep Dubstep
01 Jul 13
Deep Dubstep
Review: Riddim Fruit have become synonymous with electro-tinged, neo-dubstep and this latest four-tracker from the one like Dephicit is further proof of the label's militant agenda. "Duality" features Biscuit's vocals and it pounces forth with almighty grit and wobbling grace; Summer Bright appears on "Clef Residue" for one of the nuttiest breaks track we've heard in a long while and "No Rules" goes all rootsy thanks to Missin Red's dutty vocal chants. Lastly, "Peng Dennis" wastes no time in squealing out its incessant bassline - loud and proud and wicked!
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RIDDIMFRUIT 018
28 Aug 13
Breakbeat
28 Aug 13
Breakbeat
Review: LA-based Cole Medina is a respected DJ who's all about the soulful funk (funky Cole Medina anyone?). Here he explores his romantic side with two edit/bootlegs of the slow and sensuous kind. "Tell Me More" takes 70s staple More More More by Andrea True Connection and tickles its fancy with some retro piano house with a distinct Balearic vibe. "It's My Nature" takes what sounds like a Marvin Gaye sample and stretches it out into an eight minute rare groove jam.
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LDD 007
02 Sep 13
Disco/Nu-Disco
02 Sep 13
Disco/Nu-Disco
Review: Bang... Spooky's "Playground" gets a turbo-charged level-up thanks to East London's finest mic-mashers Slew Dem. Oozing away with its distinctive sleazy, slo-mo bass riff, it's the perfect bed for the hefty ex-Rinse team. With the beats complementing every one of their myriad lyrical styles, this is your quintessential grime banger that rolls with sophistication but bites with raw aggression.
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NHNH 122
10 Dec 12
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
10 Dec 12
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
Review: After IUEKE's stormy techno we wanted to head for something more laid back and luminous, something more summerish. Antoine Kogut brings us this perfect three tracker largely inspired by his wide culture of Euro-Jazz, Afro and Proto-Electronics curiosities. Antinote is really glad to add this sentimental UFO to its catalog and to welcome this brilliant and talented artist in the crew. As the first release of the label, it's a matter of groove mixed up with sensitivity, and fragility. Both unclassifiable and really respectful of the good'ol french traditions (from Bernard Estardy to Air), Syracuse is just giving their most sincere joyful vibrations and their love for non-stigmatized music.
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ATN 002
08 Oct 12
Balearic/Downtempo
08 Oct 12
Balearic/Downtempo
Played by: Carl Cox
Review: Bringing the pristine production and punchy funk to 8 Bit, Andre Butano and Demian Muller make for a formidable pairing on this four track EP. The vibes move around quite fluidly, starting with the techy bounce of "Zhummir" which feels poised to decimate the peak time dancefloor. "Crystal" is a more rolling, sexy kind of house jam bolstered by the croon of Manu on vocals, while on the flip "Dr Beauty" returns to that functional groove space that cries out for the endless night of Berlin partying. Rounding things off, "Purple Light" heads into the bleary eyed end of such a session, letting layers of vocal and texture fall into the whirlpool of sound with pleasingly disorientating results.
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8BIT 058
15 Aug 12
Deep House
15 Aug 12
Deep House
Review: The immense US D&B / dubstep phenomenon Evol Intent return with this new release "Hollow Earth" on their own imprint. The title track is as terrific and violent as you would expect; a growling vocal sample and promise of trouble kicks things off, with pumping drums, grizzled bass and gnarly subs adding pressure from below. "Da Choppa" pairs syncopated, glitchy rhythms and mounting pressure with chopped up breaks, power bass and a frenzied cacophony of sounds. Not for the faint hearted, and fans of the Evol Intent sound will not be disappointed!
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EI 020
20 Dec 11
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
20 Dec 11
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
Various
Review: Compiling releases from UK-based Crazy Rabbit Records, hare-raising DJ/producer Purple Rabbit lets fly with a hefty set of remixes and originals, including the old-school charge of "Keep It Rockin'" and the acid-inflected "Dude". With a huge range of styles covered, there's quality in droves here - check out the zombie breaks-disco remix of DJ Swipez' "Bad Boyz" for just one example.
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CRAB 338
26 Nov 10
Breakbeat
26 Nov 10
Breakbeat
Played by: Haszari
Review: Last spotted on a Gentleman's Dub Club remix EP in April, the tenacious Tymer returns with the full backing of bass-addicted Wearhouse head honcho Lee Mortimer. Three cuts in total, each one drives a different bass machine but they're all set at full throttle. The lead cut "Heavy" takes the best elements of acid house and speed garage, mixes them together and gives them such a good shooing they'll still sound fresh in 2093. "Think" follows; armed with a warbling sine and some cacophonous percussion it's an instant dancefloor mindbender. "Don't Stop" completes the package, and does so on a persistent Afro swing with some fine-tuned high riffery atop.
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CTFAT 123
21 May 12
UK Garage
21 May 12
UK Garage
Review: The art of the humble back scratch is kept well and truly alive on the latest 100% Silk missive which sees regular Mi Ami conspirators Magic Touch and Ital go toe to toe, each delivering an original track along with complementing remixes. Magic Touch aka Daniel Palermo is first up with the throwback rush inducing vibes of "Anywhere U Want Me" a track dominated by the dusty treatment of pianos and swinging drums and complemented by the spiralling gospel vocals that gradually rise through to dominate. Ital's remix is a trippier, darker affair, adding some throb to the bass, while going freeform on the drums and powerful, classicist laser-like synth lines. You can almost feel the sweat dripping off the ceiling from this one in full, lysergic flight. McCormick's original production "From A Dream" is a box jam and a half, the frenetic drums that open proceedings not really hinting at the glorious, intense chaos that ensues with the track in full, bass heavy flight. Magic Touch really goes to town on his remix, reinventing the track as ecstasy filled Hi NRG Disco - best 100% Silk release in a hot moment!
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SILK 030
28 May 12
Deep House
28 May 12
Deep House
Review: With Simon Bassline Smith as a label boss it should come as no surprise that 2DB is a producer who's all about the turbo-charged builds, catchy melodies and pumping, dancefloor factor. "Break These Walls" kicks off this four-track EP with a flurry of thunderous drums, whirring synths, Auto-tuned vocal and polished appeal. "Selecta" continues the story with pedal to the metal energy, this is tear-out D&B doing its thing. "Surrender" builds from an epic, trance-infused intro into a low-slung banger, before "Love The Music" brings things to a tumultuous close. Top notch dancefloor business here from 2DB.
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TECH 085
10 Jun 12
Drum & Bass / Jungle
10 Jun 12
Drum & Bass / Jungle
Played by: Shadow Dancer
Review: Yorkshire natives, Warp legends and techno mavericks, The Black Dog return with one hell of a full-length on their own Dust Science Recordings - a firm, overwhelming presence on the dance-not-dance world since 2005. These guys have a long history of bleepy, wonky tones, starting from their first 12"s on Warp back in the mid-nineties and it's clear from this latest LP that they're showing no signs of stopping their incredible form. The 16 track album goes from the drone distortions of "Bolt No 6" to the gnarly, two-step muscle flex of "Atavistic Resurgence" and the sweet, watery deep house vibes on "Cult Mentality". Our personal favourites, however, have to be the off-kilter beat shredding on "Hymn For SoYo", the break-laden swirls of "Pray Crash I" and the sparse, echoing synth waves of "Internal Collapse" - the track itself being worthy of a full release. Sit back, unwind and let the many surprises of Tranklements take you on a ride...
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880319 622724
20 May 13
Experimental/Electronic
20 May 13
Experimental/Electronic
Played by: Pan-Pot
Review: Back in 2010, Tom Flynn was named as Pete Tong's "breakthrough producer" of the year. Since then, he's gone on to release on Mobilee, Hypercolour and Dirtybird. Here he pops up with an EP of robust, hypnotic deep house for 8 Bit. There's a warmth and fluidity present throughout the four tracks, with retro-futurist basslines and pads catching the ear. "Everything I Am" is suitably loose and wide-eyed, while the tougher "Shelter" sounds like a '90s New York house remake of Jaydee's "Plastic Dreams". "Loose Your Mind", meanwhile, feels thicker and more rigid, whilst retaining just the right amount of looseness.
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8BIT 068
13 May 13
Deep House
13 May 13
Deep House
Nicholas feat Jessy Allen
Review: To put it bluntly there's two types of deep house - the boring, safe linear stuff and the stuff made by Nicholas. This young Italian has been reversing the negative image of his hometown Perugia for quite a few years now and it's all down to the deep but edgy productions that he comes up with. All three versions of "Stronger" are awesome: the original with its caressing dreamlike vintage New York vibes, the electro-bass bounce of the alternate vocal mix, the pumping muscle mary-isms of the Quell remix and our favourite, the seductively doomy dark dub. An essential release.
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4LUX 013-05
26 Jul 13
Deep House
26 Jul 13
Deep House
Played by: Tee Circus
Review: It's always a sign of a label's vision when it can stay both ever-relevant and true to its original ethos. Although the transition of Fat! from cheeky breaks label to filthy bass peddlers might seem a giant leap; in practice they've always made each new release feel like a natural progression. Here it's all about the messy late hours, with "SSL Soundtrack" being a slice of deep, mid tempo vintage gurn-funk. "Tourniquet" is nastier still: electro-house with lashings of extra bottom end, suspended strings and a skippy UKF beat. Class.
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CTFAT 129
09 Sep 13
Deep House
09 Sep 13
Deep House
Review: Having established Optimo Music as a truly eclectic label more than worthy of the Optimo (Espacio) night it grew out of, JD Twitch and co expand operations with the launch of the club specific Optimo Trax label. The all encompassing approach of Optimo Music remains the driving force behind this new offshoot, with the label apparently taking in both current artists and excavated "forgotten classics" and it's with the former that they launch. Little is yet to be known about the London producer L/F/D/M, credited as R. Smith, who was apparently encouraged to pursue music production while studying art with Factory Floor's man on electronics, Dominic Butler. Taking Butler's advice, L/F/D/M delivers a strong five track of EP of deep, analogue-fueled acid techno which simultaneously draws upon the influences of the motor and windy cities, while also incorporating the more sinister strands of European techno.
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OT 001
16 Sep 13
Techno
16 Sep 13
Techno
Review: Chrissy Murderbot & Pawn's title track from The Original EP is one of 2013's ultimate showstoppers, equalling Kahn & Neek's "Percy" from last year. Where K&N had the 'shut up' vocal, CM&P's dancehall vibes come from an 'original-original' sample, with soundsystem bass combos of brute force barking loudly like Felix da Housecat's "Kickdrum". On the digital flip is the more frenetic "Your Words", combining looming dubstep rhythms with out-of-control footwork sequences and skittering percussion. TIP!
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SHOOT 001
30 Sep 13
Footwork/Juke
30 Sep 13
Footwork/Juke
Played by: Kid Who
Review: Bringing to light the work of long-serving Dutch producer Maarten van der Vleuten, Optimo Trax have drawn on four different aliases of the many van der Vleuten has employed in the past, giving a neat introduction to just some of what the man has achieved in his lifetime. This moves from the sunshine piano house of Integrity's "Summer Love" to the cheeky techno bounce of Flux's "True Feelings". As DJ Dusk he whips up a mean live bassline and some jagged drums for a uniquely freaky experience, while G S G's "Higher Spiritual Planes" unsurprisingly reaches for a more wistful, ambient kind of melodic content even if the drums still pound with quintessential Dutch intentsity.
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OT 002
07 Oct 13
Techno
07 Oct 13
Techno
Hot Peach EPEXCLUSIVE
Played by: Roast Beatz, Hong Kong Ping Pong, Zamali, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, Hidden Riddim, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, TURNTILL, Funky Boogie Brothers
Review: Israeli funkster Shimi Sonic returns with a quad of party-minded nu-funk jams. "Hot Peach" is the slowest burning, soul-smouldering number in the pack; all strings, flutes and Shaft-style percussion. "Satellite Funk" ups the ante with a much more contemporary fusion of percussion and ragga vocals. "Boomin" takes a smoggy Led Zeppish bluesy jam session, beefs up the beats and adorns the chunky funk with a Black Rob vocal while "One Love" is all about the massive, not to mention euphoric, Hammond riffs. Peachy.
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RIDDIMFRUIT 019
09 Oct 13
Breakbeat
09 Oct 13
Breakbeat
Review: South London's Merky Ace swarms down on us with five forebodingly grimey tracks taken from his two-pronged mixtape, "No Hats No Hoods". With gigs ranging from the UK to Europe, his blend of contemporary urban beats and lyrics is just bang on the money. From "Play Your Position" to "Strawberry Rain", Merky Ace dishes out the goods and kicks off the hype, bang-wise...
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NHNHCD 1007
14 Oct 13
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
14 Oct 13
Dirty Dubstep/Trap/Grime
Review: Albinos' Ritual House Vol 1 was one of this year's most interesting house records, combining the rough analogue aesthetic that's currently so prevalent with the melodic idiosyncrasies of the producer's Antinote label family. Ritual House Vol 2 sees the producer return to the label for another round, and its as good as the first, if not better; "Black Orchid" kicks things off with a jaunty slice of Afrobeat-infused house, where rough marimbas flutter over a gritty yet melodic bassline, while "Trip To Balawim" take things down a stranger corner, where clattering woodblocks and stray synth keys drift out of time. "Rain" meanwhile offers a strange take on club music, as primal synth stabs are driven by threadbare 4/4, a firm contrast to the more downbeat "Photosynthesis", which glistens with its own translucence. Highly recommended stuff from Antinote once again.
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ATN 006
28 Oct 13
Minimal/Tech House
28 Oct 13
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Clairvo (MustBeat), Roast Beatz, Badboe, Johnnypluse, Hidden Riddim, Ez Icarus, Dusty Tonez, F-Block
Review: Nu-funk meets US and UK hip-hop: Roast Beatz has put together an all-star international cast for this chop-smacking EP. Boasting lyrical magic from the likes of Action Bronson, Jehst, Stig Of The Dump, Rtkal, Dabbla and many more, this is Roast Beatz' biggest release without question. Highlights include the uptempo horn n' bass fusion of "Humble Pie", the low-swung guitar licks and moochy breakbeats of "5 Star Generals" and the classical smoky flute fusion of the title track. Serious vibes: Roast Beatz has never been tastier.
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RIDDIMFRUIT 020
06 Nov 13
Breakbeat
06 Nov 13
Breakbeat
Review: The third release on this fledgling Optimo label comes from Luma, aka Scottish duo Paul McEwen and Graham Morrison. Representing old and newer sounds and styles, the release starts with the contemporary, stepping rhythm and cut-up vocals of the title track, before the duo focus on the '90s with "Don't Give A Damn". In essence, they deliver a fresh take on minimal techno, situated somewhere between the chaotic analogue clatter of Cristian Vogel and Rob Hood's visceral rhythms. Not content with veering from old to new, they decide to combine these narratives on "John Broadwood" and "Electroboon", where house keys and classic synths vie with muscular basslines for attention.
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OT 003
11 Nov 13
Techno
11 Nov 13
Techno
Review: Given his stated role as curator at the head of the 'non-stop' LIES, it makes perfect sense that Ron Morelli would look elsewhere to issue his debut album. Gravitating towards the Hospital Productions label run by Dominick 'Vatican Shadow' Fernow makes equal sense given their shared appreciation of noise, ambient and industrial music. Apparently the first of three planned releases on Hospital from Morelli, it's no little surprise that Spit arrives with much expectation. Spend some time with the eight tracks that make up the LP and you'll begin to understand why Morelli has used such words as pressure, monotony and stress to describe the motivating emotions behind Spit. The corrugated growl of "Modern Paranoia" and the broken metallic rhythms of "Crack Microbes" are considered highlights!
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HOS 407
11 Nov 13
Experimental/Electronic
11 Nov 13
Experimental/Electronic
Review: Few deep house labels are quite as consistent as Germany's Room With A View. There's little in the way of following fads, either, just a desire to release high quality deep house from a range of established and little-known artists. This fourth label compilation more than proves our point. Across the 20 tracks, there's little ill-advised filler, just tracks full of seductive grooves and melodic positivity. Predictably, highlights are plentiful, from the hypnotic throb of Taron Trekka's "NennDas" and the joyous, piano-laden blast of Roberto Rodriguez's "Sixth Non Sense", to the spine-tingling soundscapes of Sahin Meyer's "Zulu Beer" and electrofunk-meets-piano house flex of Marlow's "Need U".
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VIEWEDSPC 007
22 Nov 13
Deep House
22 Nov 13
Deep House
Various
Played by: Ted Ganung
Review: A neat balance of fresh vibes and remixed revisitations, New York imprint Deeper Vision showcases its remit with a slick sonic confidence that spans the D&B genre. From the euphoric skank bubbles of "Lock Da Place to the heads-down thunder rolls of "No Hold Back Riddim VIP", every corner of the 170BPM dance is covered. Other highlights include the blissed out synth weaves on "Hell Gate" and the classic jungle motifs on the drum dynamics of "Everyday I Wonder". 10 examples of quintessential D&B that harmonise with influences from the wider electronic picture and pay homage to all aspects of the genre, Deeper Vision have a fine-tuned focus that's not to be missed.
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DVR 0013
12 Nov 13
Drum & Bass / Jungle
12 Nov 13
Drum & Bass / Jungle
John & MaryEXCLUSIVE
Review: Spanish producer Fernando Gomez (AKA Nelue) seems to be maturing into a discernable talent. Over the course of a handful of releases on Nang, Lovemonk and Disciple of Groove, he's begun to develop a trademark sound that sits somewhere between sun-soaked Balearic house and wide-eyed nu-disco. "John & Mary" is another slice of deep, disco-infused joy, all twinkling pianos, lazy jazz guitars, spiraling electronics and soaring chords. A trio of joyous, floor-friendly interpretations join the emotion rich original, with 2 Billion Beats' piano-laden Balearic house shuffler just being eclipsed by Light Echo's intoxicating combination of fluid, delay-laden keys, woozy melodies and fuzzy analogue bass.
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GDORG 01
25 Nov 13
Disco/Nu-Disco
25 Nov 13
Disco/Nu-Disco
Played by: Beardus
Review: Following the juke/footwork-isms of his recent Greatest Hits album, Chicago's Chrissy Murderbot teamed up with pawn for the more dancehall inspired Original EP. It went down so well that they've now commissioned remixes of the EP's tracks to keep the booties shakin'. Calculon & Austin Speed distort the kick for a punishing electro-bass meets D&B version of the title track. Meanwhile it's all about the minimal doom-bounce vibes on Moresounds' rejig of "Your Words". Werk!
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SHOOT 002
25 Nov 13
Footwork/Juke
25 Nov 13
Footwork/Juke
Played by: Nphonix, Martin Haberland, Alkalino, Jad & The, Sccucci Manucci, Rundom Uolk, Djs: Most Charted - Deep House, DJ P-SOL, The Zars, Jack The Hustler
Review: Chesus rounds off a solid year, in which he impressed with a 12" on Local Talk, by dropping another quartet of bumpin' revivalist US garage jams with his usual UK twist. Lead cut "Decisions" bases the action around a killer jazz vocal sample, working up a sweaty groove with the addition of heavy beats and pulsating sub-bass. "Monster", featuring Kofi Tarris, is a little different, offering a near perfect blend of Soundstream style heavy disco loopiness and bumpin' New Jersey bottom end. "Beyond Corruption" is sparse, groovy and bass heavy, and arguably nearer to his work for local talk. Finally, pal The Organ Grinder lends a hand on "Thunder & Lightening", a deeper, more atmospheric take on the classic Mood II Swing sound.
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4LUX 013- 07
13 Dec 13
Deep House
13 Dec 13
Deep House
Played by: Dicky Trisco, Goshawk/Rhythm Plate, Jad & The, Roberto Rodriguez (Manolo), G&D, Shota Tanaka (Beaten Space Probe), Rundom Uolk, Djs: Most Charted - Deep House, DJ P-SOL, Enclave Records, Grass Green, Richmed, Silk 86
Review: Nicholas Lammatteo's last outing on Home Taping is Killing Music, "Love Message", was arguably one of the label's strongest releases to date. This expansive EP picks up where that one left off, delivering his trademark blend of wide-eyed revivalism, smoky late night atmospherics and tracky, heads-down rhythms. "The Music Lives", with its strong chords, dense percussion and acid bassline, is probably the pick, and comes backed with two excellent beats tracks tailor-made for inventive DJs. The deeper, more obviously US garage influenced "Work This Out" delivers cute, unfussy thrills, while the delightful "Running Into Time" throws some vintage disco samples and jazz-funk keys into the mix for added feelgood factor.
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HOME TAPING 17
02 Dec 13
Deep House
02 Dec 13
Deep House
Review: The Riddim Fruit imprint has been known to successfully merge the remnants of dubstep together with more classic and established dance styles. Their latest signing, Skeptix, certainly doesn't disappoint and provides yet another sublime little EP for the label, featuring their usual hybrid flex. "Nanotech" literally sounds like a dubstep track that's been slowed down a fused with a 4/4 beat, while organic really cranks up the cogs and churns out a beauty of a track - grime, techno, house and bassline all combine. Check "Organic" and "Peng Navis" featuring Dephicit for some more dopeness from Skeptix, our new badman!
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RIDDIMFRUIT 021
05 Dec 13
Bass
05 Dec 13
Bass
Played by: Mr Brainz, Commodore 69, Shouts!, Lucent, Juno Recommends Bass, ALLMOSTT, SoulCircuit, Funk and Filth, Benny Kane, In The Rough, Frandisko
Review: Originally released spring 2012, Foamo's monstrously heavy bass chugger "Sherlock" gets the treatment from a variety of talented players. Kry Wolf drop the tempo slightly for a resonant UKG strut, Taiki & Nulight continue the garage vibe with a more uptempo, menacing bass motif, Millions Like Us add some cinematic breakbeats and shivering synth washes to the mix, My Nu Leng take a leaf out of Bassbin Twin's booty-bass book while LKid calms us down with a very neat, early 90s house version. A great spread and not a duff rub in sight.
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CTFAT 127
20 May 13
Bass
20 May 13
Bass
Review: Otherwise known as 50 per cent of the Ancient Astronauts, here were find Kabanjak adding to his already rich repertoire of lazy, lavish funk licks. Ranging from dub bass Hammond jams ("For The Moment - Alternative Versions") to more hip-hop inclined swagger jams ("Strange Boogie", "Get It On"), there's not a dull moment throughout as Kabanjak weaves and bobs articulately, ensuring both turntablists and home listeners will be more than satiated.
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PEDS 015
24 Jun 13
Breakbeat
24 Jun 13
Breakbeat
Played by: George Kelly, Art Of Tones, Dave Allison (Editorial), Voodoocuts, Roberto Rodriguez (Manolo), Juno Recommends Disco, Juno Recommends Funk, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Nelue, D-Funk, CAYETANO, Miles Reverse
Review: Of late, veteran Venezuelan DJ/producer Pablo Sanchez (now residing in Barcelona) has been pushing a sound based around deep house, nu-disco and Afro-funk. However for this new release he appears to return to the jazzier influences that informed his earlier work. "Out & About" is six minutes of party clap beats and sizzling freeform jazz. On the remix front, Kyodai goes for a crazy, escalating, Dave Brubeck inspired freakout while Opolopo delivers a more familiar funky house version.
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LMNKV 91
03 Jun 13
Funk
03 Jun 13
Funk
Played by: B-Jam, Dicky Trisco, FINGERMAN, YAM WHO?, Dave Allison (Editorial), Kid Who, Superbreak, Roberto Rodriguez (Manolo), Sinden, Juno Recommends Disco, Djpascha, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Shota Tanaka (Beaten Space Probe), Moustache Love, Glass Coffee, Trujillo, 78 Edits, Get Down Edits, LeSale, Reed & Radley, Todd Osborn
Review: Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral's OTP Party Breaks series has always been a reliable source of floor-filling edits and reworks. This installment is arguably one of the strongest releases in the series to date. Cabral kicks things off with his edit of "Latin Box", a formidable chunk of titanium-clad proto-house business that evokes images of sweaty New York basements and Chicago warehouses. Renault continues the theme on his synth-heavy homage to the 'proto' era, "Love Reaction" - all razor-sharp drum edits, cut-up vocal stabs and fierce freestyle synths. Crate-digger and renowned editor Kon provides some sublime loopy disco on "No Mistake", before WooHoo steal the show with the low-slung disco house monster "Nightwalker", a cut-and-paste fusion of elements from familiar (and lesser-known) disco cuts.
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PB 007
03 Jun 13
Disco/Nu-Disco
03 Jun 13
Disco/Nu-Disco
Review: If you're looking for minimal house that doesn't sound like it has got stuck in a ping-pong ball machine, then you need to check out Zero Gravity. Justme's approach is redolent of a time when producers didn't feel the need to lace their arrangements with massive effects and as such the title track is a stripped back groove that gradually adds in acidic undercurrents. It's a similar tale on "303py", where a more laid back rhythm prevails, while on "The DUB", the vocal samples sound more spaced out. Dean Barred also delivers a fine, tracky take on the title track.
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1TRAX 075
08 Jul 13
Minimal/Tech House
08 Jul 13
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Oli Stewart dons his Casbah 73 guise again and returns to Lovemonk with a second EP of soul-flecked goodness. His style - a peculiar but highly attractive mix of deep house, classic soul, broken beat, jazz and wide-eyed Balearica - guarantees a selection of tracks that are far from predictable. Opener "If You're Leaving (Part 1 & 2)" is a great example, moving from shuffling, soul-flecked 4/4 shuffler to sparse broken beat bomb in under 7 minutes. Elsewhere, "All Night Long" turns a forgotten soul gem into an atmospheric chunk of baggy deepness, "Too Cool to be Careless" sounds like the results of a smoky, late night studio jam session, and "I Want A Lot" is a particularly tasty chunk of disco-soul/deep house fusion.
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LMNKV 92
17 Jun 13
Funky/Club House
17 Jun 13
Funky/Club House
