Drum And Bass/Jungle

Review: Fracture's uttered many a word of wisdom over the years, but this is perhaps his clearest manifesto to date: "Big Up The Ladies" is a schizoid rave jam with more twists than a wook's hairline and more turns than a driving test. It sets the tone for the rest of the exceptional EP; "Percussion Sweet" is a total turbo Berghain power jam, all vicious 4/4s and outrageously sharp stabs, "Verhoeven" is a slamming breakbeat cut with a bassline like treacle while "Sci-Fi Tramp" pays homage to your dad with more stampy kicks and a menacing sense of techno grunt. Outstanding stuff, as ever from Astrophonica's commander in chief.

Review: As if a two track damager from S.Kid wasn't quite enough on Amenology this month, along comes Sheffield chopper Kid Lib with two delightfully deep jungle expeditions. "Faces Of War" sticks its tongues out and waggles in your mug by way of two layers of breaks (one heavily filtered and trippy) and a classic soulful vocal and hypnotic waterdrop texture. "Do Not Respond" maintains the spaciousness but adds a fat vault of eerie in the mix. If you didn't know any better you'd say this was a 1994 Moving Shadow piece. Ain't no way back from this one.

Review: Moscow murkery! S.Kid follows the likes of Kid Lib, Tim Reaper and Dwarde with this outstanding Amenology debut. On the A side he asks us to delve into his cranial matter by way of glacial rush-riddled pads and savage breaks before a big sensual rave vocal softens the necksnap blow. On the B side he reminds us of the reality of the situation with the even choppier, bashier marching jam 'So Real'. Downpitched vocals, pranged out textures and a sub that's chubbier than a politician's wallet. Never miss a brain day.