Back catalogue: Breakbeat

Review: In the summer of 2023, Upgrade Records launched via a nostalgic, party-starting EP from the previously unheard artist In 5 D (likely an alias for someone a bit better known, but don't quote us on that). For the label's return, long-serving DJ/producer Buckley Boland (best known for his releases on Made To Play, Black Riot and One Records) is the man at the controls. What he's delivered is a nostalgic, sample-rich affair that combines the angular wonkiness and mind-mangling noises of early-to-mid-2000s tech-house with nods towards vintage acid house, electro-house and the hard-to-pigeonhole house filth of the (long gone) Music For Freaks label. Basically, it's all fun-time, party-starting fare, with the bump-and-squelch of 'Daft Sandwich', the bustling brilliance of 'Nude Night' and the break-sporting hustle of 'S/A/M Real Man' standing out.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks, record slightly warped***


In the summer of 2023, Upgrade Records launched via a nostalgic, party-starting EP from the previously unheard artist In 5 D (likely an alias for someone a bit better known, but don't quote us on that). For the label's return, long-serving DJ/producer Buckley Boland (best known for his releases on Made To Play, Black Riot and One Records) is the man at the controls. What he's delivered is a nostalgic, sample-rich affair that combines the angular wonkiness and mind-mangling noises of early-to-mid-2000s tech-house with nods towards vintage acid house, electro-house and the hard-to-pigeonhole house filth of the (long gone) Music For Freaks label. Basically, it's all fun-time, party-starting fare, with the bump-and-squelch of 'Daft Sandwich', the bustling brilliance of 'Nude Night' and the break-sporting hustle of 'S/A/M Real Man' standing out.

Review: MmWave and Sound Synthesis step up to Doppler Shift here with a superb new split EP that explores acid, electro and breakbeat-infused sounds. MmWave takes care of the A-side firstly with 'Sequential Phonk,' which pairs nice elastic synth and basslines with snappy drums, while 'Signal' twitches with a more restless rhythm and 'Citadin' is a minimal, stripped-back electro rhythm that slithers through the night. Sound Synthesis's trio includes the cinematic 'Ambionic', starry melodies of 'Time_Rez_Bsline' and ambient atmosphere of 'Improv Landing 8'.

Review: London's Thomas Wall aka ShadowScience, bringing a fresh fusion of deep atmospheres and futuristic breaks. Across four tracks, Wall builds haunting soundscapes with relentless, precise rhythms, making this an ideal soundtrack for late-night journeys. The EP delivers immersive basslines and meticulous production that draws listeners into its dark, cinematic world. With its brooding textures and tight, relentless energy, Wall's debut as ShadowScience promises much for those who seek the hypnotic allure of late hours and shadowy, intense spaces.

Review: Fauxpas Musik taps into the talents of St Andrew for a fresh new techno outing, No Rain No Flowers. After the opening 'Prologue' things get serious with the well-constructed synth and groove layers of 'Apricity'. 'Better Days Are Coming' is more widescreen and ambient laced deep electronic bliss, and our favourite might be 'No Rain, No Flowers' with its unhurried drums and steely hits all softened by more dreamy pad work and a sense of emotional longing. 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' keeps the mesmeric synth work flowing and a tasteful Outro rounds out this most engaging of trips.

Review: Stones Taro's latest offering is a masterclass in the art of tension and release, where breakbeat rhythms meet house grooves in a seamless, almost hypnotic blend. 'Clutch' anchors the release with a frenetic bassline and chopped vocal snippets that feel precision-engineered for the dancefloor. Then there's 'Stealthy Meow,' a surprising turn into trance-inflected euphoria, its shimmering melodies wrapped around a sturdy rhythmic core. Christopher Ledger's remix of 'Clutch' takes a darker path, stripping back the original's energy in favour of a creeping, minimalist tech-house groove. It's music that feels alive, constantly shifting under the weight of its own restless momentum. Here, Stones Taro has refined his genre-blending formulai as well as perfected it.

Review: The next level beat maker and sound designer that is Skee Mask returns to long-time home label Ilian Tape with another bold and brilliant album, Resort. It's an album that expands on the artist's usual sound with fusions of celestial ambient, IDM sound design and lithe, rhythmic techno drums. There are breakbeats on 'Reminiscrmx' backlit by heavenly pads, 'Schneiders Paradox' is marbled with zippy pads and raw drum hits, 'BB Care' glistens with a futuristic glow and 'Holzl Was A Dancer' slips into a shuffling, UKG tinged dub house pumper. It's a wild, wonderful ride that reaches all new levels for this already accomplished producer.