Beats News

Sicknote, J Bionic and Dissect are back with the second Volume in the Paws Recordings series.

"Nowadays" intros with relentless, rolling beats and percussion that chugs away before building you up to the kind of exciting bass drop that invokes a dancefloor energy straight from the 90's. This is a groove that will rock any system.


"Occurrence" begins building through a plethora of percussive treats and sounds that conjure up cosmic landscapes and alien horizons before lifting into an interstellar journey that has you moving through the stars at lightspeed.

For over two decades, Dread Recordings have time and time again maintained their seminal output with every release. Managing to present a crossover of old school and more modern day techniques, they've given fresh life to the jungle riddims which made drum & bass so prominent during its inception. And for this subsequent release, label head honcho Ray Keith steps up to the plate, bringing with his a deliciously rolling selection of bass heavy proportions. With a massive back catalogue and an even more impressive roster, the figurehead's addition goes on to expand the credibility heralded by both the artists and imprint. Dread Recordings continue to impress, with a history documented through their stellar releases.Nothing less than a jungle tear-out, the Penny mix of 'Feel Some' cuts open Ray Keith's production standard and opens its raw centre. 'Feel Some' is an example of what Ray Keith does best, striving to hit harder each time with sprawling, smashing drums and guttural bass sounds. Taking precedent are those all-important breaks, still standing as the most prominent feature from start to finish. Penny gives it an extra layer, drawing for a heavier flow and firing shot after sonic shot. Neither artist grabs for the brakes.'Do You Wanna Cook' proves that both Dread Recordings and Ray Keith don't adhere to any trend, instead they spearhead a subgenre which has run its own show for some time now. Rugged subs and rattling percussion help fill out the mix, whilst tinny kicks help to underpin its composition. Biting reese slips through between layers, giving a brooding, intimidating hook which stalks its bassline. Then comes 'Zion Dred', slightly more subdued in its rollout but still surging with every succession of pads. It begins to grow in its intensity, not presenting a full-frontal attack like its predecessors but still powerful with every relay. 'Virus' finishes the release, with a clanking set of breaks and punchy drums skittering amongst its clicking hi-hats and swathes of static bass. The track is a lesson through the roots of both Dread Recordings and its stalwart Ray Keith. It's a gradual build, but one which highlights the ingenuity behind both artist and label.

After 10 years of releasing on some of the most respected labels in the scene including 31 Records, Commercial Suicide and Samurai Music, Soul Intent is to release his first solo album via his own imprint, Lossless Music.

The album features collaborations with Chromatic, jazz vocalist Sue Mae, as well as his old Dataset band mate Chris Gittins.

In Soul Intent's own words....
"I wanted the make an album that had continuity but also showed all the vibes and styles I'm into as a producer, DJ and general lover of this music. Hopefully it's an album of substance and people enjoy the journey."

INCLUDES DOWNLOAD CODE FOR ALL TRACKS

* Integral 039 sees the much anticipated return of the mysterious tribal outifit Mohican Sun. Following the huge 'Dead Sea EP' which instantly stole the ears and hearts of the entire DnB industry, the Fixation EP picks up from where the last note was mixed down, in a continued epic journey through 4 fresh, heavyweight anthems.* Kicking off the new EP in style, the dramatic and cinematic intro of 'Providence' swiftly commands 5 stars. The layering of emotional energy through music; the sublime string programming, inspiring vocals and infectious bass raise the liquid funk bar to new levels. This is the real Mohican Sun magic.

* The futuristic vibes of 'Untold' are up next: The passionate, soul-laden musicality and transcendent bass grooves take you on a wonderful ride through the deep.
* 'Shadow' flips the script entirely, showcasing a completely new side to MS production. Another striking intro of ultra-epic piano and string hooks, elevates to a bass hurtling drop delivering maximum dancefloor thunder! Music destined to damage any dancefloor with it's monstrous manifestation; this one will command a rewind from every rotation.
* Wrapping up a most superb second Mohican Sun masterpiece is the stunning title track 'Fixation'. This future-soul-inspired, instant classic comes complete with feel-good, sun-kissed melodies and cosy bass just in time for summer! Pure class.

* Mark your iCal's now with June 23rd as the official release of new powerhouse DnB outfit Mohican Sun's Fixation EP. The 4-strong, versatile production will resonate with fans from all corners of the spectrum. Launching across all formats with supercool and limited edition collector's artwork, make sure you reserve your vinyl copy now to avoid disappointment! #ekho

Kicking off 2014 in the most spectacular fashion, Critical Music enters its 12th year with its biggest artist compilation to date.
Painstakingly put together by label boss Kasra over the past year 'Underground Sonics' is an exciting overview of modern day drum
& bass showcasing the true dexterity of one of the most well regarded, independent electronic music labels in the UK today. Kasra has pulled out all the stops, sifting through his phone book to enlist the talents of some of the biggest and most exciting producers in the game. Noisia, Dub Phizix, Enei, Phace, Sam Binga and Kasra himself all make sterling contributions that make for an album of the best of Underground Sonic expression.
"It's been a few years since our last fully fledged label compilation so I wanted to ensure this one was as vital as possible. For me this album truly encapsulates the essence of Critical, a balanced mix of all that's exciting about this music - heads down lights out rollers, experimental side steps and some slightly more aggressive attention grabbers. This album is made up of tracks by the core Critical acts alongside a select group of label friends and for me is a snapshot of where the label is at now and where it is heading." - Kasra About Critical Music: Conceived by D&B visionary Kasra back in 2002, in a front room in north London, the Critical Music name has since blossomed into one of the most successful independent record labels in the UK today. Grown from a simple idea driven by a commitment to putting out the best music the scene has to offer, it has now become one of the most well respected electronic dance music labels in the UK.
With its ongoing label residency at London's Fabric nightclub, branded events the world over, nurturing new talent and releasing
some of the freshest breaks and beats from the likes of Enei, Foreign Concept, Emperor, Mefjus, Ivy Lab, Sam Binga, Break,
Rockwell, Sabre, Stray, Calibre, and many more, it has gone on to build a loyal following around the world driven on by Kasra's never ending quest to release quality underground bass music.
'One of the most forward-thinking labels out there..and Kasra one of drum & bass' most canny A&R's.' - DJ mag

The first vinyl release of Dissymmetrical Music brings to vinyl four of the most popular tracks previously only available digitally.

or our final vinyl release of 2014, we selected two monster tracks that will delight fans of the audio juggernaut better known as Current Value. Maintainer clearly displays why this producer's sound design is so admired and well known. Hard pounding drums, memorable synth hooks and energetic rhythms make up this versatile dancefloor weapon. On the flip is the much anticipated Tremor. A perfect example of what is perhaps considered the apex of Tim Eliot's trademark sound, hard marching drums and metallic percussion coupled with obscure vibes and synthwork, are all part of this memorable anthem by CV.
---
The latest Yellow Stripe release presents one more banging tune from the Bulgarian producer Cooh. Undeniably techno and hardcore influenced, with hypnotic build-ups and synthwork, Teroma is definitely a tune that'll smash dancefloors anywhere to bits.

Also on this release YS brings you a long-awaited collaboration by Russian hard D&B heads Lucio de Rimanez and Dereck. Featuring memorable samples that'll make you smile every time you hear them, I Scream has been driving crowds wild before its release and will certainly continue to do so.

* Dauntless is a brand spanking new talent from Sydney, Australia with a penchant for the classic sound of tech step / neuro funk from the glory days. Think Ed Rush & Optical, Bad Company etc but with a modern twisted edge and you'll begin to get an idea of where Mr. Billy Kang is coming from.

* Already turning heads worldwide with releases on Noisia's Invisible and forthcoming on Dispatch. Cheggit out.

* Limited edition 2 track 12" vinyl.

* Two of the finest Dutch & Belgian exports combine flavours for the first time in the collaborative 'Bristol Bombay EP'.

* In a fusion of styles marrying together so naturally it feels intrinsic, the geographical neighbours perfectly complement one another; from the lush harmonics to brutal bass.

* Creating what already feels like an essential Dispatch release, Nymfo & Phase cover all bases expertly, with the authentically old skool inspired 'Duvel' to the tantalizing roller 'Bulldog' and a guest feature from lyricist Sense on 'Beautiful Suicide'.

* Superbly balancing musicality with technical fervour, the Nymfo & Phase combo is every bit as impressive as we could have hoped for!

Limited to only 300 copies on 140g clear vinyl w/ reverse board sleeve

* Arcatype released their debut vinyl 12 months ago to much acclaim. Here they present their follow-up single which further strengthens their cause as a trio to keep an eye on.

* DJ Support from Skeptical, Jubei, Halogenix, Teebee, Mefjus, Misanthrop, Fabio

Pict 12" + CD
* Following on from last years 'Come And Join Us' LP, BCee has hand picked some of his favourite artists and asked them choose a track from his back catalogue to bring their own personal touch to.

* Ulterior Motive tackle 'Firebox', whilst bass maestro Break reworks 'Morning Star'; scene legends Calibre ('Typical Description') and Klute ('Come And Join Us') also feature alongside Tokyo Prose and Muffler. The next generation of drum & bass talent is represented by liquid up-and-comers Pola & Bryson ('Sun Goes Down') and GLXY ('Think Twice').

* A varied and textured body of work, the remixes contained within the 'Thanks For Joining Us' LP are awash with signature musical clarity and production prowess scattered throughout.

* Support from London Elektricity, Technimatic, TC, High Contrast, S.P.Y, Etherwood, Spectrasoul and a whole load more...














70. BCee feat. Hybrid Minds & Rocky Nti - Cut Me Loose (Muffler Remix)

7 inch Orange Vinyl in a picture Sleeve hand numbered limited to 500, a treat from the D&B don High Contrast as featured on the T2 Trainspotting film.

* A voice synonymous with the Dispatch sound, echoing across the globe at label events and in numerous tracks, we are pleased to welcome vocalist MC Fokus for his debut artist EP, led by Seattle based Homemade Weapons at the helm, to create the 'Chrysalis EP'.

* Setting out dark, brooding atmospheres with great dexterity, Fokus retains a passion that you can feel in his delivery both on stage in the music and this release sees him 'breaking out the chrysalis', to cement his reputation as a recording artist, as well as a club MC.

* Homemade Weapons also debuts, masterminding the production with four ice cold cuts to perfectly compliment Fokus' style; stripped back, minimal and sub heavy beats, with additional production features from Dispatch stalwarts Cern and DBR UK.

* Delivering menace with eloquence, Fokus ties off an impressive debut EP and when combined with Homemade Weapons, the results are formidable.

Spiralheadz oldschool repress... And ancient record is back ! With some Hardfloor banging reverbless kicks and few breakbeats to punch it up ! Must Have !

Alix Perez and Spectrasoul have earned their stripes as pioneers of the deeper and more melodic side of the genre. These gentlemen are known for their versatility, and their progressive attitudes toward music. Both acts came up through Shogun, and their first collaboration 'Forsaken' quickly became a benchmark for quality in drum and bass.The 'Synergy EP' is 4 tracks of concise, stripped back, mature and soulful music that bumps. Perez and Spectrasoul have recently formed their own imprints, and as a celebration of this, the Synergy EP is a joint release between the artists' labels - 'Ish Chat Music' (Spectrasoul), and '1985 Music' (Alix Perez). The EP has seen repeated support from Dbridge, Skeptical, LSB, Lenzman, Marky, Ivy Lab and others.

Canadian born producer Rene LaVice brings you into the New Year with two fresh cuts, tracks which set a standard for the coming twelve months and prove the stalwart isn't pulling any breaks . Having played shows worldwide, with a string of high profile appearances including London's seminal Ram New Year's event, this forthcoming single has been heavily anticipated. The success of his first two studio LPs on imprint Ram Records have also strengthened his position within the drum & bass title weights, demonstrating that he's able to deliver ground breaking pieces of sonic art year after year. Radio & Club support so far from: Beats 1, Andy C / Sub Focus / My Nu Leng / Shock One / Crissy Criss / A.M.C. / Drumsound & Bassline Smith.

Shoot Recordings presents FIERCE, a collection of dancefloor sickness from some of today's finest bass technicians.

Calculon, Shamanga & Austin Speed drop the original, a savage, banging slice of classic hardcore fast-forwarded to the future. Cutting and chopping with swooping sci-fi basslines, FIERCE earns its name, the meanest track Shoot's released.

DJ Madd turns the sick first mix, a halftime juke rework that puts Fierce in a lowrider and serves it a cup of sizzurp. The bounce version for all the Cali heads.

Skeptikal is up next, deep-freezing the track into a tidy stepper. Focusing the track s scope, it's a deep space killer, exactly what you'd expect from the don.

Survival is the anchor, turning out a rugged neuro vibes that race through the nighttime city streets to assassinate your eardrums. The darkside sickness.

Four tracks of pure FIERCE. Shoot Recordings for 2017, dancefloor innovation

* Limited Edition vinyl release - 300 copies on white vinyl, with coloured inner sleeve and die-cut outer sleeve
* Vinyl also contains download card to get digital release and digital wallpapers.
* The debut year of the Hybrid Music imprint comes to a close with another heart-wrenching masterpiece from Matt & Josh, the final single before their full album drops in 2017. Exquisitely designed drum & bass with a musical depth second to none, an essential addition.
* On the next release "For our third release on Hybrid Music we've teamed up with the exponentially talented Alexa Harley. We heard her through tracks we would listen to in our down time & instantly knew she was perfect for this particular project...
* On the remix: "We're huge fans of the Vanguard Project at the minute so they were an obvious choice for this remix. They've bought a fresh, jungle vibe to the whole track and we absolutely love it. Hybrid Minds 2016

This time it's our friend Kiat (Syndicate collective) from Singapore with three tunes that are impeccable in style and substance. From the soothing yet purposeful Brooklyn to the acute manifesto that is - Procession' and the final but cathartic - Slider' this EP offers a unique perspective on drum and bass music. The 160 bpm Five Boroughs Remix by Kabuki (V Rec.) is reflecting exactly the aesthetics of his regular night in Berlin called "New Forms" which he runs in collaboration with no other than D:Bridge. The title "Leipzig EP" reflects on the special relationship between the label owner's (Booga) homebase in Germany with Kiat. It goes back to 2007 and kicked off with an interesting story involving dubplates and people still meeting on AIM.

Nucleus & Paradox have always been a worthy pairing and their next release for Metalheadz, which is split into 2 parts, once again proves it. Their 2005 single on the label is switched up across both parts, with '12 Bits' getting a Mako remix whilst the duo themselves present a new remix of 'Aragon', bringing a fresh spark to the original. The two remaining tracks split across the EP are originals, with both showcasing exquisite breaks and twisted basslines throughout. Artwork from Matt Twist completes the 'Wrath EP' package.

To celebrate their 20th release none60 have recruited Naibu for two superb remixes!

Naibu was given the choice of remixing anything in the none60 back catalogue and chose to remix Silent Dust's collaborations with Detroit's SelfSays to astounding effect, keeping the hip hop elements of the original and mixing them with his unique drum work and atmospherics. SelfSays' vocals jump around Naibu's reworkings superbly to create two essential Hip Hop/Drum & Bass crossover tracks.

It's been a long time coming. After Raygun, Conscious Mind, Void VIP, Stolen Desire and a host of other guest appearances over the years, it was about time Spirit delivered his first full solo release and it has certainly been worth the wait!

'International' has already been causing some severe destruction in the hands of those DJ's fortunate enough to have early access. An unrelenting frenzy of thunderous bass, seesaw amen fills, cavernous reverberating drums and hypnotic pads spiralling towards it's intense surging apex. Creeping synths, stripped-down militant rhythms and stealth subs provide the perfect vision for the title track, 'Stalker' before 'Look Out' completes the journey with a brooding bass overload, surrounded in huge atmospherics and mystical echoing vocals.

* INCLUDES DOWNLOAD CODE *
* 3 new tracks from Technical Itch for the 60th release on the label.
* One deep musical vibey roller and two dark and hard hitting amen tracks.

* Fat, analogue, powerful, real Drum & Bass.

* 12" dubplate style with no centre labels. Going back to the days when DJs carried around a box full of exclusive dubs.

* Continuing an already brilliantly well-received series on November 18th is The Vanguard Project. A two-piece project that consists of the creatively charged minds of BCee and Villem, the producers return with 'Vol.3' for Spearhead Records.

* The EP opens with the steppy 'FLLN 4 U', glistening with understated and shimmering musical overtones, acting as the bind for the distinctive vocals. Next up is 'From Inside', a heady mix of soul-splashed tones, low-end rumbles and an electrifying current of tightly woven drums that carry this one through with aplomb.

* 'Milestone' is deeply expressive from the get-go, moving with the utmost fluidity and that top line mirroring the distorted, reverbed strings. The mood changes once again as 'Vol.3' comes to a close, picking up the pace with 'More Jungle'. This one is immensely textured thanks to its fantastic use of instrumentation, offsetting classic breaks with euphoric brass samples and hands in the air female melodies.

* This new work from The Vanguard Project is drum & bass at its most exciting - full of rich flavours and variety.

* Support from London Elektricity, Technimatic, TC, High Contrast, S.P.Y, Etherwood, Spectrasoul and a whole load more...

Label regulars Ulterior Motive present two finely cut pieces of drum and bass, both of which are full of the usual hypnotic funk and production prowess that the duo are now synonymous with. 'Step Change' is the monster of the two, with a twisted reese running throughout combined with heavy hitting, tightly tuned drums - a signature Ulterior Motive creation. It's the funk that bursts to the forefront on 'Get Close', sitting over an eerie foundation and completing a stellar double pack for their first original tracks on Metalheadz in almost 2 years.

Nucleus & Paradox have always been a worthy pairing and their next release for Metalheadz, which is split into 2 parts, once again proves it. Their 2005 single on the label is switched up across both parts, with '12 Bits' getting a Mako remix whilst the duo themselves present a new remix of 'Aragon', bringing a fresh spark to the original. The two remaining tracks split across the EP are originals, with both showcasing exquisite breaks and twisted basslines throughout. Artwork from Matt Twist completes the 'Wrath EP' package.

When two of the most exciting names in drum & bass combine forces, you are in for something special - Amoss & Fre4knc bring Dispatch Dubplate their first full collaborative release.

Highly anticipated following two previous link ups on Dispatch, both heavily demanded and supported, these guys have been towing the line between darkness and groove, delivering tech with funk like nobody else (we re pleased to say there is more music still to come).

Their most recent, Vortice , receives a VIP for Dispatch Dubplate, reinvigorating the original into a switching, half time laden beast; The Passage offers a souped up 2017 nod to the classic Wormhole sound; Redemption rounds off tenaciously, as an exclusive to the vinyl.


With a limited run of just 300 hand stamped, signed and numbered heavyweight vinyl copies available, ensure your copy as our Dispatch Dubplates often sell out in advance of release.

Resuming our Dispatch Dubplate series in 2017, we are excited to welcome Commix to the fold, with a debut release this May.

Presenting four exclusive cuts from the UK born Berliner, the release features quintessential, club primed Commix rollers, alongside some profound and polished experimentation; providing a true sense of the depth in his quality today.

Still retaining the renowned infectiousness of his back catalogue, Commix nimbly connects the dots between flavours of the past and his path for the future, authentically delivering yet another classic release; something we felt called for a vinyl release right from the off.

With 400 hand stamped, signed and numbered heavyweight vinyl copies available, there is a very limited press and much like previous Dispatch Dubplates, this will never be re-pressed.

Digital is back on Metalheadz for the first time in nearly 2 years and we couldn't be happier to have such a legend in the scene releasing with us. The 'In The Lurch EP' consists of everything that we love about Digital with the much sought after 'Sun Bites' featuring Villem on the A side. For the other 3 tracks on the release we head down the steppier route, bringing tonnes of flavour on the way as Digital flexes his production muscles.

Goldie delivers a 3LP set of high quality drum and bass that ticks numerous boxes - dancefloor darkness, jungle revivalism, liquid funk warmth - with a string of suitably impressive collaborators (Ulterior Motive, Swindle, Jose James, Natalie Williams, Terri Walker) swinging by to ensure the set oozes soul

10" White Vinyl with Printed Sleeve

REPRESSED !!

Snow-white vinyl. Solace is the brand new roller from Alaska. A sequence of sad violin loops set the tone over fast breaks and strings. Sub-bass and keys glide with soulful house vocals adding the final touch for the first solo Alaska 12' in three years.Alaska revisits the ambient number Earthloop on the flipside adding sharp downtempo drums to the original break-less recording from 2010's The Mesozoic Era LP.