Back in stock: UK Hardcore

Review: Atlas and K Super echo a well-known drug advice line slogan with 'Talk To Frank', a supreme jungle techno sheller of risky but rewarding proportions. This sizzling five-track slice of 12" from the renowned DJ-producer pair echoes Mole The Dipper or Noise Factory with its free-flowing but still relentlessly factorial breaks slicers; the A-sided Double Drop remix of 'Red Marios' marks an impressive scission through both pitched up-and-down breaks layering come harmonics. Meanwhile, the title track and 'Partyline' dial the hysterics knobs up to eleven, deploying an unheard-of amount of jank and stab; the latter track feels especially destabilising, a central "oo-er" vocal sample heard buried well below the main melee. 'Supply & Demand' and Buda's version of 'Talk To Frank' round things off on twin notes of mecha-trance breaks and pitch quartz unleashings on an overtop lead sample respectively, proving the artists' rightful joint mastery over an incipient UK hardcore sound.

Review:  In 2019, Vinyl Fanatiks launched with the debut of the Ellis Dee Project series across two parts. Fast forward five years, and the label is back with Part 3, which is a real monster of a release that's well worth the wait. 'Don't Stop Rocking' is raved-up, jungle-inspired, hardcore breakbeat fun with drilling basslines and yelping vocal sounds and some playful breakdowns and curious melodies. The remix of 'Dance Factor' on the flip from Rennie Pilgrim is another all out assault with rave horns and unrelenting drum pressure. Incidentally, his first-ever remix was of Ellis Dee, so this is a nice circular moment.