Beats News

REPRESSED !!

Ulterior Motive are finally ready to release their long awaited collaboration with DRS, 'Hey Judas'. Instantly recognisable and yelled for in seconds, this track has been doing serious damage wherever it's been dropped in the last few months. DRS lays down a sweet 16, and twinned with UM's razor sharp beats and bass, it's a deadly combination.

The AA side showcases a true master class in Modular madness, as the guys team up with technical Bristolian wizard DLR.

Growling itself all the way to the front, this sizeable slab of bass and percussion brings the funk and the vibe to the floor, bringing that 98 sound firmly up to date.
We're only at 002 in the Guidance catalogue and the bar has been resolutely raised. Watch out, there's so much more to come.

Edition 1 is a various artists compilation and the ninth release on Alix Perez' 1985 Music. The album is to be understood as a statement of intent as well as a snapshot where the label is right now.

Alix has assembled his favourite artists operating within the 85bpm / 170bpm axis and the result is a coherent album that cements ties with newcomers such as Monty, Deft and Tsuruda whilst also bringing new light to existing relationships with Fracture, Ivy Lab and Chimpo amongst others.

It's an exciting time for 1985 Music, an outlet that's quickly becoming known for great art across the board: be it music, clothing or design

7th Storey Projects are delighted to announce an immediate return for Fushara to our label following the success of his previous release with us (Ascension/Nerve, cat number 7TH 12018, released October 2017).

Consistent with his previous output, this release contains two epic tracks which evoke the themes of industrial and urban decay which permeate much of his work.

We've found it hard to put the music into words, suffice to say they are true breakbeat fueled, sonic journeys that feature razor-sharp drum programming and foreboding atmospherics - a must for any jungle/dnb head with a penchant for their music thoughtful, dark and moody.

Fushara aka Thushara Goonewardene is a London based electronic musician working with breakbeats, samples and synthesiser. A constant theme for his music is urban decay. From the late 90's Fushara has been involved with the London scene as a raver, DJ, and Producer. He has produced experimental work for labels such as Pineconemoonshine, MJAZZ and more recently Scientific Recordings. In 2015 he set up an imprint Lone Foundation to showcase experimental bass music collaborating with DAAT and others. More recently he has made a return to work with breakbeat collaborating with Infest for one of his tracks on his debut on Criterion Records and has signed to Flex Recordings for a forthcoming EP.

Hola, amigos! Our next 12" comes from Mexico, delivered to you by the one and only Rodrigo Alvarez aka Rainforest, known already for his output released through Monochrome Recordings, Omni Music, Cadence Recordings, Skutta Records, or 45Seven. So once you're familiar with the said list of his affiliations, you might imagine what to expect. The most appropriate term for a common denominator to describe the content of this EP would be, let's say, 'jungle refurbished'. Feel more than welcome to explore Rainforest's world of beautifully-crafted complex drum patterns, low-frequency bass lines, and rich palettes of background samplework. We're positive that your early-morning cup of coffee can be well substituted with the powerful, fierce-percussioned 'Squad Nights'. The pensive, deep-end 'Blu Diesel Euphoria' will help you digest your daily concerns, and the exotic, desert-inspired 'Sound Tribe' will give you a strong energy boost. The digital bonus, 'Depth of the City', tones things down a bit, offering a perfect soothing ending to the whole story. Given a bowl of so varied ingredients, you can be sure that you get a really wholesome treat, especially if you're after something more organic. In terms of sound, that is.

20TH ANNIVERSARY 4 TRACK SAMPLER

Bazza Ranks from Dirty Dubsters created a 2018 Reggae / Dancehall / Jungle Revision of the Pete Rock and CL Smooth Classic "They Reminisce Over You" and enlists UK Microphone Controller Dynamite MC to give us a melodic rendition with a few well worded images from memory lane.

At the start of 2012 Sabre, Stray and Halogenix teamed up to drop one of the most blissful pieces of drum & bass that year, 'Oblique'.
Since then the dreamteam have continued their late night studio sessions and are now ready to announce their new collaborative
project, Ivy Lab. Kicking off Critical's 2013 season is the first fruit of their labour, 'Afterthought', again featuring the esteemed vocal
talents of Frank Carter III to create the most inspired start to the year we could wish for.
'Afterthought' is a masterpiece filled with polished breaks, melancholic chords, reversed strings and Carter's unmistakable heart
wrenching sounds that draw us into the spine-tingling production, coming as an Ivy Labstandard. A late night marcher or a summers
day soother, the choice is yours for the most beautiful, teary-eyed slice of drum & bass you'll have heard in a long time. Quality
through and through.
'Brat' on the other hand shows the other side to Ivy Lab as the guys get aggy at the controls for a supremely sick peak-time
performer. Creeping bleep FX open it up as the b-line seeps into the mix for a drop into some proper dance floor funk. Meticulous on
the edits and the morphing bass, it's a dirty yin to the A-side's yang.

Dear all,

USM are proud to announce the release of a 4CD hardcover DVD-style box & 2LP reissue of Roni Size's Mercury Music Prize winning and platinum selling NEW FORMS album released to celebrate it's 20th anniversary. Alongside albums by the likes of Fatboy Slim, Orbital, The Chemical Brothers and Underworld, NEW FORMS is one of the definitive dance albums of the 90s and this will be the first time it has received the deluxe treatment.

The 4CD set includes the original 2CD album REMASTERED, 1 CD of Roni Size's current NEW FORMS 20th anniversary live show (an 80 minute mix programmed by Roni featuring 60% previously unreleased re-edits of tracks from New Forms and the set that he will be touring throughout 2017/2018) and 1CD of remixes, mostly only issued on vinyl at time of release. The 2LP contains the biggest cuts from the original 2CD album. The 5,000 word sleeve note booklet comes from respected dance music writer Joe Muggs.

Roni will be touring autumn to support UK/Europe/USA and is fully behind this release. They have a PR in UK and US and social media team ready to help promo it.

After 1 year of the debut album, Mattia Trani is going to release a massive remixes pack of the album "The Hi-Tech Mission", from a different nation in the world every remixer show their different style of remixing. The most powerful project of Pushmaster is finally here.

* Introducing the highly anticipated debut release for brand new superduo Phil:osophy. The magnetic combination of these two rising future producers (Philth and Phil Tangent) delivers Integral catalogue number 41- Heavy Hearts EP - a perfectly fitting title to this stunning medley of deep and deadly bass music.

* The title track 'Heavy Hearts' is an absolute destroyer of an opening for the fresh collaboration who are destined to storm the future scene with their original flavour. As equally smooth as heavy, this emotional journey brings intricately, infectious musical elements together, layered with a powerfully punchy drum break and a grimacing bassline.

* 'Dissipate' makes its mark next, in this somewhat celestial journey. Haunting piano over a lush soundscape fuelled by delicately distorted vocals lead this beautiful production into a stabby drop of wicked beats and bass. Already picked up by Mixmag as 'Tune of the Month' for September, need we say more.

* Next up, 'Remember' lights the way for future power ballads of a deeper nature. Its blissful soundscape, epic piano hook and heavenly melodies in combination with a catchy classic break creates a truly unique, anthemic vibe.
* Wrapping up this remarkable EP is 'Wednesday's Child' - another soulful production packed with melancholic power; this one rolling into dark and heavy territory that pays homage to the original Headz sound.

* Mark your iCals now with 6th October as the official release of Phil:osophy unto the DnB world! Reserve your limited edition vinyl copy of the superb 'Heavy Hearts' now to avoid disappointment!

Introducing a new label, with a direction, we proudly present Dispatch Blueprints, returning for the second release with Kid Drama and the one and only Skeptical.

Bringing the deeper sound to the forefront, it made natural sense to welcome back label stalwart Skeptical, whose sub centered sound has remained an inspiration since his Dispatch debut in 2010 and subsequent output on labels like Exit, R&S and Soul:R.

When combined with the eclecticism of Kid Drama, it makes for a stunning fusion, developing the Blueprints foundation and delving further into the lower frequencies.

Setting the path for our new imprint in the best way, with some of our very favourite artists, we are proud to showcase both Skeptical & Kid Drama on Dispatch Blueprints.

* Friske joins the Dust Audio revolution in the form of 'The Destruction EP'. The assassin comes with 3 tracks of pure undiluted Drum & Bass cuts. Fresh of the back of his critically acclaimed Metalheadz EP he doesn't slow down with the clinical drums and unrelenting bass...Seek this out now, if not it will defiantly search you out, lock on to its target and cause Destruction.

* The EP's title track 'Destruction' rolls from start to finish with clever intricate bass play that sneaks, weaves and hisses like a cobra snake.The almighty drop hits you and the vocal snippet 'destruction' aptly describes what this killer is going to do on many a dancefloor, this rib cage rattler is designed to sit in any DJ's selection who wants to boost intensity and create a certain mood.* On the flip Friske drops 'Artikal' into the equation.This vibing half stepping chunk of goodness has all the classic Friske trademarks, atmospheric intro, little vocal's that have been twisted into different territories. The bass and mid ranges juxtaposition for space but work in tandem for the common good.Every listen brings a different surprise, quality throughout.*To end the EP he throws the gates wide open to a time when the Virus sound was so prominent. 'Square Off' The stomping drums dropping on you like an anvil, the clever edits that welcome the mid-range futuristic Virus-esque stabs. The drop hits you in the low intestines inviting you to hold your space and breath until the next 32 bars repeats.We guarantee this will be played to inches of its life but it will keep coming for more!

Moscow based multi-talent Impish presents the Hush LP, his latest album project that will be released through all quality physical electronic music outlets around the world October 20. Working through labels such as ProgRAM, C.I.A. and his own fast rising Occulti Music imprint Impish is quickly establishing a name for himself in the global drum & bass scene. In a world that consumes more and more music in a superficial way Impish manages to take a halt on the Hush LP with timeless songwriting, arrangement and production inspired by live music and drum work. From effortlessly rolling tracks such as Can't Feel and Shadows towards more introspective vibes on Changing Colours and the LP's title track a common thread runs clearly throughout the album: the aim for perfection, true craftsmanship and a drive to combine to high-quality beats and breaks with musical elements. To aid the budding artist in spreading his ethos UK based female vocalist Kate Wild and Irish drum & bass producer Zero T feature on the album for vocal appearances and remix work.

From the darkest recesses of the drum & bass world, this LP sampler from Audio signifies the last step towards his debut LP on Ram Records. Already receiving support from the scene's heaviest, including key influencers Noisia and Beats1 mogul Zane Lowe, this next release is the predecessor for an album set to make history. First up, 'Overdose' sees Audio return to his brutish, rolling bassline slashed with gritty drum loops and underpinned by quaking subs. The master of dropping ominous samples into the mix, it propels deep into a murky conundrum of sound. Steroid driven kicks bloat out the already weighty composition, sliced with distorted, elevating beat patterns and bass to create an angry, sneering and unapologetic opener. This is Audio once again pushing through like a freight train... Unstoppable.Next up is the Mefjus rework of Audio's signature Ram release 'Ulton'. His production standards were already credited at this year's Drum & Bass Arena Awards; it's not surprise that Audio enlisted an artist who's received recognition for spreading his signature sound across dance floors worldwide. Mefjus' moulds the original around the unfaltering guns of his peddled drums and wavering bassline. Flicking the switch midway, you're thrown head first into the techy soundscape the producer reigns over. So once more we return to the cold, nefarious sounds of Audio a final time before his album is dropped on the Ram imprint. The dial is currently turned to full throttle and it's easy to see why the anticipation has only been growing with the release of each single

Anthone and Katsunori Sawa team up again under their BOKEH alias delivering a 12" single on The Weevil Neighbourhood.

On A side "Lancashire", BOKEH explore the realms of Drum & Bass tempo challenging the how-low-can-you-go with extremely deep subs while "Fast Fiver" on the B side doubles up on your regular 4/4 while on a heavy dub chord's leash.

The release comes on black vinyl. The center label artwork is done by Lee Noble (No Kings Records/ Bathetic).

Benny L is the latest name we're delighted to welcome to the Metalheadz family, as the young producer delivers a ferocious 4 track EP entitled 'Route Zero', where the crunchiest of basslines meets the heftiest of drums, with old skool flavours, atmospherics and effects thrown in on top too.

'Low Blow', the lead track, has featured in the sets of Goldie, Noisia, Randall, Doc Scott and many more for a while now, and has already achieved the status of dancefloor killer well ahead of its release. Benny L continues on this path throughout the EP, showcasing a colossal sound that we're very happy to have on the label.

"Leon Bailey and Joe Rossitter aka Chromatic have already released music on such respected labels as Innerground, True Playaz, and Commercial Suicide. Now the Chromatic boys have their own solo 12" on Dope Plates, presenting to you on the 1's and 2's three brilliant 90s influenced dancefloor drum & bass, jungle music....with a hint of hardcore rave thrown in. Safe as fuck."

I won't say a lot about this one, just that it was a pleasure to finally work with Marcus having known each other and been friends for so many years. A personal favourite release and the music must go on. I'm sure Marcus wouldn't have wanted it any other way.....

Duncan (Spirit)

Huge support from Doc Scott, Fabio, Storm, DJ Marky, Randall, Digital, Om Unit, J:Kenzo, Jubei and many more

The title track sets the pace, leading with hard filtered breaks merged with classic reggae undertones. When you hear the words 'Strictly Drum and Bass!' you're launched in to a wave of hard hitting 808's and speaker rattling layers of sub bass. Strictly DNB is a relentless example of jungle, and without doubt, a classic Digital anthem.
Time Out in contrast rolls at a steadier pace and has all the feeling of a soulful and authentic Dub track. Note... If your bass bins aren't ready for this they're gonna get mash up!

Seattle, Washington heavyweight breakbeat manipulator and Samurai Music top tier affiliate - Homemade Weapons comes roaring back into action for the Heiress EP, his first full solo release since the immensity of his debut LP - Negative Space. Intricately sliced and manipulated breaks and kicks ricochet off each other over 4 tracks of guaranteed high voltage floor-mobbing dominance. 'Streetcleaner' has a cheeky percussive drift, while 'Pyrosome' is pure dive-bomb adrenaline, 'Nabilone' the razor sharp steppers choice, with the title track opening proceedings with swarming menace.

Groove Dis Exclusive. Limited edition DJ single of hot RUDE HI-FI Latin re-edits, a-side is a drum & bass version of MANU CHAO's "KING OF BONGO", flip is an electro soul remix of 60's Cuban singing legend LA LUPE entitled "COMPAY RUDE PLAYS FUNK CUBANO". Very limited edition.

Efficient rrag drum sound, with one side song and one side Drum dancefloor... Precious little pearl offering a sleeve out of the usual Ragga Drum Marketting if you know what i mean... and this is healthy for the brain !

With a sum total of 2 12's released for Samurai Horo and Red Seal, Theme has a sparse but vital discography. Fusing Dub Techno, Ambient and Half Time Drum and Bass, the Theme style developed as a uniquely Berlin influenced take on 170 BPM's post autonomic developing progression.

Following a 2 year gap since the last release, the Theme debut LP 'Passages' builds on this style by accentuating and extending the ambient 'passages' and experimenting with beat structures to create an intricately constructed and textured journey. There is nods to the form that has made the Theme style stand out (Passage 6, 8, 9), beautiful ambient tracks that soothe and guide (Passage 1, 4, 7, 10) but the glue that affirms Passages as an accomplished long player comes from percussive workouts that hover around various BPM's and genres (Passage 2, 3, 5).

Passages should really feel like the pinnacle of a journey for Theme, but instead it feels like the start of an all new chapter in musical form for a musical nomad who has found solace in leaving behind any constrictions and templates.

If you listen closely to Passage 11, you hear the sound of a new life beating from the womb of it's mother, a fitting metaphor for the birth of the new Theme.

The return of Chords was met by adulation from the drum & bass community. After spending over a year on his film-
making artistic endeavours, he saw 2017 as the perfect time to come back to music making. And most recent single
'Love Burning' has re-solidified his place within the twenty-five-year strong RAM Records camp, proving that despite
his hiatus he's still able to tap into the skill set which made him so notorious within its roster. For October, Chords is continuing his stream of releases with forthcoming record 'No One is Listening / Glacier', a two-track offering which calls upon his stellar song writing capabilities and dancefloor appeal. It gives a multi-dimensional snapshot into his engineering, demonstrating his penchant for both sunshine filled crescendos and dirtier bass riffs, a combination alluding to why he originally came under RAM's radar.
'No One is Listening' lays down the sultry vocals of Georgina Upton over the tell-tale bassline Chords has spent years
fastening. His thick, meticulous composition gives weight underneath its vocal pitches, creating a record which has
already been hosted in clubs across the UK and beyond. Its strung note arpeggios and soft pads help to elevate the
track, providing an emotive set piece for any DJ.

And on the flipside, you're launched into 'Glacier', with relays of synth and a melody which traces itself along the
track's bassline. Bit by bit you're pulled into Chords' effortless artistry, exploding layer after layer. Between every
beat loop, you're made acutely aware of just how far Chords has gone to intricately weave each hook, before they
cascade into the mix. The next single from Chords proves that he's continuing to expel his craft. And with a host of
tour dates on the horizon, including sets at RAM's seminal RAM25 city-wide shows, he's definitely here to stay.

Over the past year, Gerra & Stone have become one of the most exciting duos to take the genre's forefront. Featuring across Ram and Program's discography, they're creating their own space, one held firmly by tight production standards and a refreshing musicality, seldom seen in newly emerging talent.

The single appeals to a diverse group of music listeners. Whether across the subs of London's haunts, or the headphones of any technical music listener, these next two sonic cuts pedestal not only their understanding of a diverse sound design, but also their ability to conquer it.

'Dnt U' is a riddim which cuts and swerves between cascading breaks and instantly recognisable drum patterns. The junglist influences are given a stockiness by an LFO bassline and distortion, falling between amen and quaking sub. It shows a clear persona etched out by the two producers, one which has made them instantly recognisable from the outset.

The next up, 'Chicago' also brings an old school vibe whilst utilising more contemporary techniques. Flipping beat patterns draw you in, whilst metallic percussion drives you forward at an incredible speed. Switching up, it then drags you down a corridor of fluctuating bass notes and snapping hi-hats.

Adding a second instalment to an already impressive entree, this next output from the outfit prove their path is about to take another ascent. And with exciting new talent to come from the imprint... Once again, it's time to get with the Program!

* Integral 042 sees the return of the invincible Dawn Wall. Picking up from where they left off with the amazing Twin Falls EP, we are now championing their latest and greatest Problems EP. A continuation of the mistical journey through their enigmatic world via 4 new heavy weight anthems; these new DW beats are already on hot rotation with support from the likes of Andy C and Friction awarding it his Friction Fire Tune of the Week on Radio 1.* The title track 'Problems' kicks off the new EP with serious quirk, glitchin' bass and intruiging atmospheric vocals. With instant anthem status, this beast will draw the whole tribe to the dance. An eerie breakdown bursting into a scurry of magnetising drum patterning creates loads of funk and attitude.

* The stunning 'Never Say' showcases the DW orchestra in full effect. An amalgamation of the outfit's signature distorted vocals, ethnic samples, warped guitars and synths galore, layer over a string of exquisite melodies. Crafting a unique future-folk style vibe that uplifts and inspires, this one will guarantee hitting that repeat button.
* Up next, 'Shy' instantly tugs a little harder on the heart strings. Opening with such a mesmerising and memorable piano hook, emotions run high on this stunning build to another stupendous drop. The flavours on this one ooze beautiful future soul with maximum complementary dancefloor business.
* The fourth track of equally epic proportions is 'Nomad' - this is the sound of the new deep and dub sounds. An unnerving soundscape intro leads into beats and bass of melancholic magnitude. If music could tell a story, this talks of all kinds of mysterious tribal troubles...

* Rounding off the EP with a cheeky digital only bonus is 'Lemon Dogs' - a superfresh slab of dancefloor goodness with sounds of the orient meeting Detroit-inspired vibes, and a classic soul vocal to boot.

* Mark your iCal's now with November 10 as the official release of Dawn Wall's next installment, the Problems EP. Launching across all formats with supercool and limited edition collector's artwork, make sure you reserve your vinyl copy now to avoid disappointment! #ekho