Beats News

Firing out of Wakaan on May 24th is the supercharged new EP from New Zealand’s very own TRUTH. They began working together a decade ago and ramp up the intensity for this four-track offering, which brings out their contagious, floor-filling vibe as an act.

TRUTH kick-start the EP with its title track; a busy bassline and reverbing bass notes thud out of the speakers with fiery direction and crisp rhythms. ‘Goodnight’ blends drifting vocal samples and a deep, grooving beat that has been drenched in low-end energy.

‘Creatures’ is a chance for menacing snatches of melody to infiltrate its commanding bassline, coming in thickly textured waves. The last tune here is ‘For Sure,’ again showcasing TRUTH’s knack for incorporating unique samples and coupling them with a roving, pitched down backdrop.

They say "With this EP we wanted to showcase some of the diversity of our sound. From the triplet-driven crazy energy of the title track ‘The Unexpected’ with its bouncy bassline and in your face sound design. The ravey, garage-esque intro of ‘Goodnight,’ which transforms into a snarling reese-bass monster. ‘Creatures’ is something straight out of the swampy depths, sucking you in with horror vibes. Then ‘For Sure’ is just plain weird, but catchy, upping the tempo on that one.

We've been vibing on Wakaan for a while now, so it's a real honor to be able to release a full EP of material on such a dope label. There also seems to be a massive crossover in people who enjoy the Wakaan sound and people who follow our Deep, Dark & Dangerous label. So we're really excited to see how people respond to this release, and just in general seeing what the future has in store for the scene as a whole!

Oh, and did someone say purple vinyl"?

It’s time to expect ‘The Unexpected’…

This classic DANNY STYLES track was originally released on LUCKY SPIN RECORDINGS and the masters have long been lost. Danny has managed to find the original disks and has painstakingly recreated the original using those old AKAI S1000 & ATARI disks with a borrowed ATARI 1040STE and AKAI S1100 (Thank to Peter Argyle for this!). There was also a previously unreleased mix of LIFE IS A ROLL on the disks which has also been brought back to life and can now be heard for the first time in 25 years.

Set to be one of the biggest tunes of 2019, Vanta Black is a sonic statement like no other.

Headed up by the inimitable instrumental, the release also features the equally sought after Inja vocal version as a digital exclusive and a VIP of Low Blow, the original being the track that started Benny L's Metalheadz journey almost 2 years ago.

Every once in a while a spark of an idea balloons into something astounding and takes the drum & bass world by complete surprise. As an ode to the seminal track by legendary British band The Beatles, Urbandawn has created a very special 174 cover of 'Come Together', featuring the vocals of the world-famous Beatles Bootleg frontman Tyson Kelly.

Urbandawn's unrivalled production has seen him turn the heads of the scene's most infamous figures with support pouring in from dance music titans Andy C, DJ Marky, Danny Byrd, London Elektricity and the track even getting rewinds in the booth from Skrillex.

The 'Come Together' cover doubles down on the combined doses of nostalgia and euphoria. Where the energy from the original British pop culture classic is matched with all of the extravagant trimmings of Urbandawn's unique D+B style. It's first-class-crunch has made some serious noise and propelled him to the forefront of the D+B community, making Urbandawn one of the most sought after dubplate creators.

After notable releases such as his phenomenal 'Gothenburg Cluster' LP and the delightfully dynamic 'Sleeping Awake' EP, the cover comes in a class of its own that has come crashing through the ages - coveted by many, and now finally available for all on a limited edition one sided heavyweight, etched vinyl with classic 60's style design

The new solo project from Jack Stevens AKA one half of SpectraSoul. Under the guise of Workforce, Jack presents 'Late Night Soundtrack Vol. 1' on his new label, Must Make Music.

"Last year I had a chance to work on some music on my own for a bit. I bought some new synths, learnt some new techniques and had some fun writing some new music. This is the first of three EP's that I plan to release in 2019 under my solo Workforce alias, and the banner of 'Late Night Soundtrack’ - a title which hints at the loose concept behind the music; drum & bass for dark rooms, big sound systems, and late nights. I just wanted to challenge myself again, not knowing if I could do it. I wanted to back myself and see where the road might lead."

Traversing the tempo range, ASC is renowned for his versatility and ability to remain a consistent sign of quality no matter what sound he takes on. With his most recent foray into the Grey Area sound and his own unique take on Techno for labels like Horo, Semantica, ARTS and his own Auxiliary, ASC’s sound repertoire has expanded and been wholeheartedly embraced by a wider audience.

The Abyssal Plain sees James briefly returning to the tempo with which he initially perfected his craft. The Siren and Pyrrhic Parts I & II reboot the 85 / 170 Tempo with an advanced retake on the approach he mastered. Acidic scapes and soaring harmonies colour the discernible ASC frames. This is music to get lost in. Currents is an upfront 128bpm version of the ASC sound, a Grey Area / Techno blend that completes this formidable futurist quartet.

Foreign Bodies / Ugly Duckling are taken from the forthcoming new album 'Condition' Watch this space for more info. Supported by Fierce, Kasra, Ant TC1, DJ Friction, Tony Coleman, Fabio, Klute, Marcus Intalex and Presha.

180g
Another crowdfunded project launched on Kickstarter that smashed its target and was featured as a Best Seller on their main page!

Chalke Lom is an enigma. A talented Watford Enigma. Growing up within the London rave scene alongside LTJ Bukem, MCing for Bukem as he was rising up through the ranks and making a name for himself on the circuit. He was also the guy who first pushed LTJ Bukem onto the decks.

This is the true sound of the London Rave scene of the early 90’s, turning the original release of this record into a legendary collectable 12" hitting prices between £130 - £220 on Discogs! Both 'The Resurrection' and 'The Future (Original)' gained cult status by appearing on Bukems mixtapes released on Yamen back in 1993 and helped establish Chalke as a cutting edge Junglist and pioneer of the scene. One of the first Jungle records to have a real musical, deeper edge balanced upon a rugged bassline,

Please Note: This record was mixed down in a bedroom studio in 1993 and has a raw sound to it. This is the sound Chalke wanted and the sound that collectors have paid big money for over recent years. We worked hard in getting this remastered so it reflects the original essence and vibes of those hedonistic days.

Released in a factory sealed Vinyl Fanatiks housebag on 180 gram heavyweight vinyl.

''For ECK003 we celebrate Data Room's debut release on Planet Earth.

This EP sees a future-thinking take on the beloved Junglist movement of the past 30 years.

Data Room delivers 3 tracks of different pace & style, centred around the aforementioned influence. Class, sophistication & bass weight can be expected from this 12".

Accompanying DR on the A-side is V Recordings' Jumpin Jack Frost, one of the original pioneers of jungle/drum & bass. Born & raised in London, growing up in the heyday of rare groove, acid house, hardcore & jungle, JJF brings a fast paced 4/4 driven breakbeat track that delivers the goods 20 beats per minute either side of it's original 158 tempo mark - taking the A2 spot to perfectly adrenalize this release.''

DJ Tango (RIP) was a D&B scene legend and originator.

This series are remastered from Digital Originals and include Dubplate only versions of some classic tracks from the early years

READ CAREFULLY Blistering hardcore punk meets visceral drum and bass. Blastbeats, breakbeats, amen beats and kickdrums. A pure and perfect clash of styles and cultures, born from the same fiercely DIY, anti-authoritarian spirit that has shaped extreme music throughout the decades. This one goes from faster-than-the-speed-of-light-drums with screeching, feedbacking guitars to stomping 220 bpm dancefloor smashers on the flip of a coin.

Five tracks, two guitars, one bass guitar, one drumset, a fuckload of beats and synths. If this sounds too good to be true, that's because it is. We don't know what to tell you, this has never been done before.

For fans of: Minor Threat, Negative Approach, oldschool Amen infused Drum & Bass

DJ Tango (RIP) was a D&B scene legend and originator.

This series are remastered from Digital Originals and include Dubplate only versions of some classic tracks from the early years

A prelude to their upcoming second studio album, SCAR present the 'Hide In Plain Sight EP' on Metalheadz.

Now 5 years deep into their collaborative project, Survival & Script have continued to forge their own sound resulting in an illustrious back catalogue most could only dream of. The 'Hide In Plain Sight EP' is a fitting addition, encompassing some of their best work yet with 4 tracks primed for the dancefloor.

Dj Tango (rip) Was A D&b Scene Legend And Originator.

This Series Are Remastered From Digital Originals And Include Dubplate Only Versions Of Some Classic Tracks From The Early Years

A True piece of Hardcore History, Reminiscent of the early Rave era, a time when there were no rules. ‘Hardcore’, just before the fruition of what Jungle came to be. Experimentation in Rave music was at its utmost: chopping up 8 Bit beats & breaks re–inventing a fresh Drum Sound, Bassline’s that make your eye socket’s shake, idea’s that followed no rules. This is some of that missing History...

Originally produced in 1992, this was scheduled to be Dlux’s first official solo release on ‘Brain’ records. With lots of hype about ‘The Darkness e.p.’ (Bizzy B & DJ Dlux) 1993, The Fontage E.P. release was delayed, & finally shelved, making way for Dlux’s updated sounds of ‘The Realtime E.P.’ which got released back in 1994 on Brain Progression.

The Fontage E.P. is Dlux’s earliest material to be featured on the ‘Lost Dat’s’ series. The Dat’s have since corroded beyond repair, this was salvaged & lovingly restored & remastered, so this piece of History could get an outing on ‘Existence Is Resistance’.

Don’t miss out on this authentic piece of music history from a true Underground legend!

Gremlinz & Jesta Follow Up Last Summer's 'Empty Promises EP' With A Bold Statement In The Form Of 2 Tracks Crammed Full Of Heritage And Allure In A Welcome Addition To The Metalheadz Platinum Catalogue.

Proudly presenting the UNITE EP from a producer that really needs no introduction - FRACTURE. This is Jungle, drum & bass, and hat inimitable Fracture 160 bpm magic. This release sees collaborations with Manchester's MC Fox, and from label head Alix Perez. Out 7th June 2019 on vinyl and digital.

Fabio & Grooverider have been at the forefront of UK dance music for over 3 decades. This is the roots of their story told through music.

The 2 London DJ's are part of the DNA of the global Jungle / D&B movement and they have remained relevant, cutting edge, authoritative and essential to this truly underground art-form since it's inception. RAGE could arguably be the ground zero of Jungle. The party was started at London's cavernous Heaven club by Fabio & Grooverider in 1988, at the height of Acid House fever that was making it's way up and down the motorways, slip-roads, fields and warehouses of the M25 and further beyond every weekend, troubling the nation, the police, your parents and the press as it went. RAGE was a different beast, it certainly channelled some of that Acid energy but pitted it against the new and exciting sounds emanating from Belgium, Amsterdam, Detroit, Sheffield, Essex and Hackney and in turn created a new style, a new sonic attitude and energy in the process. Rumbling bass-lines, narcotic synth rushes and roughly chopped and sped-up breakbeats all merged into a style that we now know as Jungle. Nothing like this had been heard before, this was a brand new style and it was coming out of London's West End and Fabio & Grooverider were the people firmly behind it.

RAGE is approaching its 30th anniversary. Its sonic and cultural legacy is still being felt today, Fabio & Groove are still shutting down raves and festivals every weekend all over the world with their superior DJ sets and musical knowledge guided by their pioneering spirit. This musical selection you hold in your hands, the first of 4 parts, sees them delve into their prodigious memories and record boxes to select a true musical representation of the very beginning of one of the UK's most unique and influential musical movements of the last 50 years. Across 4 x 2 x 12"s compilations we are taken on a journey through the sounds of RAGE, accompanied with personal track by track notes from us. Music from London, Detroit, Sheffield and beyond features, with a deep selection of tracks such as Tic Tac Toe's monstrous roller 'Ephemerol', Top Buzz's anthemic 'Living In Darkness' and the deepest Morales dub of D-Mob's 'That's The Way Of The World' . This will be a true masterclass in the sound of the underground, from the inside out.

This is a masterclass in the old-school. The roots. There is no filler here, it's simply ALL killer. Lovingly selected and programmed by the masters - 'The Living Shock' & 'The Ladies Choice'. Produced in conjunction with Above Board distribution and Fabio & Grooverider. All tracks mastered from original sources and fully licensed. Mastering by Optimum, Bristol. Artwork and design by Atelier Superplus. 2019

"Dutch drum & bass artist Nymfo has firmly established himself as both a DJ and producer. Since 2007 he s found himself in the libraries of essential imprints such as Commercial Suicide (where he released his debut album Characters ), CIA Records, Spearhead, Metalheadz, Hospital Records, and Ram, stretching his energetic, brilliantly crafted music throughout a variety of sub genres. And since the beginning of his career, he s helped to expand the formidable reputation which Dispatch Recordings have built for themselves over the span of decades. Joining Dispatch for his next release, Nymfo offers up a variety of flavours through his forthcoming Pictures of Silence LP, adding another trophy to their cabinet of historical releases.

The Pictures of Silence LP spans a weighty number of tracks, with each demonstrating the echelons of engineering which Nymfo is capable of. Whilst never trying to fit a commercial paradigm and instead paying reverence to the roots of a genre which has become of dance music s biggest exports, Nymfo has yet again set the bar high across an entire album. From beginning to end, Pictures of Silence is a homage to what Nymfo s expert skillset is capable of.

The LP begins with its title-track and Pictures of Silence is a slamming roller, one punctuated through stabbing, metallic bass notes. Then you re introduced to Enforcer , dropping through with skittering samples and slamming kicks. Memory Lane nods to its namesake through scuttling breaks and Sense joins Nymfo for the sweeping sounds of Hopeless & Free . That Bongo Track focuses heavily on its drum work, Murphy s Law growls with its techy prowess and Arkaik comes in for the following collaboration alongside Nymfo - Curry . tzi the Iceman is next up with a crashing, lumbering rhythm then Jarhead offers its chaotic bassline. Finally, Cold Sweat is dropped with Fuji, against standalone Nymfo tracks Hide & Seek , with its deep underscores, and A.F.C with its juxtaposed harmonies. It s a titanic LP from Nymfo. One which identifies him both as an integral part of the Dispatch Recordings roster, as well as the wider drum & bass market. Dispatch Recordings, lead by Ant TC1, have fine-tuned their A&R, something they ve become notorious for.

De:tuned's 10th anniversary continues with this fourth EP of the series focusing on the heyday of drum & bass. The A-side offers "Sandstorm", a warm and emotive mid 90s composition by Blu Mar Ten. PFM returns to De:tuned with "Runaway", a most wanted and requested track that finally emerges from the archives. It was the first PFM track that was played out by LTJ Bukem back in 1993 and with its timeless rolling amens and washing synths it will still win over hearts today!

Kevin Foakes (Openmind, DJ Food, Ninja Tune) created all the graphic work for the 10 years series. This 12" is pressed on 180 grams vinyl and 1 track per side / 45rpm to guarantee a loud, deep and crisp sound. Stay tuned!

Basement Records is excited to announce this wicked EP from Roger Johnson which features a rolling DnB 2019 Remix of "In My Soul" plus the Original 93 Mix and another superb 2019 Remix from Chris Spillman.

Calibre is a name known to all in Drum & Bass as one of the pinnacles of the genre. It’s impossible to venture into a club and not here one of his seminal tracks being played, and with this latest addition to his Innerground repertoire the good times are still coming.

Kicking things off with “Typical Things”, we go back in time to the iconic sounds of the Musique Concrete album. The track switched quickly after opening with a drizzle of cascading keys and minimal percussion before launching headfirst into a pulsating and invigorating basslines and breaks.

“Simple Sa” is more deliberate in its advances and spares no time in getting to the heart of the matter after some truly deft piano work and vocal sample layering. “Simple Sa” is almost tailor-made for a DJ Marky set as it ebbs and flows with an undeniable funk and deep vibe throughout.

Calibre’s attention to his craft is what makes him one of the most sought after producers on the planet, and “Typical Things / Simple Sa” is a testament to his enduring abilities. Smooth, sultry and truly of the highest Calibre.

Made in England

Original Flavour

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Breakage continues his excellent run of releases on his own label with the Liff Up EP. The fourth release showcases the different shades within the current Index aesthetic, confidently showing you can recontextualise definitive jungle and drum & bass sound palettes by avoiding throwback cliches and keeping to a consistently high production value. The label has been a runaway success for Breakage, a place where he can make and release the sound closest to his heart and the results have shown that this is the perfect place for the storied producer.

Bristol based Run Tingz Recordings bring the fire with a limited edition 12” vinyl featuring some of their best digital releases from the last 18 months.

Not only does the project feature tracks from leading Jungle producers Bladerunner and the Serial Killaz, it also features some heavyweight material from the Run Tingz Cru themselves, as well as two of the scenes more recent additions DJ Hybrid and Brian Brainstorm.

No Run Tingz wax would be complete without some serious vocal talent and the release does certainly not disappoint on that front. The late and sorely missed Tenor Fly makes an appearance alongside his brother in arms Top Cat. The Bristol contingent is in full effect too with Da Fuchaman, Frilla and the label’s original Ragga vocalist Blackout J.A on mic duties.

Long overdue, this 6 track monster provides the Jungle vinyl heads with some much needed dancefloor ammunition. Run it rude boys.

DJ Support
Rene Lavice (BBC 1xtra), Aphrodite, Ed Solo, Ben Drumsound, Run Tingz

Cosmic Bridge welcomes back Margari’s Kid for his second EP "We Are Ghosts Now".

"We Are Ghosts Now" follows 2017 sellout label debut "Init 1" and two years on and now living in Bristol, Spanish producer José María Moya Sánchez has upped the ante further. Developed, deep and immersive; his unique 170bpm seekers music will continue to draw references to Burial and Instra:Mental / dBridge's Autonomic Drum & Bass but we'll pass you over to label head Om Unit to give you the full low down.

Om Unit - "Across the microcosms of Drum & Bass off shoots there are many sound-a-likes clinging to cliche'd references and rigid tropes; This only leads to a stale, repetitive and self referential culture and is why Margari's Kid supersedes his peers. Standing alone he creates deceptively beautiful and human tracks that while they feel simple, are in fact intricately layered with detail and emotion. These tracks are testament to the rich rewards achieved when a person injects a sense of real humanity into the often overly-technical domain of minimalism. As Margari's Kid, José María Moya Sánchez is is almost entirely leaning out of the pre-existing sphere of Drum & Bass and dancing in the rain on his own. This could be the beginning of something very special, and I think you should really pay attention."

We Are Ghosts Now is released 10th May 2019 on Cosmic Bridge Records on 12" vinyl and digital formats and features a remix from Label mate Crypticz and artwork from Studio Tape Echo.

Second release from New York based label/party Frendzone. This compilation features two tracks from elusive label stalwart Ames Henry (with Paul Kav on A1.) + an experimental tech- breakbeat composition from seasoned Drum & Bass producer Fanu. Finished with straight up hardcore junglism from label veteran Octo Octa.