Back catalogue: DJ Tools

Review: After a bit of time away due in part to the pandemic and other geo-political factors, Dusty Donuts is now back and serving up sugar hip hop treats. This new 7" packs in five fine beats from a mix of artists, namely DJ Robert Smith, Marc Hype, Naughty NMX and Jim Sharp. This is the second in the Weapons of Choice series and it is a mix of classic 90s beats and intoxicating samples. The joints go from deep and laid back to more jazzy and sax laced. 'Scratchdeeznuts 1 & 2' is a cut-up and chopped loop for advanced DJ deployment only.

Review: Hip-hop head and dizzyingly dexterous DJ J Rocca is back with another musical celebration of the exit from office of the worst president in the history of the United States of America. This is the 6th such volume of 'Impeach' and it is a tight woven tapestry and skilful mash-up of no fewer than 14 flips of surely one of the most sampled songs in the history of hip hop. Masterfully mixed together and limited to 500 copies, this is a strong sonic statement that will stand the test of time.

Review: Peak Geeks are a duo from San Diego specialising in potent potions of breakbeat and acid, two key ingredients in the making of such devilish dance concoctions. Their latest in-stock wares can be found on the shelf labelled Surf Chicks! Part 2, one of two selections (in EP form) that pay homage to the unforgettable surf and party scenes of US West Coast. As ever for West Coast breaks, these effervescent entheogens contain everything from sliced-up vocal shots to hand-scratched vinyl 'wiki-wiki's. Don't miss out: experience the San Diego synergy, and Peak Geeks' visions of vibe.

Review: Audion's 'Mouth to Mouth' was one of the biggest minimal techno anthems of its era. The vaping chords and unrelenting drum funk worked countless dancefloors all over the world into a real frenzy a decade or so ago. It now gets revisited by Rekids label head Radio Slave who has updated it with some extra effects nd naughtiness for modern dance floors. The original is included with its freaky vocal loops and rising synth tension and then we're also treated to a 'mouth beats' version, acappella, and two tracks that isolate the iconic original synth line.

Review: Talk about a time capsule. While the obvious nostalgists out there scour and share their cassette eight packs, desperately converting the mixes they contain to digital files before the inevitable unspooling renders the original recordings obsolete, here comes Death Is Not The End - a record label that lends its name to (well, hosts) a show on NTS Radio - with the ultimate trip back to a time many weren't lucky enough to live through.

As the name suggests, this is literally a collection of no less than 40 radio adverts that appeared at some point or other on London's once-plentiful pirate radio stations between 1984 and 1993. Many are poor quality in terms of production, a good number use samples from some of the biggest dance tracks of the day, loads namecheck some legends of the UK rave scene, and every single one would be loads of fun to drop into a mix or use as a sample for productions. Not that we're recommending doing anything without license.

Review: DJ Nu Mark is best known as one of the producers for West Coast hip-hop heroes Jurassic 5, but he keeps himself busy outside of those duties with a devoted studio practice in search of killer grooves by any means necessary. Last year he created the Creme De La Crate pack for use in Ableton Live, using vintage recording techniques and years of studio prowess to deliver heavyweight drum hits, breaks, loops and fills. Now he's committed some of those sounds to wax, giving turntablists something to get busy with if they like to do things the good old way. Here's hoping we get to see some seriously skilled jugglers creating patchwork delights from these dope beats and breaks.