Beats News

Proudly presenting the 'Jumpsuit' EP from Halogenix. This is a diverse collection of elegant music that could only be expected from of the most important producers in the genre. Halogenix is a founding member of Ivy Lab, and their label 20/20 LDN Recordings label.

This is a dynamic and varied EP that bears the undeniable Halogenix signature throughout.

supported by Jubei, Friction, Ivy Lab, Alix Perez

Horn Dub: The jazz funk intro sets the mood for this funky roller. Chopped amens break out and floor shaking deep bass permeates throughout. This tune is guaranteed make the dancefloor quake.

I Want It: A deep and mysterious intro leading up to a sexy 'I Want It' vocal. Striped down drums set upon deep hover bassline keeps it in the deep, while piano keys reel in the mysterious hook.

Having released on numerous imprints such as Dom and Roland productions, Mindtech, Tam, 20/20 LDN as well as being praised and supported by artists such as Noisia, Dom and Roland, Ulterior Motive, Xanadu, Foreign Concept and loads more, we at Concussion records are very proud to present an extremely versatile, Moscow based producer, Mr. Frenkie.

We start off straight with the rolling 'Respawn' that feels like you're floating into an endless dream, before it breaks down with a techy stab buildup, which eases into the drop perfectly. Rolling drums and crashing hats fill the heavyweight, subby landscape before being knocked back by the technical prowess of Mr. Frenkie's sound design.It breaks down into the second act of the dream in which you don't know whether to feel relieved, or be on your guard as the next drop sneaks up on you.

On the flipside we have 'Tire Fire', splashy snares and breaks in a steppy groove, countered by floaty stabs set the mood for the tune. Going into the drop the groove becomes ampli- fied by crunchy reeses which makes sure you bounce your way across from left to right. Carefully crafted breaks bring the track back into a switch that amplifies the bounce to more rave orientated sounds. After that we ease out to the breakdown in which we casually prepare you for another round of fire.

Skeleton Recordings are proud to announce the release of the SKELETON XXV PROJECT to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the label which originally launched in 1992. This is a five part collectors edition to celebrate 25 years of Skeleton Recordings.

Volumes 01 to 04 sleeve artwork when put together will form a big piece of artwork of the revamped original Skeleton Recordings logo that will look good on any wall. Volume 05 will be a picture disc. The full digital album will only become available once all five volumes have been released.

The project has taken just over 12 months to put together and is definitely something for the collectors. It has been generating quite a buzz within the underground circuit the closer it gets to release date and has been getting some really good support from the likes of Bailey, Storm and Ray Keith to name a few.

Skeleton Recordings are proud to announce the release of the SKELETON XXV PROJECT to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the label which originally launched in 1992. This is a five part collectors edition to celebrate 25 years of Skeleton Recordings.

Volumes 01 to 04 sleeve artwork when put together will form a big piece of artwork of the revamped original Skeleton Recordings logo that will look good on any wall. Volume 05 will be a picture disc. The full digital album will only become available once all five volumes have been released.

The project has taken just over 12 months to put together and is definitely something for the collectors. It has been generating quite a buzz within the underground circuit the closer it gets to release date and has been getting some really good support from the likes of Bailey, Storm and Ray Keith to name a few.

We're taken on a journey through Andy's musical brain, with diversions into the rugged breaks of 'Séance' and the aural paradise that is 'Heroin Wash', which are just two of four perfectly crafted pieces of drum and bass on offer. The atmosphere and energy across the EP is weighted perfectly, whilst every track almost sounds effortless in the way it's been put together, something that Andy has mastered and can now proudly show off.

'The British pair, consisting of Ben Hall and Simon James, have been impressing crowds of bassheads with their undeniable talent in producing dubstep, DnB, trap, and generally all 'From their D&B roots they've since gone on to demonstrate their impeccable production skills across a multitude of genres from 110 to dubstep to electro.' - UKF

After the viral success of their recent 'Ghost' EP, Delta Heavy have followed up this feat with their untouchable work ethic. Capitalising on a Zane Lowe Beats1 premiere, as well as millions of streams worldwide on their music video for 'Ghost', they delve into a cross-pollination of genres with a single 'White Flag' nods to not only the flawless complexity of their ability to tap into different BPMs, but also the versatility of their cross-Atlantic renowned DJ sets. A digital exclusive, 'White Flag' is underpinned by heavily climatic moments, amongst stabs of arpeggio swinging back and forth between soulful vocals. The dream-like sequence which rewinds their usually fast paced drum & bass perfectly epitomises a talent which saw them rise to prominence from coast to coast in the US.

We're then offered a switch up which sees 'White Flag' taken into faster waters. Lead by an incredibly catchy hook, peddled forward by the reworked beat patterns and ambience, the opposing sides of the original and VIP combine admirably. Choppier drums underpin the composition, manifesting a club-banger that's already nestled itself in the sets of revered headliners across the globe, from Andy C to Then on the flipside, 'Arcadia' takes on their 170 etiquette, although this time featuring Hospital stalwart Metrik. The meeting of two different styles, you're taken into a sound dimension of distorted bassline, quaking subs and pounding kick drums. Drawn in by an absorbing intro, it's an electro-fuelled roller, reminiscent of their earlier output yet adding a more contemporary twist, it provides a clear example of why Delta Heavy have been a permanent fixture in sets for half a decade.

With his ice-cold debut album Pessimist delivers a defining work which to us represents the culmination of nearly a decade of collective research and development in underground drum'n'bass. It is hard to think of any producer, past or present, who has so skilfully and successfully bridged the sonics and sensibilities of d'n'b and techno. In fact Pessimist makes drum 'n bass work as techno: combining the monotone, infinite-horizon quality of the latter with the rhythmic swerve and soundsystem heft of the former. The perfectly formed 'Balaklava' 12' for BEB's A14 sub-label in 2016 was his first work to attract serious attention outside of d'n'b circles, but the young Bristol producer's singular aesthetic had been honed across important records for the likes of Samurai and Ingredients, and as a member of the Ruffhouse crew, and since then the experimentation has continued across releases and remixes for UVB-76, Osiris Music and Ilian Tape. Cutting edge techno-dnb hybrids form the backbone of this, his first LP, but there's more to it than that. Out of its relentlessly noir, paranoid, smoked-out dubscape emerge fierce, Babylon-shall-fall jungle tear-outs ('Through The Fog'), zoned, acidic rave ('Peter Hitchens'), downtempo breakbeat excursions ('Glued'), sleek and rude 'Balaklava'-esque steppers ('Spirals'), and passages of bleak, bombed-out industrial ambience. At times it feels like the missing link between British Murder Boys and Source Direct, or what might have happened if late 90s UK junglists had listened more closely to Chain Reaction. But really, it sounds like Pessimist and Pessimist alone. The ruthless minimalism, and the tension which comes of that restraint, the swing and propulsion of the drum programming, the abyssal reverbs and long trails of delay, the deep and body-numbing sub-bass, the uncompromising palette of blacks and blues.

Boddika's Nonplus label will release a series of 12-inches mixing classic Source Direct with new remixes.

Jim Baker is a pioneering drum & bass and jungle artist who's been recording solo as Source Direct since 1999 (before then the project was a duo with Phil Aslett). On June 8th Nonplus will issue a 12-inch that has a Blawan remix of "Black Rose" alongside the 1996 original. That'll be followed by a record featuring '95 cut "Approach & Identify" backed by a remix from Demdike Stare. These release will be available on vinyl and digital formats—it'll be the first time the original tunes have been available digitally.

"I first met Jim around '97/'98 at The End nightclub in Central London," Boddika told RA. "I wasn't sure who he was when I first met him. I thought he was one of the guys from Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels at first, but soon realised he wasn't. By that time I was an avid listener of anything Source Direct were doing and their tracks were 'buy on sight' for me. The Source Direct discography was in many ways a blueprint for lots of jungle/d&b that would come throughout the following years and has stood the test of time unbelievably well."

He adds: "There are a few reasons why we decided to re-release and remaster the SD Recordings catalogue, the first one being that it's never been available digitally before. The second is that we both think it's something that needs to be heard by a new generation who have never had the privilege and who may not own a turntable. Some of the records are hard to come by these days and if you do find them on Discogs, they'll set you back a few quid.

Thirdly, it's something we've spoken about a few times over the last couple of years and I personally thought now is a better time than ever to unleash this project, especially as there's been a growing interest in old jungle recently—it wouldn't be right to leave this music out of the loop! We also wanted to breathe new life into the project by getting remixes done to accompany the original tracks. We decided to ask artists from different scenes and genres to make use of the samples and get their interpretations on the original music."

More remix 12-inches will follow, culminating with most of the Source Direct back catalogue, much of which has never been made available digitally, being remastered and re-released. We spoke with Baker via email to discuss the project.

What are your thoughts on having your music remastered and reissued for a new generation of listeners

I'm extremely excited about working with Boddika. This gives a new generation the chance to own tracks that haven't been available until now and also introduces the Source Direct sound into the techno/deep house scenes—music I've always been a fan of and an avid buyer of since an early age. I always felt my music was ahead of its time, even within the early years of D&B. The Source Direct sound has always stood out from the crowd and I've consistently pushed myself creatively to produce original, cutting-edge club music that also sounds great within many other listening environments. So to release the original Source Direct tracks for this new generation who missed the golden years of infamous clubs and raves gives them the opportunity to re-live the excitement and energy I got from going out in my younger days and the chance enjoy that buzz of getting your hands on a new vinyl release.

What do you think of the Demdike Stare and Blawan remixes

Blawan's remix of "Black Rose" perfectly captures the dark tensions of the original track and uses the samples in new creative ways, which make a stomping techno track that retains the menacing visual concept of the original. Being the first artist to remix a Source Direct track is something I was looking forward to, and Blawan has certainly produced a great remix. Both the remix and the re-mastered original sound totally fresh and unique among current techno and D&B.

Demdike Stare have completely ripped up the script with their remix of "Approach & Identify," taking it into realms I never thought possible. It transports you a million light years away, upon which you enter new worlds of imagination. You can only hope for a wormhole 'out there' to return to normality. I'm very proud of both these releases and am looking forward to letting the future projects free within human kind.

Since 2004, when their first collaborations began to emerge, Calyx & TeeBee blazed a trail for both RAM Records and drum & bass, becoming part of the genre's foundations. Conquest is a testament to their undeniable musicianship, bringing the sonic mosaics which have made them so infamous throughout their careers. Following a US-wide tour and upcoming sets at some of the biggest global electronic music festivals, including Las Vegas' EDC, they've been meticulously manufacturing this next cut with the utmost precision.

The pair realign with their darker side with Blown. Hollowed out, pounding drums and fluctuating bass notes take you through their expert manufacturing, with a bassline that weaves in between each carefully layered segment. The track is driving yet intricately coated, with pitched up synths adding a softer touch amongst the madness.

Calyx & TeeBee switch it up another notch this year, proving that their commitment to the underground is as strong as ever. Alongside RAM Records, they continue to be a definitive part of the genre's fundamentals, providing cut
after cut of unadulterated filth.

DC Breaks are unleashing two new terrifying slabs of bass. These heavyweight monsters have been biding their time in the producer's digital record box, the beginning of a brand new musical journey for the duo. In the lead up to their debut album, this single will give you a small insight into what's to come. Sitting at the nastier end of their vast musical spectrum, prepare to be brought into the sinisterly lit world of DC Breaks through their next offering 'Arcade' and 'Creeper VIP'. Reminiscent of their earlier, heavy sound, it's a production standard held tightly together with throw down hooks and hefty basslines.

With two brand new cuts, for their next single the drum & bass duo DC Breaks have teamed up with an underground heavyweight, a collaboration which was only rumoured until Friction's first play on Radio1. Label head of Trend Kill recordings and an artist who's toured extensively since his first output, Prolix has joined forces with DC Breaks, a familiar name for hardened fans and newcomers alike. Both parties have already gained international recognition, stacking up a huge array of tour dates between them, stretching from mainstream festivals to the more darkened club circuit. With an LP laying just out of sight for DC Breaks, 2017 is looking to be a big year. Limited to 500 units worldwide.

Following the runaway success of their debut 'Paradise Lost' LP, which amassed millions of streams globally, Delta Heavy are set to return to an anticipating audience with their new single release. Having played shows at some of the UK's biggest festivals, including Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds, as well as stages across the Atlantic, they've taken their sound to the world's every corner. It's no surprise they've created a colossal reach, one which has enabled them to win music video awards from the industry's biggest platforms.From the radio airwaves to cyberspace, to Radio1 and Zane Lowe's Beats 1 show, Delta Heavy's music has been critically acclaimed across the board. And this next release from the duo demonstrates exactly why they're a staple on every line up, with tracks featuring in the record collections of music lovers everywhere. Delta Heavy are riding a wave which isn't about to break anytime soon. Limited to 500 units worldwide. Support from Andy C / Loadstar / Friction (Radio 1) / Zane Lowe (Beats)Following the runaway success of their debut 'Paradise Lost' LP, which amassed millions of streams globally, Delta Heavy are set to return to an anticipating audience with their new single release. Having played shows at some of the UK's biggest festivals, including Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds, as well as stages across the Atlantic, they've taken their sound to the world's every corner. It's no surprise they've created a colossal reach, one which has enabled them to win music video awards from the industry's biggest platforms.

Smooth continues his ascent with the 'Resurrection EP' on RAM Records, featuring four fresh cuts to add to an already stellar succession of releases. First from the new batch of records is 'Trajectory', a steppy, snapping whirlpool of clattering bass rhythms and fluctuating note patterns. It pulls you into Smooth's dreamy soundscape, whilst still channelling a bassline which pulsates steadily underneath each flurry of beats. Up next comes 'Disco', with a more cascading, jazzy appeal, one which gradually builds into uplifting pads and clattering drums, helping to flesh-out the composition. 'Disco' points to Smooth's streamlined musicality, which features a huge repertoire of sound. 'Device' follows with a cinematic intro, which begins to grow steadily on a quick succession of sonic stabs and heavyweight drums. Amongst old-school breaks and rattling percussion sitting underneath the mix, the track is tribal yet crunches with grinding LFO. It's fierce in its delivery and channels more contemporary production standards. 'My Feeling' finishes the EP on a completely different vibe, drawing out keyed arpeggios and elevating synths. Smooth flexes his creativity one more time before the Resurrection's close, stringing together shimmery vocals and an emphatic climax. Alongside its predecessors, 'My Feeling' gives the perfect end to a stellar release. One welcomed by RAM's decorated history.

Lossless Music's leftfield sublabel Exkursions is back with it's second vinyl release. EXKUR002 features the incredible talent of James Morton aka Concealed Identity. After hearing James' 12" on Narratives Soul Intent tracked James and proposed James remix 'No Answers' which is did in amazing style. James also offered up a stunning brand new solo track called 'Zahir', a 7 minute journey into cinematic 170BPM. Soul Intent finishes up the 12" with a 140BPM garage/bass music monster called 'Tribes' via Odyssia alias.

Hold tight the artists unknown giving the far-famed superstylin' their idiosyncratic palate.

140 on the A - 170 on the B gives it ummer vibes, dubby vibes, drum and bass vibes, super vibes!

10" transparent hand stamped vinyl for maximum brightness in these summer months.

REPRESSED !

Logical direction recordings first vinyl release features two fresh (official) remixes.

* Logical direction returns with their first Beatz ep vinyl release. A 4 track ep, with the likes of Verb, Dj Fox, Drum Cypha, Tim Reaper, Mpathy, Zebedee. Keeping it true to the original sound of jungle DnB.

Total Science are back to grace their own imprint CIA Records, and this time they enlist the musical and technical prowess of fellow Bristol associates Hydro and War alongside themselves on The Reign EP.

Made up of four killer slabs of fast paced, moving and deep Drum & Bass, the influence of each party is immediately obvious in each track. Total Science are infamous for their breaks and rave influences that have often been present in their music since they first started releasing in the early 1990's. Hydro has been releasing music since 2007, working with a slew of respected producers such as Break, DLR, FD and Halogenix amongst many others. He is infamous for his epic sample collection and the deep and deadly vibe that he brings to tracks. And the young French extraordinaire War has already shown he is a force to be reckoned with, consistently releasing music with a sublime depth and musicality that belies his age - and also a power and punch that consistently rips clubs to shreds.

The Reign EP brings the finest attributes of each of the parties to the table, and results in a well-rounded collection of music that offers something to a wide range of listeners. Whether you want to lock them into a groove, tear the roof off the club, or get them thinking about what will come next in this world, The Reign EP has it in spades.

Makoto, a man who's been instrumental in Japan's drum & bass movement since the birth of the genre, now signed exclusively to Hospital Records, presents his fifth solo album 'Salvation'. A perfect fit bringing that trademark sound across 14 tracks of authentic soul and rolling jazz inspirited drum & bass.
'I Don't Wanna Wake Up' featuring the outstanding vocals of Karina Ramage is the perfect summertime roller. Delightfully hypnotic, this will be a staple selection for any DJ worth their salt over the coming months, catching its premiere on Huw Stephens' BBC Radio 1 slot. Makoto also empowers Karina's topline prowess on the hauntingly beautiful 'Winds Of Change'.
Following suit, the vocally driven 'Salvation' ft DRS balances an elegant ambiance with grittier elements. Switching to 'Primitive Galaxy' which focuses more on high-energy dancefloor impact but still with his distinctive bassline groove and melodic stabs. A jazzy riff takes the lead in 'Fancy Free' with celestial vocals and staccato drums, invoking a euphoric trance that all liquid tracks strive for.
Already having an enriched history across Good Looking and his own imprint Human Elements, Makoto is a leader in the art of funk, soul and jazz entrenched drum & bass.

Blendits Audio returns to the vinyl format for the first time in two years. With a special 12'' that combines cuts from both BLAU017 and 018 digital releases, the labels catalog is extended with a record by household names Mindmapper, Silvahfonk, Hydro & War.

On the A-side, two Dutch artist re-appear on Blendits Audio with their uplifting but rough tones of ''Seven''. From special drum sounds, crafty FX blips and a clear pad that hints to the middle-east, an unusual drum & bass experience is being extracted. Mindmapper & Silvahfunk showcase why they are among the most anticipated artists in modern day Drum & Bass.

On the B side bristolians Hydro & War - who have both released with Blendits Audio before - lay down a piece of ethereal beauty. On ''Solace'' ferm drum sounds are being complimented by elegant vocal cuts and technoid fx, this results in a dashing track that explores production boundaries and will most surely leave listeners in awe.

London-based Astrophonica, headed by Charlie Fracture, kicks off 2017 with a compilation capturing the sounds that have driven the label forward for the past five years. *Gradients* is Astrophonica's first compilation and brings together its small but powerful roster with a string of close friends and allies, giving prominence to both well-known names — dBridge, DJ Earl, Stray, Om Unit under his Philip D Kick guise — and newcomers — Lewis James, Tusais, Touchy Subject, Tehbis.

Astrophonica's ties to various established players are proudly on display with contributions from Richie Brains collaborators Sam Binga — the furious, clap-driven 'BFT' — and Stray — whose uplifting 'Blink' provides a ray of sunshine — as well as Exit boss dBridge, who indulges his love of sampling and breaks on the stripped back 'db vs The 45 King'. Reflecting Astrophonica's love of Chicago footwork is 'Statisfyee', a hypnotic groover from Fracture and DJ Earl, Teklife member and a disciple of the late DJ Rashad, while Sully's 'Helios' gets a rare remix from Philip D Kick, the footwork meets jungle alias of Om Unit.

Representing the label, Parisian dub scientist Moresounds and English producer Sully come with two different but complimentary junglistic experiments: the dark and percussive 'Warriah' and the expansive and rolling 'We're Here'. Meanwhile London's Touchy Subject and Tehbis, the latest additions to Astrophonica, offer up two head-nodding burners with the bright and colorful 'Cosmic Tales' and the smoky grooves of 'Alphabet Ooz'. Label founders Fracture & Neptune dig deep into their archive for 'Whatever', a previously unreleased track updated for 2017 that pays homage to Astrophonica's roots with trademark attention to detail and an ear for rhythmic sensibilities. Fracture also flies solo with 'Back Up In This', a lean and aggressive dancefloor wrecker. Completing the picture are two new talents: Irish-born, London-based producer Lewis James displays his blend of cinematic compositions and hard-hitting beats on 'Snook' while Antwerp's Tusais does an equally efficient job of pummeling the dancefloor with the menacing 'Blackout'.

*Gradients* is a glorious celebration of Astrophonica's growth as well as its stylistic roots and forward-thinking ethos. Each of the 13 tracks has been tested in the clubs for the past year to ensure an all-killer-no-filler experience. And as with previous releases, the compilation sports artwork from Utile Creative whose striking design adds an all-important visual touch to a new milestone for the label.

Foundation X is proud to present the eagerly awaited first full 12" EP from Djinn, four deadly jungle tracks that display exactly why the female Mancunian artist has become an integral part of the FDX family. Djinn's ability to weave together dark atmospherics and rumbling subs with the toughest breakwork and is second to none, with a heavy nod to the 90's sound, satisfying both the dance and underground breakbeat science enthusiasts . . .

NINE GROUNDS - Haunting deep intro pads build to a tectonic 10 tonne drop of militant switching breaks featuring detailed edits and soundclash vocals sitting over a sweeping sub-low bassline reminiscent of a moody '95 rave.

DESTRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCE - Off-key notes & a rolling break build the vibes deceptively tame over subtle sub-zero bass throughout, pausing for a dark cinematic breakdown before signing off with a rollout of heavyweight raw amenism.

DARK REFERENCE - Diced up stepping breaks laced with Mentasms layered over building atmospherics & deep FX progressing through to a devastating drop of dark chords teased with heavy amen cuts and suspended strings.

PRESSURE - Finally committed to wax! Long awaited track 'Pressure' closes the E.P.'s deadly theme, progressing with sinister harmonies before reaching critical levels & maintaining heavy, relentless drumwork fully to the end.

Djinn's true skill lies in her masterful handling of contrast, while her breaks are unfathomably tough, slamming home with pinpoint precision but the force of a 10-tonne jackhammer, they sit within eerie, cavernous atmospheres that cause the senses to sharpen to the intricacies at play. . . . It's clear Djinn is a name we'll be hearing for a long time to come' - DJ Mag, 2017

DJ support from SB81, DJ Stretch, Nucleus, Mantra, DJ Monita, Trax, and more...