Review: London trio Damos Room serve up their take on dub-inspired bass music on this new EP which emerged from a rare collaborative session in Elijah Minnelli's loft. 'Commencement' opens with a deep, droning bass groove that's topped with a stream of conscious muttering to create a moody and hypnotic sound. 'Mineral Blend' brings a laid-back dancehall vibe with dreamy echoes of past sessions and remixers Gonjasufi, Lewi Boome, Dome Zero and Polyop individually infuse the tracks with dub techno, acid and experimental twists best highlighted by Gonjasufi's haunting transformation of 'Commencement' into a misty, immersive bit of sonic menace.
Review: .German low end collective Bass Come Save Me unleash a new 45 with a strong Portland portrait as Boomarm's Gulls makes their debut on the label with a warm beat that will keep the chills at bay this winter. Add Jamaica's Wayne Daniel on the vocals and another Portland native Madgesdiq on the conscious bars and there's a vibe that sits somewhere between Roots Manuva, YT and Wyclef. Yeah it's that toasty. Stay blessy.
Review: Marcel Deptford has been around a while and so very much knows a thing or two about rattling bassbins and exploding sound systems. The Sneaker Social label has always been about exactly that and now welcomes him for a pair of rude-boy garage bangers. 'Rock The Boat' gets things underway with some old school low ends and crisp drum programming all topped with a perfect r&b vocal hook. 'Make It Hot' is a nifty two-supper with sci-fi synths withering next to distorted bass bounce. Brilliant stuff.
Review: The good folks at Baroque Sunburst are back with a 12th EP that once again takes minimal and tech house into new realms. Jay Duncan is at the buttons and 'Bitten Dream' opens up with dark moody and abstract sound swirling around a cosmic world. 'Via Tekh' is another out-there sound with beautiful ambient pads and warped, sparse bass keeping you afloat. 'Shrine' keeps the sophisticated sounds coming with more deft designs and original drum sounds and 'Catharsis' then closes down with a smooth and absorbing fusion of synths and drums from a reduced palette.
A Dam Will Always Divide (Lew E Asks The Dust remix) (7:55)
Review: This remix EP invites Young Marco, Minor Science, Ineffekt and Tornado Wallace to offer up their own reworks of Avalon Emerson's recent works. First up is 'Karaoke Song' (Ineffekt's Two Day version) which is shuffling, dense and club-inspired rhythms, then comes Young Marco's rework of 'Entombed In Ice' which is lit up with bright and bubbly arps, while Minor Science keeps it dusty and mid-tempo but heavy with his rework and Lew E closes out with a psychedelic trance-techno flip of 'A Dam Will Always Divide.'
Review: Onetime halftime exclusivist Fixate has set his sights on new temporal horizons. 'Conundrum' is one such dance musical venture, clocking in at a rough 130ish BPM while also securing enough of an atmospheric likeness to earlier releases so as to remain Fixated on the same vibe. A six-track mini-album debuting on the artist's resident Exit Records, 'Conundrum' flaunts a formerly undisclosed affection for house, electro and techno; in the artist's own words, "I made these tracks to fit into my own DJ sets, bridging the gap between tempos when playing out." Functional intentions do often still lead to excessively wicked results and the tracks here all provide a serious underfoot scalding, their 808 snares and underhand grimey melodies sure to make you hoo, hah, suck teeth and dance.
Review: Interplanetary Criminal, a driving force in the UK garage revival, finally drops his long-awaited debut on ATW Records. Known for his sharp sets and bold productions, he's seen a meteoric rise with hits like the UK chart-topper 'B.O.T.A.' with Eliza Rose, alongside sell-out tours and standout Boiler Room appearances. The new release features 'Gunman' feat. Riko Dan on the A-side, followed by 'Manchester' and 'The Valley' on the B-side, showcasing his gritty, bass-driven sound that's electrified festivals from Glastonbury to Ibiza's iconic DC-10.
Review: Kalocain's debut vinyl release is a haunting trip through sound and science and is underpinned by some seriously weighty bass. The title track bridges ancestral echoes and present-day rhythms, while 'W.N.G.' unveils cryptic mysteries from a forgotten past. 'Ivermectin' crafts surreal molecular melodies that look to "decipher the enigma of sonic DNA." Remixes by Normal 4, Patricia Kokett, and Jacques Satre twist each original into new and bizarre realms. Evaldas Bubinas aka Hermandrowning, adds eerie artwork that fuses sound and visuals into an uncanny harmony to close out a high-concept, high-class package.
Review: French producer Kaval reinvents UK funky on this intricately constructed four-tracker. The opener is an energetic blend of syncopated percussion and shuffling rhythms that builds momentum with a tight, layered arrangement. The second cut introduces an off-kilter melodic touch, balancing dynamic grooves with a more playful sensibility. The flip explores a much darker, sonic territory, leaning into moody atmospherics and spacious drum patterns. Closing the record, the final track layers hypnotic loops over driving basslines, offering a satisfying finale that exemplifies Kaval's ability to push the boundaries of UK funky while retaining its rhythmic essence.
Review: The latest EP by noise and industrial maverick Oxymosoon delves into the intricate interplay of ego, vulnerability and self-reflection. This genre-defying release combines haunting electronic textures with evocative melodies and poignant lyrics to create a sonic narrative that challenges conventional perceptions of self-identity. Each track flows seamlessly while blending ambient atmospheres with bold beats and experimental soundscapes. Oxymosoon's signature style shines through with compelling production and emotional depth all drawing you ever deeper into an introspective journey that explores the beauty and complexity of the human psyche.
Review: Melt In Unison marks the return of Meltface with four electrifying and high-octane and, rather uniquely, "action-comedy erotic thrillers" soundtracked by Rhyw. 'Drool' is an underwater mutant-octopus romance that will forever change your view on tentacles. 'Calippo' blends jungle chaos with intense, action-packed energy that channels Apocalypse Now! and Lethal Weapon 4. 'Greetings' disrupts the tracklist order but rewires your DNA and the journey culminates in a face-off against the terrifying, goo-covered final boss, 'Lavalantula.' These tunes also feature Rhyw's first-ever vocals, though they are manipulated acapella syllables. Weird and wonderful stuff.
Review: Brussels' Sagat is making ever more of a name for himself with his bass-heavy sounds and wonky perspective on rhythm. This time out he blends great harmony, trippy designs and innovative groove patterns on an EP for the fledgling Private Stress. '8 Legs' is a roaming percussive rattler, 'Floor Structure' taps into classic bass and dub and 'Yeah Tomorrow' brings more light and airy melody over a skiing and broken beat low end that makes you want to rise to your toes. 'DN2' shuts down with a menacing atmosphere and eerie pads.
Review: AD 93 is fast approaching a century of releases and helping them on their way is this fresh 12" from TSVI and DJ Plead. It brings plenty of bouncy to the party with elastic opener 'Triple It' layering up big kicks and hits with playful bass. 'Swanky' is another blend of Afro rhythms and UK funky, fizzing synths and heavy bass and 'Gallop' picks up the pace with a more lithe and loopy groove. 'Breath Work' flips the script with Eastern string melodies and percussive beats and 'Twos & Fours' is a fourth and final fantastically inventive sound that will stand out in any set for all the right reasons.
Review: Classy dancefloor-slaying action on 10" vinyl no less from West Norwood Cassette Library, combining a thumping four to the floor beat with nifty percussion, a fairly well known snippet of hip-hop vocal and ravey stabs. The results are as hard to resist as they are to classify, except to say it leaves absolutely zero prisoners. "This one had been previously doing the rounds as a 'dubplate only' exclusive," WNCS told us, "cut especially for the Futurepastzine tenth anniversary bash just on the cusp of lockdown ... so it seemed only appropriate to ask FPZ head honcho and fellow Cassette Librarian, Rawtrachs, to attend to remix duty." So flip it over for that equally excellent reworking from Rawtrachs and stand well back - we predict not only a riot, but an awful lot of spilt beer too.
Review: Lil Yachty and James Blake's Bad Cameo showcases their fearless creativity, blending Yachty's dynamic vocals with Blake's signature production. Tracks like 'Missing Man' and 'Transport Me' shine with captivating depth, while 'Red Carpet' offers a soulful, gospel-infused highlight. The album's experimental nature, especially on tracks like 'Save the Savior' and 'Midnight', reflects the duo's bold approach, pushing boundaries with each song. Even in its unexpected turns, Bad Cameo remains an exciting exploration of sound. Available on limited magenta vinyl, this release is a fresh, innovative take from two artists unafraid to try something new.
Prayer Wheel (Left You Fi Dead) (feat Killa P) (4:40)
Heatmap (feat Emz) (2:38)
Inside The Box (4:53)
Amnixiel (3:30)
Review: Etch returns with a seismic new release, diving deep into sonic world-building that spans dubstep, jungle, garage and hip-hop influences. On Scream of the Butterfly, Etch assembles an eclectic cast to explore darker shades of club music, starting with the thunderous low-end on the opening track, which signals this album as more than just club fodder. J-Shadow's footwork flair on 'Star Fallen' and Lee Scott's unmistakable flow on 'Not Surprised' add to the atmosphere, while E.M.M.A's ambient touch on 'Stepford Lives' creates an eerie midpoint. Each track veers from intense bass to atmospheric experimentation, making this a masterclass in evolving bass music.
Review: One of the most interesting artists to have emerged from the Czech and Slovak based crossbreed movements that dominated the first decade of the century on the harder side of d&b, Forbidden Society has evolved and morphed with the times to a much deeper, emotionally-wrought but still hard-assed sound. This seventh studio album (released on Noisia's iconic Vision imprint) is the best version of his fusions so far. From the dark industrial strength dubstep swagger of 'Wish' to the sci-fi hurricane of cuts like 'Deception' and 'Reaching Zero', this is an incredible body of work from an impressive and unique craftsman.
Review: Iglooghost's third studio album marks a departure from the intricate world-building of previous works, embracing a sonic maximalism that pulses with chaotic energy. The Irish producer seamlessly blends IDM, techno, deconstructed club and grime, creating a whirlwind of sound that never overwhelms thanks to his meticulous layering and dynamic composition. Tracks like 'Alloy Flea' and 'Pulse Angel' showcase Malliagh's ability to keep the music clear and coherent, even as he adds element after element. His voice, more prominent here than on past projects, takes on new dimensions, from distorted static in 'Coral Mimic' to ethereal contrasts with female vocals on 'flux•Cocoon'. The album's production is dynamic, with a textured, weighty sound that contrasts with the clutter of earlier works. While the relentless intensity of some tracks might seem predictable, Malliagh's ability to craft tangible build and release ensures each moment feels intentional. The result is an intense experience, one that finds Iglooghost maturing as an artist without losing his experimental edge. This album presents a refined sound, rich in texture, rhythm and conceptual depth, solidifying Malliagh as an electronic innovator with endless potential.
Raven (feat Rochelle Jordan - TYGAPAW remix) (4:19)
Sorbet (LSDXOXO remix) (4:31)
Divorce (DJ Manny remix) (3:06)
Fooley (LEECH Ambient Queen remix) (4:19)
Missed Call (KYRUH remix) (3:37)
Happy Ending (AG remix) (3:16)
Let It Go (NGUZUNGUZU vs DJ GAY-Z remix) (5:37)
On The Run (feat ThugPop - River Moon remix) (3:23)
Enough For Love (TAYHANA remix) (3:45)
Enough For Love (Yaeji Heart & Beat remix) (2:37)
Divorce (Loraine James remix) (3:52)
Far Away (DJ LHC remix) (2:54)
Far Away (feat Ms Carrie Stacks - SUUTOO His Eye Is On The Raven remix) (5:29)
Review: Selling out within five minutes on her online store, RAVE:N, The Remixes'is an endgame-level convergence of some of the greatest DJs and producers on the scene right now, united with the daunting task of remixing American r&b icon Kelela's 2023 sophomore album Raven. Releasing to universal high acclaim, 'Raven' was a triumph and one of the most diverse and unique projects of that year - to be expected off the back of her similarly groundbreaking 2017 debut 'Take Me Apart'. Both projects ended up on several year-end lists, with 'Raven' being named number 1 by Resident Advisor. RAVE:N, The Remixes is a whole other beast, a 20-track 80-minute compilation of excellence featuring a star-studded lineup ranging from Yaeji and Shygirl to Liv.e and of course BAMBII and LSDXOXO (both heavily involved in making the source material.) The end result has something for everybody, an extremely experimental and varied interpretation of songs that don't overstep the predecessors. 'Fooley (LEECH Ambient Queen Remix)' is dark, heavy and intense, with harsh vocals chanting over Kelela's softly spoken hook, while 'Holier (JD. REID Remix ft. Shygirl)' transforms the quiet 'Holier' into a drill song, the 808s somehow enhancing the trilling ambient synths, complete with an all-timer from Mercury Prize breakout star Shygirl.
Review: South London's Loefah has long been a pivotal figure in the UK's underground evolution, particularly on the bossier end of the spectrum. The cut figure is a master in the club too and this recording from the iconic Bloc Weekender in 2011 proves that as it now gets pressed up to a brand new cassette from the Never Sleep charity tape series. It showcases UK club futurism by blending hybrid transatlantic sounds with vibrant MC SP. Featuring soon-to-be Swamp81 classics, the set fuses Miami-style bass, hip-hop elements and UK hardcore into the darker, more melody-driven side of 2011 sounds. All proceeds benefit Lives Not Knives who support youth projects in South London.
Review: Melbourne's Pugilist, known for the compelling 'Negative Space' EP, teams up with fellow Australian artist Pod for Iridescent, their debut collaboration on Of Paradise. Across nine meticulously crafted tracks, the duo embarks on an exploration of contemporary dance music. This isn't just a collection of tunes; it's a shifting soundscape, rich with textures and unpredictable in form. From cavernous dub basslines to ethereal atmospheres, Pugilist and Pod deliver a dynamic, genre-blurring journey. 'Haus' and 'Myriapoda' stand out, blending deep rhythms with intricate melodic detail, while moments of ambient serenity wash over, creating a truly immersive, genre-transcendent listening experience.
Review: Lapsus was born in 2004 with a gas generator, a hi-fi system, a semi-abandoned house and 20 flyers. Over two decades, the label has experienced highs and lows-epiphanies of unstoppable ambition and moments of near defeat. Making a career in music is no easy feat, but looking back, the team behind it have created something genuine and to celebrate the journey and what lies ahead they have compiled VINT-a sonic photo album of unreleased tracks. Featuring forward-thinking producers like CLARAGUILAR, Kettel, Plaid, u-Ziq and more, VINT is a super techno exploration across diverse styles all unified by real quality.
Consequence - "I Forgot You & You Forgot Me" (6:58)
Carrier - "A Victim Of Gravity" (4:51)
Steffi - "Yellow Background" (5:05)
Freedom Engine - "Welcome To The Pharmacy" (5:59)
Review: Exit Records wraps up its 100 series with EXIT100 Pt. Four, featuring an eclectic line-up of cutting-edge beats, drum & bass, techno and experimental tracks. Curated by label boss dBridge, it embodies Exit's forward-thinking ethos that brings together some of the most inventive names in the scene. From Tasha & Cadans' 'Soft Grimness' to Freedom Engine's atmospheric 'Welcome to the Pharmacy,' each track showcases a unique approach to the electronic dance scene. This final instalment perfectly represents Exit's progressive sound and vision, celebrating a legacy while firmly looking to the future.
Review: Five years on from its initial release in November 2019, London experimental electronic artist turned avant-pop producer Vegyn shares an anniversary reissue of his sophomore record, Only Diamonds Cut Diamonds. The second to hit the multi-format shelves after the PLZ label debut All Bad Things Have Ended, Only Diamonds Cut Diamonds broke away from the former record's dancier orientation for a longer-form, ludic lollop through 16 tastefully detuned, light-but-driven close-ups. Stylistically, the tracks take after many a then already-prominent figurehead of the London scene: easily file big hitter 'It's Nice To Be Alive' next to Mount Kimbie, though be careful not to pigeonhole the record too soon, for the heads' choices 'Debold', 'When I Strike...' and 'Fake Life' indulge a moodier cyberpunk streak, veering tricksier and trappier on the drums, and increasingly bulbous, bass-spread and neon on the pads.
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