Review: Swedish d&b pioneer Seba continues to roll out more reissues from his Secret Operations label vaults, taking back over 15 years to some of his most career-defining work. The swaggering opener 'Your Deepest Love', the ice cold finale piece 'Legion' and the breath-taking 'Forever' all take us back to the mid-2000s (2006/7 to be precise) when Seba and his label really started to make their own independent mark in drum & bass. For good measure and balance he's also including 'Inkasso'. A little more recent in his discography at only eight years old, but just as hard hitting and timeless - Seba always hits the spot whatever era you find him at.
Review: With A Real Piece Of Work, Stillhead helps Brightest Dark Place reach into the "hazy, blurred overlap between techno and ambient", throwing a suspension chord between two bluffs over a vast sonic chasm, and letting terse rhythms monkey-swing across it, letting reverb bellow from below. This is an equally dynamic but intense listening experience, proving that vast, chasmic sound design need not chafe against dynamic buoyancy: the two can coexist. Keeping to about 170BPM, the Edinburgh DJ marks his sixth release here, and it is an impressive logical extension from 2022's comparable mission statement Restraint And Reverb: 'The Red Ball' suspends a sampled 'Funky Drummer' over an atoll of sub compulsions, while 'A Light Thump On The Head' stretches a classic future garage rhythm over a telegraphic void, with dispersive, long-decaying results.
Review: Bay Area badness! Soeneido lets rip on his own Lotek imprint once again with four absolutely savage jungle cuts. Comprising pure drummage and slight elements of hardcore throughout, each cut hits hard and unapologetically. Those looking for a little mystic charm and space should head for the A where 'Midori' and 'Choose The Sword' err on a deeper, eerie touch while those on a hunt for pure breakbeat adrenaline should flip for the wild industrial drums of 'Ninja Hunter' and the heavyweight finale 'Noon Saibot'. Blimey.
Review: Drum & bass's most unique gentleman Calibre plunders his vaults to compile a new collection of unreleased gems through the ages. As you'd expect, the end result is a timeless assault of lush grooves, soulful sonics and sweet skippy riddims. From the soft jazz insistency of "Honey Dew" to the hollowed harrowed bass tones of "Bellamee" via the harder, rave-referencing "Sagan" and the deep bass gurgles and DRS's reggae-style vocals on "Eschaton", the only issue here is the fact Calibre hasn't released them sooner. Unarguably incredible.
Review: Nu:Tone is a drum & bass giant and a longtime mainstay of the legendary Hospital label. He hasn't put out any solo material since his last album way back in 2014, so this new two tracker is a big deal indeed. After all the classics on that record he has a lot to live up to but does so, with both tunes showing this artist's pioneering approach to drum & bass . Opener 'Sweeter' is the heartfelt and super soulful cut we all need right now with London-based singer and songwriter Maiday providing the icing on the cake. Do It Right' is a nostalgic roller with big rave pads, Av it.
Review: Italian producer Donato Dozy rightly has a cult following as he has a fantastically well sculpted style whether making ambient deep techno or as is the case here, drum & bass. He opens up with the pulsing loops of 'Mai', which always hints as some sort of big rhythmic explosion that never quite comes. 'Dusty Bones' is a flurry of sci-fi sounds, tribal drums and frosted bass that leaves you in a spin. 'Sanza High' is a DJ Python style half stepper with menacing bass and 'Tao' is a more traditional drum & bass beat with trademark silky synths.
Review: Silent Force Recordings is back with the third instalment in the SFR Titans series. This one features Solaris in top form and delivering a brace of nicely immersive sounds, starting with 'Nemesis' which channels the classic atmospheric Amen sound and is rather reminiscent of mid-90s Source Direct. It's widescreen jungle at its finest. On the flip, 'Poseidon' takes a darker turn with a more rolling rhythm and hard-edged, steel-plated drums that hark back to early 2000s D-Bridge. These are two different but early devastating cuts, and the fact they come on nice orange vinyl makes it a no brainer.
Review: Weaving and writhing through the genres, joining dots you never knew existed, Montreal's Adam Hodgins dons his Sabola alias for this beautiful multi-genre mini album. Touching on experimental areas of his other projects such as Solitary Dancer, Gunnera and N/Y/X, across the six tracks we go from delicate, disarming Boards Of Canada style slo-mo fractal soul ('Southern Digital') to full-on jungle rinse outs (Tim Reaper's remix of 'First Step To Peace') by way of cosmic breaks ('A Hysterical Laugh') And that's just half of the record. Stunning in all directions.
Review: With 'Vibes', Dutch drum & bass/jungle outfit Cat In The Bag temporarily let the feline out of the case, yet they still retain enough integrity, and rein in the shellage, to the extent that the cat is nonetheless seduced back in after a certain time. Such is the art of alley-cat drum & bass, comparable in mood to "rollage"; it's all about a fine balance of hard-hitting impactfulness and careful vibe-restraint, else the mog'll arch its back and dash off elsewise. No wonder the first tune's called 'Level Vibes'; Dial-M and Msymiakos achieve an intricate, intelligent mood of levity, a belief-suspensory dread zone in which level-headedness serves as a proxy for the execution of a skittish agility, as of a cat. Our feline reccy no less reliably scours the 'Frontline'; amens penetrate hard garrisons of bass and atmoss with relentless keratinous claws, proving retractable paw-blades really can break walls. The B-siders, 'Warehouse Dub' and 'Dub Rock', provide more novelty appeal, preferring to build sound(e-)scapes that both build upon and take flight from the warpath.
Review: Buckle up for this one because Aphrodite Recordings serves up four stone-wall jungle classics from the eponymous Aphrodite. First up is 'Style From The Darkside' with its crunchy drums and darkened bass powering onwards. 'Navigator' is then a silky trip with a flurry of snares and some heavenly melodies helloing up top while dirty bass does its thing down low. On the reverse is the face-melting and unrelenting 'Bomber' which will rattle ribs and walls and last of all 'Basslights' comes on strong with stepping rhythms and elastic bass.
Supersonic (VIP) (feat Skrillex, Josh Pan & Dylan Brady) (4:39)
The Hole (part 1) (5:02)
Closer (2:32)
Review: After they announced their decision to call time in 2020, Dutch D&B heavyweight trio Noisia are drawing a line under their project with this authoritative final statement, Closer. Pulling together some of their final studio experiments, which were originally intended as a follow up to 2016's Outer Edges, there's a lot to take in. The devoted Noisia fanbase will be savouring every last drop, from the collabs with Camo & Crooked, Skrillex and The Upbeats to the last standalone drops from one of the most inventive forces ever to grace drum & bass. Giving the release the ceremony it deserves, this edition comes on silver vinyl across four LPs. A definitive kicker from a group we'll never see the likes of again.
Review: The pairing of LSB and DRS is up there with wine and cheese. Having smashed 2015 with "The View", the pair return with another beautiful, emotion-soaked gem "Missing You". With its soft pianos and space for DRS to ruminate, it's another soulful smash that will stand the test of time. "Tumult" shows the complete flip of LSB's ever-perennial skills as he rolls out a darkside roller with a serious hurricane bassline that's powerful enough to take you back to the 2001. With his debut album around the corner, both tracks do well to remind you just how on-point LSB is.
Review: Comfort Zone is a producer to watch this year and we present to you Exhibit A, this new EP on Future Retro. He previously appeared on this label on Meeting Of The Minds Vol. 5, and also collaborated with the label boss Tim Reaper on music for Banoffee Pies. This solo outing kicks off with 'Tunnel Vision' which brings real synth beauty and deep cosmic feels to a lithe and soulful minimal rhythm stacked with masterful sound designs and crispy snares. 'Snake Stealer' has more plunging bass and contrasting lightness in the wispy melodies, then Reaper adds his own remix of 'Tune Vision' which is much more brash and in your face. Closer 'Tilted' is another super stylish and jazzy number with nimble bass and lively breaks.
Review: Force by name, fierce by nature; Irish jungle craftsman Ricky cooked up this mini album on Tim Reaper's Future Retro back in 2023 and it's getting a new run if you missed it. Kicking off with the iconic tones of Stevie Hyper D (RIP) on 'Sensi', everything is in place for a series vibe marathon as we're taken from fracture to fracture, chop to chop. Highlights include the bone shaking 'Extreme Change', the big rootsy rumbler 'Baked' and the lightnight finale 'Spinning Lucky'. Timeless jungle magic.
Review: Submorphics deals in a unique sound: lo-fi drum n' bass. Yes, what was once reserved for a new style house can definitely be abstracted into other genres, contrary to what the less open-minded among us would have you believe. 'Verona Highway' is just that: working in old soulful house samples and self-recorded highpassed radio synths, the Netherlands-based artist works in a serene palette of sounds to convey a drum n' bassy idea of a late night Detroit to Chicago road trip aesthetic.
Review: We shouldn't need to hype Critical Music up to you too much - the label is a true staple of underground drum & bass after all. Even so, it's exciting to see two powerful forces coming together, and Coco Bryce remains at the top of his game bowling onto this EP for the London imprint with the cheekily titled Nirwana EP. The title track is a delicate, melancholic affair with some smart vocal snippets arranged into an emotive framework before we drop into some outstanding Apache chops. 'Pull Up' meanwhile offers its own distinctive flair with jazzy key licks sprinkled in the breakdown before a coolly dispatched Think break kicks in across the mix. There are ravier synth stabs at work on 'Daze Of Our Lives' and 'Life Changed' lets a little dub slip into the mix, not least thanks to the proper sub line rounding out the bottom end of this typically classy joint with that distinctive Bryce flair about it.
Review: Is there a more consistently policy and famously high quality producer in all of electric music - let alone just drum & bass - that the universally respected Irishman, Calibre? The don of drums and baron of bass is by now a master of his art and the one going Shelflife series continually proves that time and time again. This seventh volume is once again jam-packed with silky rhythms, soulful sounds and meticulous craftsman ship across a wide range of tempos and moods. There are roomy steppers like 'Ready Beek' next to darker, edgier and more menacing cuts like 'Snoopy' signature emotive sounds like 'Nearly Nothing.'
Review: Jim Coles' decision back in 2010 to implement a swerve in his sonic trajectory away from his hip-hop past as 2tall in favour of a more all-encompassing approach that touches on various strands of bass culture as Om Unit has paid off and then some. Subsequent releases on Exit, Autonomic, Civil Music, Metalheadz and his own Cosmic Bridge imprint have all shown Om Unit eminently capable of tempo shifting productions that appeal to fans of Bass music, Drum & Bass and footwork alike. The latter has been explored further while the Dream Continuum collaboration with Machinedrum on Planet Mu and his Philip D. Kick alias where the link between Chicago's juke heritage and UK Jungle was explored. All this and more is included on Threads, a debut Om Unit LP for Civil Music that deftly collates various strands (or threads) of his production career over the past fifteen years for a cohesive 15 track set that veers through of hip hop, dubstep, jungle and even house.
Review: JLM opens the EP for Spatial with 'Consensus Reality', an uplifting track driven by lush keys and filtered breaks. The melodies are woven from a range of harmonious elements, while crisp apache breaks are expertly introduced, showcasing JLM's signature style. 'Salva Veritate' shifts to a darker, more intense atmosphere. Whooshing synths and dense soundscapes are layered over hefty 'Hot Pants' breaks, with tuneful 808 basslines and blippy sub-melodies adding texture to this suspenseful track. On the flip side, 'Hotspot' starts with mellow, jazzy keys before bursting into life with juddering snares and smooth 808 basslines. Dreamy strings and pads sweep through the mix, creating a paradox of energy and calm. The EP closes with 'Nova', a soothing track featuring soft, flowing synths and delicate beats. Subtle effects and cosmic breaks aplenty - an exceptional release.
Review: There's seemingly no end to ASC's offerings to the drum & bass world and so it continues on this beautifully packaged black splattered yellow 10" from the Waveforms series. 'Waveform 03' is an airy jungle excursion with explosive amens set off against vast expanses of pads, while 'Waveform 04' locks into a sleeker, techier approach where the icy atmospherics have more space to stretch out. No one is even close to the quality and quantity of ASC, and this is yet another essential addition to his huge legacy.
Review: Periferico makes a fine return here on Undersounds Recordings with a five track EP that pulls together some key tracks that were produced between 1998 and 2009. They have been unearthed on old DATs and sound as good as ever. 'Sixth Event' is a slow motion tech sound with frazzled synths and dreamy chords then 'Car Ride' shimmers with some lithe synths and hip swinging drums and 'Twelve Dances' is another playful sound that has aged to perfection. 'Cuts & Seams' is more experimental with jungle breaks and driving bassline co-produced with Luigi Mussi. The same is true of '2 Weeks' which is another throwback and classy jungle sound.
Review: Despite his considerable contributions to drum & bass over many decades as a DJ, producer and promoter Grooverider has released only one solo artist album and that is 1998's Mysteries Of Funk which now turns 25 years old. Produced in conjunction with Optical, it gets a special, limited edition anniversary reissue across six sides of vinyl including standout singles 'Rainbows of Colour' and 'Where's Jack The Ripper.' It came a decade or so after Grooverider established himself alongside long time partner Fabio with sets at the UK's best illegal raves before then starting their own seminal Rage night at Heaven.
Review: Dominick Martin's Shelflife series takes us back into the very core of Calibre over the past 20 years, finally sharing tracks which were previously only aired in his DJ sets. It's testament to his rigorous approach to the music he released over that time, given how incredible some of these cuts are, but it's also a relief to finally be able to cop the likes of 'Breather', 'Home' and 'I Don't Care What U Say'. The range of d&b on offer here is remarkable too, from moody, heads-down tech steppers to gorgeous, soul drenched swooners, with an unerring quality which lets you know it's Calibre at the controls.
Review: Tides is the brand-new studio album from Hybrid Minds; a veritable challenging of the status quo and drum & bass orthodoxy with the best-produced, most pristine sonic vanguard yet. Presenting 13 incredible tracks, including the hits 'If Love Could Have Saved You', with venbee and 'Lights', with Charlotte Plank, get ready to sit back and enjoy the sonic journey that Tides takes you on, transcending listeners beyond the genre's more typical environments with their own unique Hybrid Minds take on the drum & bass style. This edition is primed for the tuntable, coming to a shortened 2xLP splatter-vinyl edition.
Review: Big reissue business! Loxy & Resound's utterly despicable dark style shock out 'Hellfire' was originally on Reaper's imprint back in May 2023 and sold out pretty sharpish (like all Future Retro runs do!) Now back by popular demand, the Spirit-esque original is available for normal prices once again. As are the three exceptional remixes... Double O's savage drumfunk shakedown, Tim Reaper's ravier take (with such stunning and widescreen drum mixdowns) and a subversive Photekian take from the enigmatic Basic Rhythm. Grab while you can!
Review: Three years since this formidable French troupe turned lead to gold on their debut, Visages' alchemy continues to bubble over with this utterly exceptional sophomore. Spanning the whole rainbow of styles from neo soul to grime to dubstep and a pungent range of dnb strains, this really is a unique and beguiling universe of sounds, themes, brutalist moments and poignant motifs. Complete with lyrical guidance from the likes of Strategy, Verbz, Chimpo, Snowy and others, there's a powerful adventure to be had among these tracks from the furious futurism of the opener 'Transhuman Music' to the woozy jazzy echoes of the closer 'Kintsugi', this is nothing short of outstanding.
Review: New gen energy with old school frequencies, Digital's protege Tim Clay lets rip with a level-upping dispatch. 'New Beginnings' is a statement in every direction. By far his heaviest hitting drums to date, you can feel the Function force on this one! 'Body Move' takes more of drum & bass approach with its strident piano stroke and sensual vocal - think Total Science or early Headz. Finally 'Information Overload' is a right old grizzly 95-era Bristol groaner. Rude in sonic and health. Big moves from Monsieur Clay.
Review: Man like Skeppy doing the gosh-darned thing! Swinging high from the Rubi rafters, his new label hits the 002 release with heavyweight charm and dark soulful panache. 'Rhubarb' is the dreamy cut of the bunch, easing us in gently with its gentle swirling strings, before 'Capsize' pushes us deep under the water with its robust murky militancy. Finally we have 'Foiled'. A classic minimal Skeppy set-up with a little nod towards the traditional jump-up sound, it's yet another open-and-shut case at the Rubi supreme court today.
Review: Following his latest album Against A Dark Background, the inimitable Dom & Roland continues to forge his own unique near-30 year path with the launch of a brand new label. Fittingly entitled Individual, it kicks off with two exceptional - not to mention uncompromising - cuts. 'Burn Bright' is your quintessential hardcore jungle d&b with big stabs, massive splashing cymbals and iced out atmospheres stretches over the top. 'Being' meanwhile is a hyper jazz jam with brutalist steppy drums, treacle subs and wild blasts of muted trumpet. Far out.
Review: Wilkinson is a big name when it comes to the contemporary drum & bass scene. He is someone whose name you will find on all the line-ups of the major clubs and festivals around the world and is no stranger to bringing the noise to Ibiza, either. He has a multi-genre approach that finds him playing effective and eclectic sets that appeal to all manner of crowds. Back in 2013, he dropped his debut solo album Lazers Not Included on Ram - where else - and set all this success in motion. This tenth anniversary edition comes on yellow vinyl with UK number 20 single 'Dirty Love' and many more gems.
Review: Fresh from his recent foray on Law's Repertoire, Senses makes his debut on ASC and Dan Azimuth's Curvature label with four exceptional deep jungle explorations. All laced with a positive sense of energy and vibrancy, each track has a fresh vibe and character to it. 'String Theory' is the consummate opening gambit with its full strength breakbeat charge, 'Cosmic Telemetry' guides us through the stars with its eyes closed without ever losing its way while 'Papillon' is a woozy-but-cheerful cut you might have found on a label like Subtitles years ago. Finally 'Past Lives' brings us back down to earth with grace and soul. Think PFM and you're on the right astral plain. Time's up!
Review: Aus-based label Southern Lights welcomes Michal Wolski for an avant-garde techno outing here that takes you into futuristic sound worlds. 'Stargaze' opens with suspensory synth loops that take you into celestial worlds and 'Moonless Night' then lays down light, airy patterns and motifs with a ritualistic edge. 'Return To The (Dis)Comfort Zone' detailed minimal techno for deep excursions and 'Rainfall' has a fantastically warped bassline. 'Omen' is another atmospheric and cinematic closer that sounds like a trip through an underwater cavern.
Review: Fracture & Neptune's classics, Clissold and The Limit, now make a welcome return in the form of this special 2024 reissue on 12" vinyl. This reissue highlights pivotal tracks from their mid-2000s catalog and both have been remastered for a fresh take. The limited edition includes both the 2024 remasters and original mixes, presented in eco-friendly packaging. These influential tracks explore the ongoing legacy of the legendary Astrophonica label's early work. 'Clissold' is a dusty breakbeat excursion with gorgeous keys and 'The Limit' pairs more suspensory pads with a moody bassline and darker rhythm.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.