quête:bass dubstep

3XL’s first new release in 2025 by Italian trio Cortex of Light is a synapse-tickling dose of classic FSOL-era world-building that takes in gloopy trance cooked down with sub-heavy, vaporous dub, mutant acid, breakbeat rave, Artificial Intelligence and a Mark Fell-style algorithmic brainmelt.

You'll know if you've spent any time following Piezo's output that the Milan-based producer and Ansia boss has a knack for lysergically enhancing any club template he sets his sights on. With releases on Idle Hands, Wisdom Teeth, Loefah's 81 and most recently Dekmantel, Luca Mucci has blottered up dubstep, hard drum, 2-step and minimal techno, here re-convening with fellow Milanese journeymen Aitch and primordial OOze/xàr num as Cortex of Light to blur those edges even further

'ILLUMINOTECNICA' isn't the trio's first release, but it's their most substantial and easily most developed. If 2024's 'Aeon Is A Child At Play With Colored Balls' showed off their aptitude for threading their luminous soundscapes into a horizontal soundtrack, then this album is a proper chance for Cortex of Light to show off their versatility in a different setting, matching dancefloor hallucinations with expertly sculpted sound design.

Psilocybin-tainted soundscapes scrape into breathy flute sounds and chest-thumping bass drops on the opener, haunted by a vision of electronic music that's been contrived in back rooms, squats and outdoor raves for decades at this point. Like so much of the rest of the 3XL catalog, there's a drive and coherence here that comes from classic dub techno and chill-out room fodder (think The Black Dog or Pentatonik), but always infused with something that dates it to the present era, be it a tactile sliver of Visible Cloaks-style neo-new age ambience, or a sort of mescaline-dipped take on Photek's bass-heavy, meticulously hazed 'Solaris' period downtempo gear, chopped 'n screwed into the uncanny.

Sneaker Social Club welcome a veritable supergroup of bass heavyweights in the form of Legion. Made up of Trends, Boylan, P Jam and D.O.K., this four strong collective first came to light with the We Are Many 12" on Artikal Music in 2021, and now they regroup for another four-strong payload of soundsystem pressure that embraces the darkness in devastating fashion.

The Sister Abigail EP leads with 'Rastaman', an ice-cold half-step drop that summons the spirit of early dubstep in its raw minimalism, eerie atmospherics and snarling low-end wobble. Without an ounce of fat, it's a lean workout of drums and bass that finds catharsis in simplicity without compromising on high definition detail. 'Souls' locks into a jerky groove to set the dance off at acute angles, nudging the textures up a notch without disturbing the spartan mood of the release. 'Sister Abigail' pushes the underlying malevolence of the Legion sound to the forefront with dissonant sheet-metal tones while packing the rhythm section into a tight, vicious formation of gnashing, chrome-plated teeth. 'Play That Vibe' seals the deal on the EP with a hard-thumping, propulsive groove that calls to mind the techy development of dubstep in the 2010s — a taut, tracky throwdown to keep the intensity on a rolling boil.

Drawing on the grounding principles of OG dubstep with a sharp line in crisp, modernist production and a ruthless economy of arrangement on display, Legion prove many cooks can still result in a potent, brutally focused broth.

Introspekt’s hotly anticipated debut album Moving The Center comes nearly a year after the release of her latest EP Tectónica. Set to be released on June 20th, Moving the Center sees Introspekt play homage to dubstep’s point of genesis in South London in order to then shift the center of focus from a singular point of origin, to a more global narrative of bass and vibration. The album blends UK bass with contrasting genres like garage and ballroom, creating the perfect feminine blend of these historically masculine genres. The album merges the Black diaspora from across the Atlantic, crafting a sonic world where past, present and future are parallel and immersed in an early millennium type dubstep soundscape.

Speaking about the album, Introspekt says, “‘Moving The Center’ embodies an alternate perspective to that which has been dominant in dance music, particularly so-called ‘bass music’. The narrative it presents is one which throws a wrench in the seemingly common perception of Dubstep as a masculinist sensibility. ‘Moving The Center’ pushes a feminine physicality to the front of the bassbins. Femmes to the front!”

Explosive UK producer Bullet Tooth — one of the most talked-about names in bass music for 2025 — crashes onto Time Is Now, the cutting-edge sister label of Shall Not Fade, with a thunderous three-track EP that delivers nothing short of pure, sub-heavy chaos. Known for his genre-warping blend of UKG, breaks, jungle, and grime-inflected basslines, Bullet Tooth has been making serious waves in the underground with his uncompromising sound and high-octane DJ sets.

Drawing influence from the raw energy of early dubstep and the precision of modern UK club sounds, Bullet Tooth’s productions are built to devastate dancefloors — and this latest release is no exception. Packed with seismic low-end pressure, razor-sharp percussion, and twisted vocal chops, each track is a statement of intent from a producer firmly in his stride.

This marks Bullet Tooth’s debut on Time Is Now, a label that has rapidly become a cornerstone of the UK’s contemporary bass scene. Since its launch, Time Is Now has earned a reputation for championing the next generation of bass-heavy innovators — from UKG and breaks to jungle and speed garage — offering a platform for artists who push the boundaries of sound system culture with forward-thinking flair.

With this release, Bullet Tooth not only cements his place among the UK’s most exciting producers but also adds another essential entry to Time Is Now’s ever-growing catalogue of future classics.

Orbital London returns after a three - year hiatus with "Revenant EP" , marking its lucky number seven release — this time featuring Jack Michael and the debut of Romanian duo The Apricots , consisting of Alexandra and DJ Slim Fit . A destined musical match, as Alexandra has been an Orbital fan since the very beginning.

Staying true to its concept, the release features two original tracks — one from each artist — while pushing creative boundaries as they remix each other's work.

On Side A , Jack Michael’s “Infinity” goes fast and driving with a heavy bassline, blending breakbeat and techno flavors. A haunting winding melody and a mysterious vocal add to the track’s hypnotic energy. The Apricots’ remix of Jack’s track blurs the lines between electro and breakbeat, with a trance vibration in the underneath layers and surprise dubstep insertion with a dirty bassline.

On Side B , The Apricots’ “Subdued” is powered by the rich, broken - beat percussion and a wild, rave - inspired bassline. As the title suggests, the heaviness of the bas s is m omentarily tamed by the emotive pads and melodies — only to return stronger for a different , yet electrifying bass interlude, topped with a deep male vocal. Jack Michael’s re shape of "Subdued" takes a dreamier approach, crafting a deeper breakbeat journey, dominated by long hefty bass wave s and bathed in quirky synths and etherial pads.

Fast Castle kicks off 2025 with another five-track heater: Stable Units by Gent1e $oul!
Across five tracks, Gent1e $oul hones his signature blend of bass-driven genres, adding more dancefloor-focused cuts to his ever-expanding sonic universe.
The opener, 4TC Boom, came together in a single restless session, crafted as a late-night special for the label’s most recent dance at Fitzroy. Its thick, drippy bassline—born from Digitakt overdrive manipulation—makes it the perfect stalactite cave anthem.
Next up, Paladin—named after the strongest horseback unit in Gentle $oul’s beloved AOE II—marks Gent1e $oul’s second collaboration with recent Femme Bass Mafia production graduate Rolex3k. This jersey-tinged, wubby roller was first road-tested by MSJY at Reef, where it proved its undeniable dancefloor potential.
Who doesn’t love that classic M1 grime flute? +390 pairs its signature "ring ring" sound with rolling UK techno drums, making for a no-brainer DJ tool.
On the flip, Steppe Lancer is a brooding, venomous mutation—headsy, progressive, and laced with heavy, evil energy. An FCHQ favorite and one for the heads!
Closing things out, Parthian Tactics dives deep with a late-night dubstep cut. Powerful enough to shake the subs, yet swaying in half-time for those introspective moments.
For the artwork, our graphic wizard Jonas went all out, creating a stunning detailed Bronze Age–inspired 3D equestrian design. Snag the full-cover printed vinyl via Bandcamp or at your favorite record store.

Quick Guide
4TC Boom, 154bpm – Drippy stalactite cave, peak-time weapon
Paladin, 142bpm – Wubby jersey roller, groovy DJ tool
+390, 138bpm – Grime-tinged dubstep x techno hybrid
Steppe Lancer, 154bpm – Headsy, progressive rattlesnake venom bomb
Parthian Tactics, 146bpm – Deep dubstep for late-night sessions

Rinse France branches out with a brand new label of its own and who better to inaugurate it than Paris-based Beatrice M. The producer makes a knowing nod to dubstep's golden era on this debut with the first version of 'Magic.' It is built on steppy rhythms with seriously wobbling basslines that are all-consuming. Glitchy effects and shimmering synths finish it in style and leave you dreaming of dubstep dances gone by. The B-side is a Techno Mix that reimagines the original with a driving four-on-the-floor rhythm and plenty of richly atmospheric pads.

This is a four-track sampler taken from parts one and two of the One Hundred and Fifty Steps VEP series which is all about exploring the rise of 150 bpm dubstep, a sound that is characterised by fast basslines, broken rhythms and heavy halftime pulses. From VEP pt. 1, L.A.'s Carre delivers pacey wobblers and then Berlin's Formella debuts with playful breaks and more wobbly bass on 'Dripstep'. VEP pt. 2 features Leipzig's Old Man Crane with their intricate, syncopated style shinning through on 'Grey' and Valencia's Andrae Durden then shows class with a Kryptic Minds-inspired low-end powerhouse.

You’d be forgiven for assuming Main Phase hails from the UK with a style and sound so intertwined with the sound of the British isles. The Copenhagen-born DJ and producer Main Phase is no newcomer to the bass scene however. The last couple of years have seen him quickly rise to being one of the people at the very top of the new wave of UK leaning music.

His contribution to the scene throughout the years, both as a DJ, producer, and co-owner of the independent label, ATW Records, with Interplanetary Criminal, has seen him play and tour some of the greatest parties and venus in the world. From Fabric in London, Boiler Room in Berlin to Lost Sundays in Sydney, he’s been making waves with his unique blend of old and new, UK garage, speed garage, dubstep and jungle – always with a big chunk of unreleased material from himself.

Main Phase has released full EPs and remixes on Hardline Sounds, Instinct, Locked On, ec2a and more – and he’s producing forward-thinking speed garage with Interplanetary Criminal as ATW and futuristic jungle with Lille Høg as First Touch. His work has gained credit from the likes of Ben UFO, Emerald, Pangaea and many more.

About the track / On the EP, Main Phase has said:

“This EP really encapsulates the sound of euro house and UK fused in one. Four big tunes for every hour of the night, there’s bumpy, suave, there’s organ, there’s swing and there’s peak time rave reminiscence across the EP. For club use only!"

Spandau20, an imprint named after the Western Berlin district and focused on artists from the area, delivers techno in all diverse forms - from warehouse and electronic peak time beats to breaks and IDM, balancing the old and new school sounds flawlessly. With a focus on vinyl releases, for the collectors, Spandau20 has lately also focused on its label nights, with showcases at Fabric, Bassiani and many others. The label's 10th release features 10 tracks that epitomise the musical diversity of Spandau20 and the progressive musical mindset of its roster, calling on the label favourites and Spandau natives to deliver brand new and exciting music. This special release even features one track that all artists have worked on together: 'Come Closer', a swarming, slithering beginning featured as the VA's opener. Its barely coherent female vocal echoing amidst a cacophony of demon-like effects. The chilling ambience captured at the offset transcends into the first full length track by Elli Acula, 'Floating Eyes', a cur characterised by an authoritative, pounding bass featuring calculated percussive rolls and metallic overtones to make for a face-scrunching opener to this devilish collection of works. FJAAK follow for the first of twin cameo appearances, partnering up with fellow live supremo and hardware aficionado KiNK. On 'Overbridge' the trio deliver a cavernous, rolling number driven by a deep thrumming bass in addition to a razor-edged lead synth, and pulsating technopattern. Dajusch is known for incorporating his years of classical study in with his immersive musical style - and with his VA effort the Berlin native neatly showcases this. Easing the energy slightly, 'Move' escalates from its warm, melodic intro into rumbling goliath of a beat comprising a looping, slew of gassy harmonics. The momentum of the release shifts considerably with the introduction of acutely versatile producer, DJ and sound artist Claus. The artist from Spandau leans his track 'Bloomscroll' towards sparse, dubby sonics in which he intricately ties together to form churning, burgeoning soundscape. FJAAK jolt proceedings back into the techno groove with their signature blend of arresting sub-bass and reverberating rhythms, which come thick, fast and heavy on 'Jackfruit'. The abstract wonder of Anna Z's broken-beat like stylings is fully explored on 'Icy Liq'. It's outlandish and amorphous in its execution, causing a clattering percussive chaos that's choicely pieced together by the modular-extraordinaire. Nikk stealthy moves into breaks territory with his track 'Down In The Shadows', packing a trap-like snare with an acid-flecked melody and dawn-breaking, dream-like textures. The penultimate track on the VA is 'Tufted'. J.Manuel expertly employs a chorus of robot-like sonics that course through a short-circuiting low-end to produce a pacy, inescapable journey via a whirling, merciless beat. He is joined by the legendary producer Tobi Neumann for their menacingly ambient number titled 'Fennec.' In parts a nod to UK dubstep, the duo concocts a fierce admixture of styles bolstering tribal-like components with industrialised overtones and methodically crafted drum-fills.

*REPRESS* 2x12"

Poland's finest reggae dubstep export is back to guide us through the long dark winter with his highly anticipated second studio
album, Subconcious. Mat Miller solidified his position as one of the most exciting global ambassadors for the sound with his 2011
debut album and he returns to the mighty Moonshine Recordings with another killer full length selection of thick dread bassweight
and proper roots vibes. Matt's influences have always been varied, and his music's rich diversity is in full effect across the LP as he
adeptly shifts between tempos and moods, utilising his ear for melody and rhythm to create an absorbing collection of timeless
sounds. The ground shaking sub-frequencies central to each track are built to challenge soundsystems and ignite dancefloors,
whether it's on the livewire rhythms of his jungle indebted track 'Wicked Dub', the driving sonic force of the drum and bass styled
'Different Dub' or the dubbed out, skank-ready movements of tracks like 'Earthwalker' and 'Indra'. As well as the all-powerful bass
pressure, Radikal Guru works with a colourful array of instrumentation, and brings in characterful vocalists YT, Danman and Echo
Ranks to provide melodic lead and reggae lyricism on 'Stay Calm', 'Know Yourself' and 'Warning!' respectively. The final result is
shining example of modern roots/ reggae-centred music in 2013, executed brilliantly and certain to last the test of time.

Bellingham Bass Music

After many years of artistic collaboration, the long-awaited album, KILLING TIME, bringing together London-based MC Killa P and Italian Bass music collective Numa Crew, has finally arrived.

Killa P, a name synonymous with potent lyricism and raw energy in the Grime scene, delivers a vocal masterclass throughout his debut long-player, soundtracked by the stellar production of the Numa Crew. Together they expertly navigate genres including dubstep, grime, dub, and jungle, while maintaining a distinct and cohesive musical identity.

Not simply a collection of individual tracks, Killing Time is a meticulously crafted journey through sound system music. There are no stylistic boundaries, as the long-player encompasses the entire musical spectrum that unites the Italian crew with the London-based MC, with Killa P free to showcase his evolution as an artist. Alongside them, the album also brings together a diverse cast of friends and collaborators, vocalists, and producers, each adding their own unique flavor.

From the pulsating dubstep-infused Boys in Blue, a searing commentary on social inequality, to the reggae-tinged steppa tune Love Inna We Heart featuring Charlie P and Long Range, a plea for unity and love, Killa P's lyrical dexterity shines.

Tracks such as Champion Sound, Badman City Pt.2 featuring the French Ragga legend Big Red, and No Laugh featuring Big Chain and Bristol’s Buggsy are a nod to Killa P's roots, beautifully showcasing his mastery of grime's signature sound, while the sped-up tempos of the Fleck collaboration Jungle Leng, and Can't Get Me Down featuring Ras Demo, inject a jolt of Junglist attitude. Different Life is a vibrant ‘carnival’ jam, that infuses grime and dancehall moods and sees the great Lady Lykez on the second verse.

The album wraps on a contemplative note with Dreaming, a collaboration with Abstract Sonance, and Heartless, featuring Killa’s son GK on production, revealing an introspective note that adds yet more depth to Killa P's artistry.

As the album’s second track, Family, proclaims: ‘man a deal with family, not friends’ - a fitting line to define the album as a whole… An ode to the unity and strength of family.

Franco Rosso’s epic cinematic opus of reggae social commentary, Babylon, landed in November of 1980. Moving through the film’s opening frames of grey dreary London, two spars – Blue and Ronnie – run with unrestrained anticipation to link with their Ital Lion Sound System brethren. Simultaneously the rest of the crew does what sound crews have done from time: Load them boxes up in the van and trod with vigor to the dance.

But that bassline…The soundtrack notes that carry the celluloid movements of the film’s opening scenes…That bassline…Upside down…Jazzy…Dubby…A bassline like no other reggae bassline the Ital Counselor has ever heard. The hook that got me deep into UK roots music from the band that is my number one inspiration.

If there is bassline that represents the core imperative of Ital Counselor Records, it would have to be Aswad’s Hey Jah Children. It seemed therefore only fitting to bring its absolutely resplendent glory to a new generation. Lovers of sounds and blues, it is time for the dread ital lion sound to once again rise to meet the day. So it is with the deepest of gratitude and respect to the legacy of Aswad (RIP Drummie Zeb) and Franco Rosso, that we present a deeper than deep next cut…Christened here…the Ital Lion Serenade.

In line with all IC releases, we have enlisted top tier session musicians and studio men. Long time IC collaborator, Inyaki BDF, is at the center of the action as the musical maestro. Hopping on the BDF sonic lorry are Aratz Diez on Trombone and James Zugasti on the dub mixes. This crew bring the original composition up-to-date with a heady dubwise weight. Syndrums ricochet while Inyaki’s bassline rumbles teetering as it does somewhere between a modern dubstep warble and its core roots-wise influence in Tony Gad’s original playing.

Diez’s trombone playing comes across like an x-ray of the Aswad Horn Section and keeps intact the jazzy abstraction of the original. In turn, Inyaki goes full 70s synth on the psychedelic dubwise of the B-side’s Operation Swamp 81. UK history buffs better you know the reference in that title and its thematic echoing significance from the UK depicted in Rosso’s film and carried on in remembrance on this here hotter than hot 12”.

A warning: the Zugasti dub cuts are devasting to speaker boxes.

Poet, novelist, musician and academic, Anthony Joseph teams up with legendary UK producer Dave Okumu for forthcoming album, ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’

Dave Okumu, known perhaps best as frontman for The Invisible, though digging deeper into his production credits, huge names emerge such as; Grace Jones, Amy Winehouse, Jesse Ware, Rosie Lowe and Eska. On this album, the magic and alchemy of Dave’s production style showcase subtle sonics and deep layering resulting in a contemporary sound to carry Anthony’s afrofuturistic metrical meanings.

Anthony and Dave first came across each other when working with Shabaka Hutchings during Covid broadcasts, and then after Anthony performed some poems on Dave’s 2023 album ‘I Came From Love’, the seeds of collaboration were sown.

With a little more psychedelia, a little more experimentation, Dave’s eclectic vision focuses on the actual sounds on these pieces. Anthony stated that “The best producers guide you, not push you” now add to that the fact that both these humans were born on the same day, a concoction of laid back attitudes in people with strong purpose, some real magic can happen, naturally.

Early writing sessions for this record took place in 2022, around Mount Blanc in France. Anthony was away touring with long-time collaborator, Jason Yarde. Ideas were a little thin and they found themselves somewhat repeating previous work resulting in Anthony rethinking things a little, and so entered Dave Okumu.

LP opener ‘Satellite’ is a fine example of how this new partnership pans out. New musicians have been enlisted; Dan See (Drums), Aviram Barath (Synths), Nick Ramm on Fender Rhodes and Byron Wallen (Trumpet). Add to that the mighty vocal power house of Eska and we have a whole new dimension of soul and depth, to carry Anthony’s statements. “You build a wall, we go under, you build it higher, we go higher, like a satellite” .

On the album's second single, ‘Tony’ - there’s a nod to all drummers and creators of African rhythms, from the point of view of Afrobeat legend Tony Allen. Highlighting this is drummer’s drummer Richard Spaven as Dave’s choice of skin beater. He successfully reminds us that Tony was someone who understood the real power of rhythm and how it is used to unite people.

As well as the new musicians on this LP, Dave Okumu played all the guitars and used the studio as his tool. On ‘A Juba for Janet’ - a poem to Joseph’s mother, and a track so bass heavy that it feels as though it could sit in a deep dubstep set in Plastic People days, - Anthony’s voice reaches straight down your ear canals next to dark drums, huge synths and delayed saxophone stabs from Colin Webster. Slightly more introspective verses on ‘An Afrofuturist Poem’ see Dave’s beats show off the real future sound of this record, kalimba, moog bass and guitars all played by the man himself.

Mellower and deeper moments are also present, Anthony’s cryptic yet informative storytelling is at its absolute best on ‘Churches Of Sound (The Benetiz-Rojo)’ - Caribbean and Windrush history reeled off alongside a linear musical timeline of Black music in the diaspora.

A reminder that this body of work is first of 2 volumes, ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’ is not a follow up to Anthony’s previous album, but more a development of his 2006 novel, ‘The African Origins of UFOs’ a book where experimental elements of afro-futurism, metafiction, science fiction, surrealism, mythology are rewritten in Anthony’s innovative language. Look out for Volume 2 also coming in 2025.

Anthony Joseph releases, ‘Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back’ (Vol. 1) via Heavenly Sweetness 7th February 2025 and he will play live at Ronnie Scotts in London on 14th March 2025, with Dave Okumu as a special guest.

CREDITS:

Vocals - Anthony Joseph

Additional vocals, vocal arrangements - Eska Mtungwazi

Producer - Guitars, Bass, Moog, Synthesisers, Programming, Percussion - Dave Okumu

Drums - Dan See

Drums on ‘Tony’ - Richard Spaven

Synthesiser - Aviram Barath

Fender Rhodes, Synthesisers, Nick Ramm

Trumpet - Byron Wallen

Saxophones - Colin Webster

Trombones - James Wade Sired

In the late 1980s, as techno and house made its way around Europe, mutating as it hopped from city to city, one young DJ from Curacao made a mistake that would inspire a brand new sound. While he was performing at Den Haag's Club Voltage, DJ Moortje accidentally dropped a dancehall track at 45RPM rather than 33, and let it play out. Thirsty for a hi-NRG sound, the crowd loved the squeaky vocals and rapid beat, and bubbling (or bubbling house) was born.For the next couple of decades, bubbling was a crucial part of Holland's Afro-diasporic club landscape. And as a new generation of wide-eyed young DJs and producers began to take the reins, it evolved accordingly. In the late-2000s, Den Haag-based teenage prodigy Guillermo Schuurman followed in the footsteps of his uncle DJ Chippie (one of the genre's co-founders) and cousins DJ Daycard, DJ Master-D, Stiko Jnr and DJ Justme, and began performing and writing beats. Using Fruityloops, he fused familiar bubbling rhythms with rap and R&B samples, trance synths and electro house wobbles, and his tracks quickly became a regular fixture on the Dutch circuit."Bubbling Inside" is a collection of Schuurman's most essential cuts from the era (2007-2009), with a couple of newer productions added for context. Crafted solely for the dance, most of these tracks were never properly released and have been painstakingly hunted down and collected by the Nyege Nyege Tapes together with Sascha Roth from Pantropical in Rotterdam and De Schuurman himself. Hearing them together highlights just how forward thinking the young producer was, steering a Dutch institution into the future.2008's 'First One' is a proto-Berghain belter, with booming bass-heavy kicks underpinning the kind of cheeky melodies that remain the calling card of the genre. 'Pier Je Bil!!' ratchets up the tempo, twisting bubbling's syncopated dancehall kicks into a rapid-fire club clatter and decorating them with steel-pan melodies. Elsewhere, 2019's 'Domina' shows how Schuurman's production style has developed as he mutates trap percussion, dubstep bass and eerie synth textures, while retaining the DNA of bubbling. "Bubbling Inside" is a testament to the evolution of the bubbling genre, as witnessed by one of its most visionary producers.

In the late 1980s, as techno and house made its way around Europe, mutating as it hopped from city to city, one young DJ from Curacao made a mistake that would inspire a brand new sound. While he was performing at Den Haag's Club Voltage, DJ Moortje accidentally dropped a dancehall track at 45RPM rather than 33, and let it play out. Thirsty for a hi-NRG sound, the crowd loved the squeaky vocals and rapid beat, and bubbling (or bubbling house) was born.For the next couple of decades, bubbling was a crucial part of Holland's Afro-diasporic club landscape. And as a new generation of wide-eyed young DJs and producers began to take the reins, it evolved accordingly. In the late-2000s, Den Haag-based teenage prodigy Guillermo Schuurman followed in the footsteps of his uncle DJ Chippie (one of the genre's co-founders) and cousins DJ Daycard, DJ Master-D, Stiko Jnr and DJ Justme, and began performing and writing beats. Using Fruityloops, he fused familiar bubbling rhythms with rap and R&B samples, trance synths and electro house wobbles, and his tracks quickly became a regular fixture on the Dutch circuit."Bubbling Inside" is a collection of Schuurman's most essential cuts from the era (2007-2009), with a couple of newer productions added for context. Crafted solely for the dance, most of these tracks were never properly released and have been painstakingly hunted down and collected by the Nyege Nyege Tapes together with Sascha Roth from Pantropical in Rotterdam and De Schuurman himself. Hearing them together highlights just how forward thinking the young producer was, steering a Dutch institution into the future.2008's 'First One' is a proto-Berghain belter, with booming bass-heavy kicks underpinning the kind of cheeky melodies that remain the calling card of the genre. 'Pier Je Bil!!' ratchets up the tempo, twisting bubbling's syncopated dancehall kicks into a rapid-fire club clatter and decorating them with steel-pan melodies. Elsewhere, 2019's 'Domina' shows how Schuurman's production style has developed as he mutates trap percussion, dubstep bass and eerie synth textures, while retaining the DNA of bubbling. "Bubbling Inside" is a testament to the evolution of the bubbling genre, as witnessed by one of its most visionary producers.

dBridge, is well known for his excellent hybrid, genre bending, fusion between advanced drum&bass, dubstep, electronica and beyond. A true game changer and again he shows this on his new EP Violence of positivity on Candy Mountain with 3 fast paced modern steppers and a dark driving electro bombs!!!

2026 Repress

Mala's "Changes", the legendary dubstep anthem first released in 2007 on DEEP MEDi MUSIK, is back.

Widely recognized as a defining moment in the evolution of dubstep, "Changes" stands as a testament to Mala's artistry and influence.

This 'white label' vinyl repress reintroduces that unmistakable haunting melody and it's sound system crushing bassline.
A timeless piece that defined an era and continues to inspire new generations.

Whether you're hearing it for the first time or rediscovering its brilliance, this music on vinyl is how it was meant to be experienced.

Mala's "Changes" is available now for pre-order via DEEP MEDi Bandcamp and your fav retailers starting today.

Cinthie steps up to Aus Music's 200 series with Rave Baby EP.
The popular underground mainstay offers three effective and emotive house weapons Cinthie has been at the heart of the European underground for many years. The Berlin-based artist heads up her cultured 803 Crystal Grooves label and the well-respected Elevate.Berlin recordstore. She has a vast vinyl collection and a deep understanding of house that makes her a favourite all around the world. She has long been a key part of the Aus family and has recently branched out into playing live, all while continuing to serve up timeless sounds that range from rave-ready to deep and driving.
This EP is the third in a run of four releases from different artists to mark the 200th outing of Will
Saul's influential Aus Music. It is an era-defining label that has platformed some of the scene's
brightest stars way before they broke out. Since launching in 2006, the label has remained dedicated to releasing club-ready music with a cultured edge from deep and melodic house to the earliest bass-driven post-dubstep fusions.

Cinthie pushes herself into a more ravey fast-paced direction with her lead single 'Rave Baby'. The well swung kicks are full of warmth as a nimble bassline phrase gets hands in the air and crisp percussion cuts up the beats. It's peak-time fun that completely takes off with the raved-up piano stabs and a steamy female vocal. 'I Warned You Baby' sinks into a deeper groove that harks back to 90s New Jersey with diffuse chords, Nu Groove style vocals and punchy drum programming full of good vibes. Closer 'What's Poppin'' is passionate house music with depth and drive. Raw percussion, turbo-charged retro stabs and another standout bassline make it a high-class weapon.

Declassified Records is back with its 6th release - 2 more tracks crafted by the label owner himself SP:MC. Staying true to the original ideology of his imprint, SP:MC once again aims to fuse & contort his influences from the Drum & Bass & Dubstep scenes into the 2-step / UKG framework. The A side ‘XL Bully’ is definitely the more up front & hard hitting of the two tracks - drawing inspiration from the palette of Digital & Spirit, Total Science & Rufige Kru’s previous works. The flipside ‘Core Memories’ is a deeper cut leaning towards a more Detroit feel - you can undoubtably hear a nod to the late great Marcus Intalex & ST Files here. Declassified continues the forge its own path forwards, already becoming recognised as a ‘buy on sight’ label for UK bass music fans.

The ever prolific Teffa is back on LoDubs, albeit for his first Vinyl EP.

As just alluded to, this is the second meeting of the Far West Ruler and the Low End Master from Leeds, although one might be forgiven for blinking and missing the highly sought after (sold out in 5 minutes) Poly DubPlate cut released in early 2023, which was a matter of course in a year where pressing turn times quadrupled. As glad as we are that those days are in the past it also still left the inkling that a full release was necessary once the time and tunes presented themselves.

..And as such, here we have a total of 6 now-ting Grime hybrids (4 on the vinyl, and 2 vinyl-only bonus tracks in the DL and details on how to get those as a poly Dub, only for owners of the vinyl EP), Containing the elastic basslines of a true UKG and Dubstep Stalwart, whilst stretching those elements over syncopated, at time staccato-esque riddims, all beneath a novel modernization of the stilted, subharmonic and eski-esque synth bass pads that are quintessentially Grime. There truly is more to these with each listen, all the while grabbing you at first go.

State of the art: From the one and only Teffa.

2024 Reissue

The syndicate manifests its sonic potential in full glory. Giving rise to this collection of colossal heavyweights, Sentry demonstrates its spotless record of selecting certified heavyweights for the discography once again, twenty-fold. Stepping into the ring are some of the scene's most prolific artists alongside a plethora of promising, choice newcomers.

Boasting more than an hour of supercharged sound system pressure with names like Caspa, Truth, Bukez Finezt, Nomine and Youngsta himself on the controls - the subsequent inferno proves to be an authoritative display of quality bass music, that is sure to reach roaring stacks of speakers all around the globe for years to come."

"Vintage flavours transmute into fiery low-end excursions in 'Sun Ra' as Onhell reigns with fire and brimstone and makes way for what's to come. Rolling on, Taso lays waste with dimly lit half-time flows as we enter the smoke-filled mansion of Argo's meticulously crafted 'Since Then' - a prime cut of hip-hop infused breakbeats and bass.

Abstrakt Sonance & Substance set the heater into overdrive and blunts aflame as we proceed into the shelling of 207's 'Gypsy Dub' - then promptly being crunched to bits by 'Crocodile' - encapsulating Dayzero's cold-blooded dance floor armaments. Brace yourself for battle as we step to the drums of Caspa's tribal warfare, full-frontal assault engineered for the club.

Unrestrained power surges propelling us onwards in Coltcut & Ourman's decidedly high-grade collaboration as listeners march through Khiva's haunting sound system belter 'Teeth' and a zealous dosage of Dubstep as envisioned by Truth. Led through eerie alleys and pressure-ridden environments with LSN on the buttons, the onslaught proceeds with the relentlessly driving 'R U Broke' in Mr. K's signature style.

Opus merciless injects straight fury in an auditory form in the spiked 'Lime Pickle' - Bukez Finezt keeping pace with a murderous Cembalo-ridden thug anthem, lunacy! Minimal instrumentation to its fullest effect, Sukh Knight's 'Modulate' keeps it spicy - as does the claustrophobic sub-bass chiming by Leftlow. Thanom ignites what's left of the residual air in 'Tumble It' - dangerous goods.

The subsequent time bomb armed by A:Grade & Feonix, cast into the abyss that is Nomine's space-bending 'Judas' - big speaker business. The clock strikes its final hour - Youngsta & Cimm finish off the survivors with a no-holds-barred showdown, the 'Last Judgement' executing its massive verdict.

With his Premise EP, Felix Fleer unites long-held ideas into a cohesive and deeply personal collection, offering a unique blend of intricate textures and fragile harmonies that reward attentive listeners with its meticulous attention to detail. The title track “Premise“ opens the A- side with an infectious garage groove and Fleer’s signature brand of detuned vintage polysynths, building up to a bright crescendo that reveals a rhythmically captivating vocal hook. “Know U” features a piercing drum groove, occasionally interrupted by abstract Buchla glitches and a reduced RnB vocal chop paired with ethereal, almost organ-like layers of pads to culminate in a stripped-down moment for the bass line to take center stage. The main theme of “Thinkage” is a classic break paired with a layered pattern of abstract, percussive vocal chops. This rhythmic pulse is accompanied by a wild harmony of constantly warping and evolving pads and drawn-out bass sounds. Opening the B-side, “Real Love” is the darkest tune on the EP. Its unstable chords and intricate, unpredictable textures induce a constant sense of unease, held together by a subtle techno groove. “Rush” contrasts this with a euphoric chord progression reminiscent of early post-dubstep anthems. The EP closes with “Drift,” a final climax that revisits previous themes, offering a powerful and uplifting resolution.

Artisjok Records is happy to present you the second EP on the label of 'Hyas' - a Lyon based DJ / Producer who knows no bounds in merging different influences. The release kicks off with "Level", a fusion of broken beat and dub techno that creates a deep, textured sound, setting the tone for the entire journey. "Yellow Zushi" follows with a jazzier approach, weaving broken beat drums with smooth, melodic elements. For footwork aficionados, "Dontgiveashit" delivers at 160 BPM, blending a funky, jazzy vibe that captures the producer's energetic yet laid-back style. "In Walked Dub" then introduces the bass-heavy wobble of dubstep, featuring a homemade bassline that will shake any sound system. Finally, "Exclusive" pays homage to the early days of Skream with raw, dubstep-inspired grooves that will resonate with fans of the genre.

Rarefied's Newest Sonic Assault Finds Label Mates Sibla And Zygos In Some Chthonic Dwelling Performing Occult Rites For Sub Bass Dominance. Three Prime Cuts Of Out-there Dubstep For Fans Of Moldy, Decrepit Basements, Decaying Houses In The Middle Of Woods, And Fog Drenched Nights.

the Path' Heaves Underneath Pneumatic Infrabass Pressure And A Din Of Percussion That Sounds Like A Warehouse Falling Apart. It Lurches Forward On Broken Ankles, Scanning With Cataract Eyes, For Its Next Victim.

The Aptly Named haunted' Is Built From The Ground Up On Evp Recordings, Static Hiss, And Disintegrating Tape Reels. A Lone Scream Echoes Towards Infinity Until The Mid-way Point Where Black Stars Crack The Void.

The Circle Is Complete With sigil'. Hewn Together With Horror Flick Soundtracks, Whispered Voices And A Feral Half-step Foundation. It Seems Zygos And Sibla's Golem Has Breathed Life For The First Time.

Atlanta native Stefan Ringer steps up for a solo release on Bristol’s Black Acre, tracing a lineage of sonic references into an unmissable four-track EP. From radiant, soulful house to wonky machine funk, Soulflow is a distillation of cultural and personal narratives, tracing the evolution of his sound over a number of years. As an influential force in Atlanta’s dance music community - and with a strong connection to the sounds of Detroit - Stefan’s music reflects a genuine love for the underground. He held a residency at the legendary Sound Table with Ash Lauryn until its closure, runs the beloved monthly party Kudzu, and has spent years committed to his craft as a producer, DJ, promoter, and label manager. Tying the threads between an ever-expanding pool of sounds, his approach to production looks beyond the restraints of formal genre, and instead towards community, offering new sonic frameworks for others to soundtrack their own personal journeys. Black Acre has, since its inception in 2007, focused on strains of electronic music that mutate across different styles, and as such, Soulflow touches on a number of subcultural moments. As the name suggests, the title track is an uplifting, 101 groove of stripped back soul, driven by Stefan’s vocal treatments. ‘What’s Your Sign’ heads into hazier territory for an angular cut of minimal hypnotism. Taking a trip further into Stefan’s musical heritage with a nod to mid-2000s dubstep, ‘Cleanse’ is a half-time stepper adorned with glistening keys and improvised melodies that flawlessly embodies the cross-pollinated spirit of the genre, continuing the lineage of what occurred before with a sincere appreciation. Rounding things off is ‘Body Know’ - born from an experiment with a bass guitar and beat-boxed percussion - that fuses echoed vocals with a driving, analogue funk. Soulflow offers an honest portrayal of Stefan’s musical story, honing in on its past to build an expansive vision of its future. As he summarises succinctly: ‘This collection offers a glimpse into my journey thus far, with the anticipation of more to come.

'Liberosis', ein Album in drei Kapiteln, markiert einen bedeutenden Meilenstein in Canblasters künstlerischer Reise. Es präsentiert eine introspektive Odyssee durch 18 Tracks, fachmännisch gemischt von Steve Dub, bekannt für seine Arbeit als Tontechniker für die Chemical Brothers. Diese Platte navigiert geschickt durch die Bereiche Pop, Club, Drum'n'Bass, 2-Step und Dubstep, untergräbt ihre narrativen und stilistischen Konventionen und untersucht gleichzeitig die Natur des "Drops" und die Mensch-Maschine-Dynamik. Da es in einem Zwischenbereich operiert, dient es weder rein funktionalen Zwecken noch vertieft es sich in konzeptionelle Abstraktion. Stattdessen beschwört es Landschaften herauf, die Themen wie Apokalypse und Erneuerung, Hoffnung und Unvermeidlichkeit hervorrufen. Stimmfragmente in einer rätselhaften, aber beschwörenden Sprache unterstreichen die Klanglandschaft und erinnern an die ätherische Atmosphäre, die in Videospiel-Soundtracks wie z.B. 'Final Fantasy' zu finden ist. Es ist eine Welt, die sowohl von menschlichen Emotionen als auch von technischem Können angetrieben wird und den Geist des Yellow Magic Orchestra und des verstorbenen Ryuichi Sakamoto heraufbeschwört, wenn auch mehr in ihrer Essenz als in ihrem direkten musikalischen Einfluss. Vinyl only Release und als Gatefold 2LP-Set (Black Vinyl) erhältlich.

Tip!

Polido has been fantasizing with the idea of free music throughout his artistic career. Free from restraints, logos, musical genres, but also from this modern obsession with narratives, plans, business plans, algorithms and bubble wrapped ideas for comfort of those of you that can’t breathe without everything making sense.
“Hearing Smoke” has nothing of that. It has been four years since Holuzam released the double album “A Casa e os Cães / Sabor a Terra” and for four years I have been daydreaming about what would come next. This is it, eleven new pieces about the future of the future of music. It is the result of years of study, research and sound consolidation. Sound as matter, mutating, transforming, absorbing all around, a shapeshifting entity connecting with the principles of freedom.

"Polido has been researching Portuguese contemporary composition, its very own sounds and ideas. Its origins, the web of repression, tension and censorship before the April 25th revolution in 1974; secondly, as an afterthought, freedom, equality and a unique sense of community and belonging screaming through the music. He absorbed those states of mind and made an album that listens to the current world and presents globalization as a mental trap.
If the music that inspired him somehow comes from a post-colonial world, “Hearing Smoke” questions how we can create something new in this permanent state of cultural colonization, where new trends or forms of music only thrive if they are accepted by the dominant cultures. The physical world has been transformed, but ideas like “world music” or “ghetto music” still show that dominance, the Strange can only be accepted if it incorporates the rules and codes of that dominant force. What I am saying is that it is hard for Portuguese musicians to present themselves as original. They will never have that credit unless the music relates to something that exists in another

realm. Never for their benefit, but for the power of association. I may sound arrogant here, but Polido is unique, original, one of a kind (all those words, all those redundant synonyms). I knew it four years ago when I got lost in the way “A Casa e os Cães” is assembled and how he makes something memorable out of the most commonplace conversations. “Hearing Smoke” continues the flow and puts us in the centre of these ever evolving masses of sound.
Somehow his music finds you, it starts speaking with you until it asks you to be a part of it. Polido’s beats and harmonics are combined in such a tender way that you mellow out while listening to these beats - thinking of the brilliant “Saque”. Even when he exposes you to something more harsh - “Canto D’Amorte” or the closing moments of the last track “Custa A Crer” - there’s still a cradle effect.
But what keeps me returning to this album is how it seems to transform in my ears. Not every time I listen to it, but while I am listening to it. The sound seems to move, embracing me and controlling my inner thoughts. These start to move along at the same pace, with the same feeling of cloudiness. Nothing new here, the thing is how it feels different from time to time, how the music, because of something that changes or moves, comes as a catharsis/revelation. It drives me nuts how the beats come and go in tracks like “Fogo Firme (Encomendação)” or “The More I Think, The Less I Can Speak“, leaving everything suspended and, simultaneously, relieved. When dramatic - ”Prova De Existência“ - it is sad af and gorgeously epic.

Trap, bass music, dubstep, ambient, hauntology and contemporary music flow side by side here, no pushing around, free of interpretation, and you are free to feel or listen to whatever you want in “Hearing Smoke”. That’s free music for you. Not a hard concept, something for you to enjoy, feel, reflect about. This is what the future will sound like."

André Santos // Holuzam

A momentous signing for DDD, as the label welcomes one of the most influential artists in dubstep’s history: CASPA.

On his Inner Space EP, which drops on September 6th, the producer takes refuge within his introspective sanctuary of ice cold beats, deep pulsating bass and futuristic sound design - presenting a four-track tour de force of 140 that is at once impactful as it is cohesive and holistic.

This one is also available as a limited edition picture disc vinyl.

Dubstep's origins lie in dark 2-step mutations that evolved on dancefloors and in studios in the early 2000s. That same fusion of swing and space and subs can be found by the bucketload throughout the new EP by one of DNO’s staples, Kercha.
Skippy speed garage hats and slippery globules of bass animate the otherwise sparse production on the opening track ‘Feature’, while the wild beat on ‘Absurd’ could catch out any DJs not giving it their full attention. Wrapped in Kercha’s signature sonic debris, it delivers three and a half minutes of rattling, clicking, squelching wizardry.

The B-side gives us ‘Stimulate’, a collaboration with new-gen rising star Hypho. Indebted to trap, it’s full of militant 808 hi-hat rolls and the kind of firing synth tones that spell doom in a sci-fi movie (and tear up festival stages).

Finally, ‘Saturday’ is classic Kercha: sub-bass from the Seventh Circle, and so many suspicious chirps, whistles and hoots that it could soundtrack a nighttime stroll through the woods just as easily as skanking in a smoked-out sweatbox. The track is peppered with voice notes from a friend — snatches of funny, halfcut chatter, as random in content as Kercha's non-vocal sampladelia. The final snippet, which translates to “Saturday dictates its rules”, gives the track its name. A statement that can be read in all sorts of ways, it could even confer a motto for this whole collection, reflecting Kercha’s trademark originality.

The ‘Absurd’ EP is one of Kercha’s most dancefloor-directed releases to date, and whether conjuring the ghosts of club nights past or envisioning the raves of the future, it’ll be dominating sound systems for a long time to come.

Rhythms of postmodern realism at the very bottom of the DNO.

You're about to witness the return of Seahorse to BCSM. After he set the start for BCSM Records back in 2018 with the legendary BCSM001, we're more than happy to welcome back the Munich based producer with a brand new 12" vinyl release.

It can't get deeper than on this one. The Black Hole EP comes with four new productions ready for the soundsystem. Expect a overwhelming mixture of contemporary steppers dub, original dubstep niceness and outerworldly bass works. Imagine yourself getting caught in a blackhole and enter a different dimension full of wobbling bass and auditory deepness. This is the sound that makes walls fall into pieces.

Seahorse developed his production style over the last years to the max, so get ready to fulljoy this heavy bass shower.

For the extra portion sub, LXC lifted the frequencies again.

As deep and wonky as it gets, Buffalo bass wizard isded is back with some potent dubstep saucery in the form of Swang EP - the latest release on Truth’s Deep, Dark & Dangerous imprint.

One slurp of the producer’s potion will see you hypnotized and intoxicated in equal measure as the four cuts of the most matured and delectable bass seep through your veins.

Tribal feels, sub-shattering lows and crisp percussion all coalesce to create the perfect conditions to take the step into the unknown crevices of your own mind.

Ready to get swang? We didn’t think so.

Electro-Bass minimal music... Leftfield Dubstep ?

Repress.

Welcome to “Through Lines”, a collection of hand picked tracks by genre nomad and bass innovator Martyn, made between 2005 and 2015, carefully recovered and remastered for vinyl and digital release on 3024. Previously only available on 12” across a scattering of different labels, this set includes essential ‘Martyn Music’ (as the producer likes to classify it); tracks like “Vancouver” (A 140 staple to this day), “Mega Drive Generation” and his classic remix of TRG’s “Broken Heart”, as well as deeper cuts like the rare “Friedrichstrasse” and house gem “For Lost Relatives”.

This is not just a compilation of remastered music, it’s a document of an era of UK inspired dance music where ideas, genres, tempos and scenes seemed to rapidly merge and splinter off. An exciting time where producers constantly tried to one-up each other with new ideas and influences, in a vibrant international scene of small club nights from FWD>> and DMZ in London to Red Zone (co-run by Martyn) in the periphery, the earliest online forums like Dubstepforum and radio shows like Dj Flight’s BBC 1xtra show and Mary Anne Hobbs’ Breezeblock. Innovation in music never happens in a vacuum and is always a product of community, producers, writers, and other makers continuously inspiring and pushing each other to come up with the next thing. This ethos is present in all of Martyn’s music throughout the years, but also in his work with Jeroen Erosie as 3024 and within the 3024 Mentoring Program he runs today.

alphacut sets off into brushy tribal jungle

the early 2010s have been a prosperous era for a lotta fast dance and bass music. dubstep's magic was fading due to brosounds taking over but the idea of some fresh air inbetween drums and basslines was thankfully carried on into the jungles too. not only halftime but also tribal beats grew strong, whether it being in warm dubby or cold darker reincarnations.
speaking of living on, this plate is not only a sequel to that era but also a tribute to the one like morphy, who brought dubby tribal brushy jungle onto alphacut around that time. it light up a spark to head for new territories, its soul is vibing on in 45seven and especially in this new alphacut - post morphem!

rude operator are opening with a minimal dancehall feel, wriggling from 8bar to 8bar, switching tensions with patterns with a slice of footwork dna inside - zero chances to freeze!
rainforest is stepping on with enlightening skanks and mystic basses under a riddim one simply can't escape as well.
paradox effects is not only flipping sides but vibes pretty much too. keeping it tribal and one-seventy but much darker with an amen from the vaults in a bunker-conrete jungle - the raw and free sound of leipzig.
dreadmaul is closing with a masterpiece which could have been executed by the homaged dubbing don himself. moody pads meet distant dub sirens and robotic amen leftovers step up into a hypnotising groove, taking you back down in the woods.

we are happy to be back with a solid round-up package which should never leave your tribal crates again, zooom!

DJ Support: Disclosure, Ross From Friends, Eliza Rose, Floating Points, Emerald, Jaguar, Danny Rankin

3 years in the making, Peaky Beats debut 10 track LP 'Bloodlines' takes us on a spiritual journey through ancient and modern middle eastern sounds fused with the spectrum of UK Bass music. Heavy subs and intricate rhythms bring this listening experience to life from the hypnotic melodies to the samples only a well-trained ear can catch. As well as teaming up with some good friends on two collaborations, Peaky has delved into a diverse and new sound whilst staying true to his musical roots in late 90’/ early 00’s UK Garage / Dubstep.

* Sounds like a mix of Thom Yorke, Burial, Nils Frahm, all swirled together in a colorful yet creamy mix;

* A blend of Emikas neoclassical descending melodies, signature breathy, female vocals, icey pianos, heavy sub-bass vibrations and layered Hazy beats.

* Sat between her life in moving-boxes, wedged between them surrounding her upright piano in an unfurnished empty-sounding room in her in-laws house. Haze was made with voice-memo recordings of her piano and voice on her phone, edited and mixed on her laptop in headphones. Little loops in Ableton, lyrics, sadness and melodies, just like Emika’s real-life in boxes.

* Emika is set to launch a new event series, inspired by her memories of early Dubstep in the legendary Black Swan venue in Bristol (now closed) she saw her friend Mala play, with one table-lamp, it was all about this new sound, and meditating on the bass-weight. Something she plans to continue in her Haze Nights, where each guest will be gifted a little Haze Light with their ticket.

Nancy June navigates through all things bass, touring across genres of Uk funky, breaks, garage and dubstep. Her mix intertwines sounds of the old and the new as she welcomes resonant rumbles of the underground.