Drum & Bass Recommendations February 2014

Review: The first of two samplers taken from Jungle Cakes' debut album, here we find two of the imprint's most instantly distinctive cover versions. "All That She Wants" takes the Ace Of Bass classic and gives it a full-flavoured basslift. With Gala Orsborn providing a stronger vocal delivery than the original, everything about this cover screams class. "Bad Boys VIP", meanwhile, takes the Inner Circle classic and brings it bumping and flexing into the future. With the skank factor set to max and Top Cat's instantly distinctive vocals, reloads are guaranteed. Yummy.

Review: Welcome To The Jungle is a celebration of one of the most prolific D&B labels to have emerged in the last few years. Run by Ed Solo and Deekline, Jungle Cakes is home to some of the cheekiest, most accessible bangers available. One of two samplers, these are just two of the full album's 30 highlights. "Bam Bam" takes Sister Nancy and throws her deep into oceanic bass. With Serial Killaz trademark low-end brutality in full effect, it's an instant crowd slammer. "Raw To The Floor" is one of Deekline's originals; with a catchy vocal, references to hip-hop heritage and shivering synths, it's yet another tasty treat from jungle's finest bakers.

Review: One of their best signings of 2013, Ram once again reminds us exactly why they snapped up the well-respected Dutch/Anglo duo June Miller. "Empathy" ignites with what appears to be a soulful, sexy liquid cut before slamming hard into a raffish bassline and a biting riddim. "Operation Ivy" is equally unique as we jitter and jive to a frenetic two-step and wild digi-slap-bass combo. With heavy support from Ram boss Andy C (including on his massive Nightlife 6 album), both of these cuts absolutely kill it. June Miller are nailing it right now.

Review: Two years have passed since this Brazilian/Swiss partnership last appeared on Dispatch. Naturally they've made up for lost time with two seismic slabs of peak time D&B. "Zero Tolerance" lives up to its name in every way: the minute your floor is subjected to the grimy, neuro distortions and mischievous hookiness of the bassline we guarantee you'll have them in the palm of your hand. "Tapout" is just a tad deeper; rolling with the perfect amount of iciness, the waspy bassline is stretched and warped with a great sense of fun and unpredictability. Just when you thought Optiv & BTK couldn't get any sharper... this is next level business.

Review: A bona fide D&B titan since the genre's earliest incarnations, Paradox dons his Alaska guise for two emotional compositions that live up to the label's sub-zero connotations. "Jasheri" is sprung with a refreshing sense of euphoria. Coated in emotive strings, far-away vocal textures and rolling drums, it's not dissimilar to Klute's recent work. "Zoranine", meanwhile, is an 85BPM downtempo track that wafts with dreamy synths, far-gazing piano elements and big bold cymbal splashes. Beautiful.

Review: One of the most accomplished and respected D&B outfits in operation, Need For Mirrors never disappoint. Here we find them on Bryan Gee's consistently impressive V imprint with two absolute corkers. "Gunga P" features the distinctive styles of Drum&BassArena award winning MC DRS. Constructed with classic Bristol style jump science, it kills it in every way. For a sharper, more outer-planetary vibe head for "Bubble Wrap". Enriched in myriad elements, processes and FX, it gives more and more on every listen. Essential.

Review: A brand new sub-label from Audio Plants, Burelom cut their floodlight-focus through the darker, foggier forests of D&B. A chiefly Russian affair - mastered by the one and only Enei - both of these cuts come with the perfect balance of grit and soul. "Haze" comes with a distinctive vocal that's delivered with a big band in mind. Jazzy, sassy and emphatic, it will grab the attention of your floor instantly. "I See The Light" is a deeper affair with oceanic pads, an emotional synth hook and drums that are so well they constantly sound like they're rising. A highly accomplished debut label release.

Review: Also known as Dubist, Diamond Geezer signs up to the ever-impressive ASBO imprint with two authentic slabs of rusty jungle badness. "Run Tune" flips wildly between the classic Urban Takeover two-step sound (circa 97) to an earlier, percussion-heavy proto Metalheadz vibe. A history lesson in track form, it's guaranteed to grab the heads' attention. "Cowboy Town" is more of a classic roller with drums that develop dynamically and thick raw subs driven the main hook. Two examples of how timeless jungle really can be, this Geezer demands complete respect. Salute.

Review: Released during one of the label's most prolific months to date, "The Arc Light" EP follows massive singles from Philth and Optiv & BTK. Needless to say, this is equally impeccable. "Arc Light" is a classical slammer with rolling beats, deep throat bass groans and a dark groove that just doesn't quit. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, sharp shades of light storm into the blend, providing a spine-melting sense of balance. Stunning. "Lost" is just as impressive. Steppier in its rhythmic nature, the real hook is found in a tight scratchy bassline that scuffles up and down with a techno-like ferocity. Both Silent Witness and Dispatch are killing it right now: this is proof.

Review: Dimension's rise through the CYN ranks continues apace with the producer's hotly anticipated fourth release for the label - and first of 2014 - finally arriving! Phasers are set to stun from the off with lead track "Command" rippling with a sense of rave-infused euphoria and multiple vocal hooks, and once again Dimension's talent for scooping basslines and trademark synth lines really shine through. Face down and "Pathogen" shows a darker side to Dimension with some frantic future jungle vibes lending the track some real energy - comes with the seal of approval from Shogun Audio boss Friction!

Review: Already an established favourite this D&B season thanks to its digital release in December, this incredible four-tracker is now available on double vinyl. Trust us; it sounds all the better for it, too. Teaming up with old mate HLZ, the unstoppable Need For Mirrors outlay four wholly distinctive vibes. Highlights include the sharp steps and breathy soulful vocal weaves on "Pantheon", the brutish bass motifs and unrelenting rhythm message on "Actress" and the stark, unforgiving iciness of the title track. Few acts are killing it as succinctly as Need For Mirrors. This is proof.