RECORD OF THE WEEK: Dean Blunt - Deep feat. arca [Hyperdub]

The ever enigmatic Dean Blunt partners up with Arca once again to brings us ‘Deep’, a cut off ‘BBF’, under the allies Baby Father released on Hyperdub. Unlike Dean Blunts slightly more guitar driven EP ‘Black Metal’, BBF host a darker more dystopian collection of sounds. BBF continues that theme with ‘Deep’, the track moves with a trip hop beat swerving and swaying over Arca’s signature eerie synths. Half way through Dean spits some bars with the pitch up. The rest of ‘BBF’ has other gems such as Juice and Meditation, though you can perhaps give some of the white noise tracks (i.e Flames and Prolific Deamons) a miss.

4.5/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

                                                                   Words by Tobias

REVIEW: MIDLAND - BLUSH EP [GRADED]

Not often does a DJ get enough demand from a track in his set to then release the record. This has happened twice now in quick succession for Harry Agius AKA Midland, first with Hubie Davison’s ‘Sanctified’, which he played at Dekmantel, and now with his own, equally groovy, house hit ‘Blush’. Garnering momentum since first being unleashed at Boiler Room Milan last summer this A-Side is finally becoming available to the public at the end of the month. The track has all the usual tricks you would expect from a Midland production; swoon like synths, plenty of drums but all importantly it’s that chorus line… That chorus line! Simple melody, superb sound and a catchy beat that will send the dance floor into ‘smiler’ mode. The people have spoken and have raised a voice loud enough to be heard and quite rightly so, this track is fire.

 

On the flip side ‘Outpost’ and ‘Hold Up’ earn their place in the EP but just don’t quite compare, however useful tracks to have in the bag. ‘Outpost’ gains gradual momentum, slowly rolling along before taking a turn into slightly obscurer territory whilst ‘Hold Up’, though it retains merit for its complex and well coordinated percussions, is some way off being totally convincing. That said the production on all three tracks is constant; Midland has directed his sound further leftfield which will attract a new dynamic. Slightly moodier, slightly weirder, it reminds me of what Mosca has done recently with his productions; taken his garage roots and modernised it into his own dark and morose sound. Only here, Midland’s drum and bass foundations shine through. The power to be able to create something catchy is still worth its weight in gold and it is something Midland has utilised superbly on this EP like he did with ‘Trace’ back in 2013. The only difference being that the high level of production we’re so used to has extended even more with increased subtlety and hence, more intrigue.

3.9/5

 


Available 29th April
Pre-Order

Words by Ben S

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Call Super - Nervous Sex Traffic [Dekmantel]

J.R. Seaton debuts on Dekmantel’s eponymous record label and continues his superb run of form with two sprawling sonic journeys. While his recent release for The Trilogy Tapes (as Ondo Fudd) featured beatless, clarinet-driven hazes and Crash Bandicoot-esque riddims, this 12” finds him focusing on using his trademark dense, melody-driven soundscapes to get them dancefloors moving.

As Call Super, he builds and maintains an exquisite groove throughout the 9 minutes of Nervous Sex Traffic, deploying what must certainly be the most gorgeous bleeps of the year over of one of his classiest house structures.

Mount Grace then cuts loose with the percussion, programming weighty kicks with those classic Call Super snares into an electro-influenced pattern, whilst warm strings submerge half-melodies that leave you craving for more.

4.0 / 5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Matt J

 

 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: O'FLYNN - OBERYN/SPYGLASS [BLIP DISCS]

Blip Discs only has two prior releases to date, the first was from O’Flynn who cut the grooves for this release, the second was by label owner, Tom Blip. Small but so far mighty, Blip Discs incorporates different sounds, textures, genres, feelings into its releases. The tracks can start with obscure drum beats or samples and end up developing into a peak time dancefloor screamer. It’s a label for proper heads, the music constantly challenges the listener; if deployed at the right time in the right hands, Blip Discs’ discography can make a night. It’s no wonder that the label chose to cut another one from O’Flynn therefore.

The A-side, ‘Oberyn’ takes on similar sounds to that of Blip Discs’ second release. The crunching bassline lays the foundation underneath  a seemingly never ending conga workout. All sorts of other jungle sounds play huge part in the piece too. The layers of the track build and build until, in the last minute of the track, all elements of the track are deployed in full effect. 

 

On the flip, O’Flynn explores a completely different sound altogether. Low-slung, jazz-influenced tones ricochet off and around the 4/4 beat. Vocal samples play a part, and again those jungle sounds sneak their way in amongst everything else. A saxophone warms itself against the drone towards the end. This track oozes class, sophistication, and originality. 

4.0/5

Words by Matthew Barnett

Buy: Vinyl

RECORD OF THE WEEK: The Organ Grinder - Physicality [Graft]

Fresh out of Cardiff comes a banger from none other than The Organ Grinder whose released on labels such as Local Talk, Ten Thousand Yen and Heist Recordings to name a few. His first solo release got him backings from top dogs such as Jackmaster, Move D and Steffi automatically making his sound international and putting him on the house map. His new track Physicality has everything I like to see in a house track, soulful vocals giving it that positive vibe, a warm buzzy bassline great for grooving to and last but not least the keys and chords riding over the top of the lot meshing everything together so harmoniously. This one is out on his recently re-branded label now called Graft.

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

 

Words by Henry

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Guy Andrews - Our Spaces [Houndstooth]

Up this week is Guy Andrews’s debut LP ‘Our Spaces’ on Fabric’s own Houndstooth imprint. The London label continues to break boundaries with this radical collection of immersive soundscapes. Previous works from Andrews have ranged from the more ambient and instrumental projects of Iambic and Moving Dawn Orchestra, to dance floor hits on Scuba’s Hotflush label. This LP sees him strike a balance between the two with a well defined song based structure that feels as much like a live set as a studio album. Using formidable chorus lines, heavy percussions and a mass of synthesizers there is an ever present lo end hum to Andrews’s album that radiates with rich textures and a sound that roars proudly out of the speakers.

Straight from the opening track ‘Higher Waters’, Andrews creates a multi-layered world that continues to soar right through to the finish. ‘In Autumn Arms’ demonstrates his ability to create emotional catchy melodies by joining quirky synth lines with a simple guitar riff. The more linear dance tracks ‘Without Names’ and ‘Decipher’ give a nice break from the all encompassing sounds he chiefly projects; check out the title track to know what I mean there! Though some may find this heavy on the surface, the nature of his digital production gives a delicate analog sound underneath it all which makes this LP all the more interesting, innovative and impressive.

4.2/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ben S

What's On | March

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Calibre - AMEN TUNE FEAT. DJ MARKY [Signature Recordings]

Yet another masterpiece pulled from the depths of Calibre’s hard drive, 'Amen Tune’ is part of the 'Shelflife' series. The Shelflife albums are landmark items for DnB fans, with Calibre every few years bringing out a compilation of unreleased tracks that would otherwise be sitting, gathering dust on the….(get it?) Shellfire 4 was released in early 2016, and ‘Amen Tune’ is one track we are very grateful Calibre was able to give us the keys. Once relegated to the backs of his extensive record crates, Dominic Martin (Calibre) clearly had a change of heart, and the results are breathtaking. The work of two masters combining (the track features the Brazilian maestro DJ Marky), the crescendo of the piano riffs and the drum beat builds eclectically, with Calibre bringing in his customary shuffling snare beat along the way. The combination of all the elements is sumptuous, with the vocals giving the added bonus of a second melody to a track that really doesn’t need one in the first place. Martin even painted the artwork himself, which begs the question - what can’t this guy do?

4.0 / 5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

 

 

Words by Tom

RECORD OF THE WEEK: AMBIVALENT - DAYLIGHTS [COCOON]

Kevin McHugh aka Ambivalent debuts on Sven Vath's legendary label Cocoon in some style with a dancefloor bomb 'Daylights', the lead track from the two track EP. The US born, Berlin based Ambivalent has previously released on some of dance music's most respected labels such as Minus & Mobilee.

'Daylights' holds a strong aura from start to finish with those slapping snares keeping you on your toes. The robust bassline is unmissable and has a real driving character that is irresistible. The vocals compliment the intense nature of the record, certainly one for the big room sets, full of flavour and high in energy.

3.9/5

 

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

 

Words by Ben C

RECORD OF THE WEEK: DANCE SPIRIT - LATE NIGHT EARLY MORNINGS (BEDOUIN REMIX) [SUPERNATURE]

This record of the week was re-released through Kindisch Records five days ago in a mix compilation album appropriately titled ‘Beautiful World’ This is a more relaxed, low key number by one of my key duos to watch in the more melodic laid back techno/house bracket at the moment. Bedouin really began making waves last year, and this track had a large part to play in that. The blend between its cinematic & Spanish colours along side the pulsating bass tones and driving rhythm are to their credit. They’ve recently released on City Fox following this tracks success. Rumours of an imminent Innervisions release are circulating.

4/5

Words by Chris

RECORD OF THE WEEK: CHRISSY - GROWL EP [Freerange]

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So here we welcome Chrissy, a Chicago-based DJ and producer, who has released this five-track EP on Freerange Records.  

The title track, Growl, features Shaun J Wright with some classic house vocals behind a slow building back beat. It’s a good opener but hasn’t got anything on the next track, which is a Grade “A” stormer. 'Presidential Astrologer' is an intergalactic disco quest. Excellent synth and baseline play wraps around your ears right from the start, grabbing your full attention.

Savile’s on the remix for the next track and has very much put his own stamp on it. This one’s got a longer introduction and a deeper, smoother, bassline that is complimented by the gentle percussion.

The finishing track 'Loudness Wars' explores a darker path on the EP, yet still remains on that spacey, galactic line.

Overall this EP shows the broad range of what Chrissy is capable of alongside the likes of Savile and Shaun J Wright.

3.6/5

 

Buy: Digital / Vinyl

Words by Barney

 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Fatima Al Qadiri - Battery [Hyperdub Records]

Fatima Al Qadiri brings us ‘Battery’ an eerie cut off her latest album ‘Brute’ which is due to be released in March.

Released on Hyperdub Records ‘Battery’ is another sparsely arranged track, laced with incredible texture. In traditional Al Qadiri style the track uses a series of really interesting sounds including choir sounds, glassy synths and something that sounds like an 8bit lions raw…
Battery has an extremely unique sense of space which is only reinforced by the use of dissonant melody, this is something the Kuwaiti always seems to get so right. If ‘Battery’ is anything to go by we're in for a treat with ‘Brute’ - also amazing cover art.
‘Brute’ will be released on the 4th of March.

 

Pre-order 'Brute': Vinyl / Digital

Words by Tobias

What's On - February Picks

 

Fred P & Lakuti at The Pickle Factory

 

It has been more rare of late that the New York house veteran, Fred P AKA Black Jazz Consortium, has played in London. However, teaming up with Uzuri boss and personal friend, Lakuti, does seem to be an interesting fixture. The Pickle Factory, one of the new era clubs that has sprung up in London, prides itself on its intimate space that boasts a custom sound rig. It should be the perfect setting for the two DJs to play in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TICKETS

 
 

Bade Presents: Extrawelt (Live), Nick Hoppner, Terriers (Live) at Oval Space

 

Having seen the Bade boys Brothers Black and Talk&Smoke at their label showcase at Gottwood last year and in light of YO's recent 'One to Watch' feature on the label we're keen to see them play in a club environment and what better way with industry leaders Nick Höppner and Extrawelt headlining their upcoming event. Techno heavy but with heaps character and variation; get on down to Bethnal Green's Oval Space on the 6th, it's sure to be a stomper.

 

 

 

 

 

TICKETS

 
 

Scuba + Alan Fitzpatrick + Paul Woolford + Room 2: Lando at XOYO

 

Scuba's '12 weeks of Techno' residency at XOYO kicked off early last month and so far he has had Kenny Larkin, Deetron, Jimmy Edgar, Trevino, Ryan Elliott, Kowton, Peverlist & Shackleton all grace the stage at the East London club. This 13th he's reeled in Hotflush & Drumcode regular, the Techno titan Alan Fitzpatrick and Paul Woolford who released an incredible LP on XL Recordings late last year. Upstairs is Hotflush & Ultramajic affiliate Lando. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TICKETS

 
 

Superstition X Giegling. Vril, Kettenkarussell. Konstantin, DJ Dustin, SaPa at Village Underground

 

The first ever Giegling label night in London includes live sets from Vril and Kettenkarussell and DJ sets from some of the key contributors to their fantastic mix series. Expect it to get emotional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TICKETS

 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: PLOY - Sala One Five [HESsle Audio]

Hessle Audio have been at the forefront of forward-thinking British dance music since HES001 in 2007, consistently releasing music that manages to push both sonic and compositional boundaries while still fitting perfectly into the label bosses’ dancefloor-focussed DJ sets. A new Hessle Audio release is thus always a cause for celebration, particularly as 2015 brought only Pearson Sound’s eponymous debut album, which was met with a surprisingly mixed reception. The head honchos (Ben UFO, Pearson Sound and Pangaea) put an end to our wait then with two new releases scheduled for the next two months. Just before the new Bruce record steals the limelight, the three Leeds-migos drop this killer debut from Ploy (who?) to start 2016. Indeed, the quality and variety of the three tracks presented here certainly won’t quell the rumours that this is the work of an established producer operating under a new alias.

‘Sala One Five’ is exactly the kind of tense techno you’re likely to hear Pangaea currently play out, with punishing subs and dense, anxious pads providing the foundation for a relentless forward momentum punctuated by sharp mechanical snares.

‘Move Yourself’ pairs loose, tribal percussion with a 4/4 kick, reflecting the trio’s gradual shift towards playing more house-oriented fare in their own sets. This groovy-as-hell rhythm is likely to be found in a wide range of DJ bags/USBs through the coming months.

Finally, ‘Helix’ finds Ploy confident enough to forgo the constraints of typical dancefloor drums altogether to construct a real psychedelic roller; the soothing “yeah” snippets equally suited to easing in the 10pm crew or taking the 10am crew further out. My favourite of a predictably high-class release - Hessle are back.

Pre-order Vinyl & Digital @ Hessle Audio

Words by Matt J

 

REVIEW: Saxxon & BCee feat Surplus — Blue Harbour EP [Soul Trader Records]

Bcee is an undisputed master, with two of his own labels under his belt - starting back in 2002 with Rubik Records - and more recently Spearhead Records, currently celebrating it’s 11th year at the forefront of the genre. He has gained notoriety and a celebrated status within the DnB community for his soulful, expressive production style, and vocally imaginative tracks.

Ever since the release of his first solo EP ‘New Adventures in Modern Jazz’ on V Recordings, Saxxon has been busy in the studio establishing his own individual sound. The smooth, liquid-infused rollers that characterised his first album have returned here, and ‘Blue Harbour EP’ is no different.

The A-side of the EP features two feel-good tracks, both with customary vocal competence, courtesy of Bcee. The first, ‘Only You’, is a summer track, featuring junglist drum beats and a funky melody to give it an air of elation. This one would fit well on ‘DumAndBassArena’ 2016 compilation album, so watch this space! This is followed up by the swashbuckling rhythm of ‘Understanding’, an unobtrusive but relatively firm roller to complete the A-side.

But its all about side B for me, with pride of place going to the title track ‘Blue Harbour’. A marriage of jazz elements with an unrelenting drum beat, the enticing contrast of the friendly piano riffs with the gruff bass notes creates a track that is just as melodic as it is powerful. As a track, it gives you the impression that it would be just as comfortable being played on a beach somewhere as it is being thumped out at 3am in late-night depths of the club. It is nicely complemented by ‘Tripped Up’, a collab with Soul Trader Records owner and talisman Surplus, which has an simple, almost childish melody over the top of relatively light drum sequences - and the balance between the two tracks means Side B has my vote.

4.2/5

Purchase: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Tom