Back catalogue: Drum And Bass/Jungle

Review: Japanese reggae/dancehall artist Boogie Man embarked on a career in the early 90s, inspired by the prospect of filling an unfilled niche: adding humorous and bombastic lyrics to an internationally renowned genre he loved. The track 'Pachinco Man' is a tribute to pachinko, a popular arcade game in Japan that involves shooting metal balls into a machine. Much like the ballistics of such an unforgettable arcade fixture, the track flaunts Boogie Man's energetic vocals over an upbeat dancehall riddim, emphasising positivity and humour. Specialist Japanese dancehall like this is a great boon for the label Rhythm Discs!, who are now embarking on a full scouring and reissuing of the scene's best contributions.

Review: Here's a wonderful nugget very few of us knew about; dreamy 90s alternative singer / songwriter Julee Cruise (who was most famous for 'Falling' on Twin Peaks) was paired up with bonafide house pioneer Eric Kupper when they were both signed to Warner in the mid 90s... So they wrote two drum & bass tracks! Clearly inspired by the jazzier side of the genre (think Talkin' Loud, Full Cycle, Two Pages-era 4 Hero), both cuts breeze along with pace, soul and melody. Think Hybrid with a little Breakbeat Era and EZ Rollers. Think what a mad moment in musical history. Let's hope Kupper has more of these DAT delights stashed away.

Review: Dutch hardcore label Sealand have tapped up legendary breakbeat antagonist FFF for a special 7' release which stays true to the rowdy, cut-up style both label and artist are known for. On the A-side, Tommy de Roos flies solo for 'Titan (Back On The Case)', a full-tilt raggacore explosion to set the dance alight in all the right ways. On the flip, we get a true insight into the hardcore culture from this part of the world as sealand's finest rapper KD and local scratch legend DJ Vindictiv jump on for a 'Dead City Version' of the track, marking the first time the old friends of FFF's have appeared on the same record as him.

Review: Malaga-based producer Pablo Dread comes to Beat Machine Records for the eleventh edition of the special series Swinging Flavors, this time for the titular 'Hardcore Blips'. It's a limited edition 7" vinyl featuring swanging bassline kicks, shaking us to our core. This is a full-throttle journey hurtling towards uncontrollable euphoria with electrifying vibrations that magnetically pull us into a one-way ticket to ecstasy. The track's old-school rave sound, a hallmark of Dread's productions, immerses us ambiances typical of the 90s, with recurring piano chords that give way to a heavy and strict drum & bass drop. The single features a special remix by Fanu (Janne Hatula), known for his dynamic and evolving rhythms. Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Fanu takes a departure from his usual thick chord-driven pieces, opting for a more minimal yet delightfully busy and slightly wonky approach. Drawing inspiration from Luke Vibert, this remix adds a playful and unique twist to the track.

Review: Random Rap Records offshoot Dinked 45 has hit gold with 'Happy (Hammond)', the first single in seven years from Chris Read and keyboardist Rob Barron's occasional So Much Soul Players project. As the title suggests, it's a cheeky and cheery Hammond funk reinvention of Pharrell Williams' classic which features Barron playing the famous melody - alongside a few wild solos - atop a sweaty, bass-heavy, breakbeat-driven dancefloor groove. It's a simple idea brilliantly executed all told and a guaranteed party-starter to boot. Over on the flip you'll find a slightly tougher, shorter 'Instrimental Mix' that cuts down the use of the melody in favour of elongated Hammond chords and more prominent beats, as well as a short 'Bonus Beats' drum track for DJs who like to get busy in the mix.

Review: Serious history business: 'Some Justice' was the first time Micky Finn and Aphrodite joined forces and launched a partnership that would change drum & bass history. Prior to them linking, Urban Shakedown comprised of Aphrodite and Claudio Giussani who had a run of fantastically euphoric hardcore crossover records during that golden rave era. 'Some Justice' landed in 91 and the instantly goosebumping vocal cut 'Burnin' Passion' landed in 93. Both of them enjoyed these touch-ups in 94, which still sound fantastic today. Feel the burn.