Beats News

Two undisputed early jungle classics feature on this vinyl, plus the very sought after VIP mix...

The Dark Crystl was a music defining track when it was released in the early 90's. It single handedly changed the game, bringing to the fore what would soon become the very essence of jungle music - heavy amens with clever edits, huge bass lines, gorgeous pads and deep atmospherics. It started a run of anthems from the legendary Dj Crystl, that continued through to Inn Year 3000 and beyond. This is an unmissable repress of a timeless classic.

If you decide to look up the strict definition of outsider in any dictionary, you'll find that the term is understood as "a person who is not involved with a particular group of people or organization or who does not live in a particular place".

Perhaps this is the most accurate description of Santiago Merino. For a long decade and from his native Medellín, this DJ and producer has always tried to keep his sonic spectrum open. An interdisciplinary artist capable of freely navigating through a myriad of genres is rarely encountered, and that may be the reason why Santiago enjoys a non-negotiable respect in the different scenes that make up the music circuit of his city. On this occasion, Back Door Records is pleased to serve as host to receive one of the most anticipated facets within the range of music produced by this Colombian artist.

The Outsider marks the debut of a new project signed by Merino, a new hunch in which house takes the helm of an EP entitled 4 Club Use. Composed of five tracks, 4 Club Use seems to show us the true essence behind a genre that has almost been trivialized over the years. In this case, El Outsider decided to take the basic ingredients of tech house to produce a recipe much richer in flavors, textures and melodies. "Fire People", for example, leaves the window open for the airs of Detroit techno to come in and cool off any sunny afternoon. "Outsider" and "The Heat", on the other hand, are seasoned by the purest amen breaks, as if it were a blessing intended solely for the dance floor.

But the real deal across 4 Club Use is definitely El Outsider's own edit of Merino's track "Those Days". Raw and forceful kicks, meticulously sampled vocals and pads that seem to wrap them magically, make this bomb one of the candidate tracks to take the absolute podium of 2023.

One of the biggest, breakbeat channelling stompers out there, courtesy of the in-demand duo Borai and Denham Audio, finally gets an official release with three fiery remixes via Room Two Recordings. A track that’s ripped through airwaves and club dancefloors alike, ‘Make Me’ has all the hallmarks of a future classic. Doused in Amen breaks, rattling subs, rave stabs and an instantly recognizable mid ‘80s Donna Allen sample. Together the track feels like a long forgotten rave anthem from the ‘90s with its mix of high intensity breaks and soulful vocals.

With the original sample cleared, three producers step up to remix this undeniable anthem. First Sheffield’s Big Ang with her Rave To The Grave remix, playing homage to her hometown with a bassline and bleep flavoured rework. Mani Festo then hits hyperspace with his glitched out, jungle warper, before Paul Sirrell closes out proceedings serving up a huge slice of piano house heat.

Two undisputed early jungle classics feature on this vinyl, plus the very sought after VIP mix...The Dark Crystl was a music defining track when it was released in the early 90's. It single handedly changed the game, bringing to the fore what would soon become the very essence of jungle music - heavy amens with clever edits, huge bass lines, gorgeous pads and deep atmospherics. It started a run of anthems from the legendary Dj Crystl, that continued through to Inn Year 3000 and beyond. This is an unmissable repress of a timeless classic.

DJ Support: Alix Perez, Hybrid Minds, DJ Marky, DJ Krust, Doc Scott, Pola & Bryson, AC Slater, Imanu, Hamdi and more.

1985 Music presents the first edition of 'Fragment' their new various artist series. Featuring familiar faces from the imprint and special guests, this album combines the 1985 Music sound in all forms.

Featuring tracks from label head honcho Alix Perez with the strictly soulful 'Bloomsbury', while New Zealand producer/DJ Headland reworks 'Trust' the anthem from EPROM. Joining the fold GLM, Eijer and Satl make their debut on the imprint while regular artists Visages, Drone, Bredren and Ebb continue to deliver the goods.

Radio support: Charlie Tee BBC Radio 1, Fred V Kiss FM, Mary Anne Hobbes BBC 6 Music, 1985 Music RinseFM show (monthly).

Northern Front Records 7th vinyl release by Response & Pliskin is a somewhat oppressive sounding record with a dark atmospheric presence running throughout the tracks. The full artwork sleeve by Mark McGuinness compliments the sound of the record and it’s title given it’s bleak look. 

Mastered by Simon Davey (Exchange)

I've had "Night Safari" for a long time, it's been a favourite of mine for the past few years, I've played it in multiple mixes (including my mix for Resident Advisor) and I was quite eager to have it released on Future Retro London. However, Coco had other plans, wanting to put it on an album he was working on for his label Myor and he was quite adamant on that.

Eventually though, with some persistence and back-and-forth, we were able to work out a deal where I get to release the tune first on a single, with a new tune of his (Into The Groove) on the flipside and then afterwards, he can have the tune for his album (which should be out in a few months time) and everybody wins.

Shout out to Coco for the music (look out for his Computer Love LP coming later this year on Myor, which will feature Night Safari), Alice Palm for her (brief) vocals on Into The Groove and to Rob Halhead on the illustrations used for the artwork.

A1 - The Abyss
Opening his debut EP for Curvature, Law jump straight in with an intense, suspenseful aura which immediately surrounds The Abyss, with crunchy Hot Pants breaks rolling us forward for the first act before a timely and unexpected switch to heavy, punchy amens. With whooshing vocal hits colouring the vibe as echoing piano keys provide delightful melodies throughout, The Abyss is an impressively varied heavy hitter and a strong indicator of Law's talents.
A2 - False Awakening
Yearning atmospheric padwork introduces False Awakening, a deep and compelling piece which utilises the Apache break to great effect, with a myriad of filtered samples ducking and weaving around the break. Female vocals set a sorrowful tone, delicately punctuating the stirring atmosphere as the breakbeats shudder and dart with a suitably wrought 808 bassline complementing the intensity of the track.
AA1 - Six Below
Law continues the strikingly atmospheric tones with Six Below, a track with a distinctive organ melody sitting atop a backdrop of darkly FX and deep, expansive pads which blanket the soundscape. For the breaks, we are treated to a very danceable two-step pattern of old school drums, guaranteed to move you and your audience while a subtle, deep bassline rumbles along below.
AA2 - Ascent
Closing the EP with a viscerally brooding and orchestral vibe, Law utilises a wide array of production techniques with Ascent, drizzled with menacing, echoed vocal hits, understated filtered melodies and inspired female vocal samples. An exquisite collage of deceptively varied and weighty breaks zip back and forth making this closing track something truly special for the listener and the dancefloor.
Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)

In my opinion, Nebula is one of the best new producers for the atmospheric side of jungle & I've been a big fan of his work for years, following & supporting his music on Scientific Wax & Subtle Audio, so I'm very pleased to have a release from him on Future Retro London.

When he sent me "The Future", it was originally for Meeting Of The Minds, but it was already so fully formed and finished, that I felt like it was better off being released as is, and so I did a VIP version of it to go on the b-side. Big thanks to him for the great music!


b b1. The Future Tim Reaper VIP

25th Anniversary 5 x 12inch vinyl using the original print files. 3mm spined sleeves with black paper inners in a 12inch black lined lift off lid hard cover box, gloss laminated with 16 page booklet of original notes/photos and background to arguably the most influential Drum & Bass album.

Optical Feb 2023;
“We are doing a luxurious high quality boxset to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original release with the original artwork and top quality vinyl and lovely 16 page booklet with lots of photos and art and words from everyone involved in making the record happen”

* Recorded between 1997 and 1998 by Ed Rush & Optical, the album was released on the 16 November 1998 on Virus Recordings, in vinyl and CD formats. The CD edition was a double disc, the second disc containing an hour-long continuous mix while the LP was a five-disc set housed in a widespine sleeve, with a single track per side. “Splinter” by Fortran was a collab with Ed Rush, Optical and Fierce. The recordings were produced and mixed in Optical's custom built studio, based in Rob Playford's Moving Shadow offices, St Anne's Court, SOHO, London. The final mastering was done by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick, London.
* Wormhole is considered to be the very first LP in the Neurofunk Genre and is a drum and bass scene classic

Did you ever experience the feeling that, while listening to an album, immersed in the music, you weren't thinking anything and, in fact, did not have to think anything because the music was somehow replacing your thoughts and simultaneously translating or mapping them? And that you'd be entirely happy to continue having your thoughts and the music merge into one, your cerebral activity just 'being' that music? But then it also hits you: what does that say about my thoughts and mindset? In particular, why am I so comfortable with my brain twisting and speeding like a renegade droid in an escape pod gone berserk somewhere in the voids of outer space?

As more than a few listeners will agree, the darker styles of drum & bass are an exceptional musical fit for sci-fi themes and atmospheres, especially the more gloomy, brooding and apocalyptical ones. Ed Rush & Optical's Wormhole undeniably is one of the albums that does that best. From the ominous beginning tones of Mystery Machine onwards, the producing duo will have you hooked, or at the very least intrigued, with some the heaviest bass lines ever (see esp. Splinter and Millennium), up-tempo snares and scratchy grooves (Slip Thru, Compound, Fixation), and an array of instrumental and vocal samples throughout, used sparingly enough to give the impression of minimal tweaks for maximum effect. Tracks like Glass Eye and Dozer still connect with the dub and reggae roots of drum and bass, while Point Blank and Compound mix elements of ska and funk, giving them a heavy futuristic twist. The main mid range guitar-like sample in Compound is one for the ages, together with its pounding bass lines. As stardust sparkles through the title track Wormhole, the sound of the album also seems to reach the peak of its maturity (if something like electronic bass riffing exists, it’s on this track), and the journey your ears have been taking reveals itself as one that translates intergalactic shortcuts to synapses in the microcosmic realm of the brain. The closer Lithosphere, then, forms the short but necessary ambient decompression.

Alien, otherworldly, eerie, relentless and infectious are all predicates that fit the musical vibe of Wormhole equally well. The tunes are irresistibly funky in some kind of deranged way, bursting with dark attractive energy. In hindsight, there could not have been a better time slot than 1998, pending Y2K, to drop this aural bomb of millennial anxiety and anticipation. The album captures that feeling and historical moment perfectly, but also continues to convey it as a timeless experience. There’s plenty of background and analysis to read on the internet: on how Wormhole hit and changed the face of drum & bass, instantly making it fashionable far beyond UK club culture; on how its stylistic leap from the jazzy and ethereal to the relentless and dark single-handedly initiated and installed the subgenre known as Neurofunk; on how its militant drum tracks and bass lines had a significant hand in winning over fans of metal to electronic music; etcetera. You will also have little trouble finding all the nerdy technical specs: on how the album retains the ‘warmth of older pre-PC production’ as it was made on ‘outboard gear’; on the arsenal of studio equipment used (including the whole range of Boss guitar effect pedals); on the quality of the drum samples (half of which being the artists’ original recordings of drummers); and whatnot. But the year is now, and the fact is: Wormhole still hits the spot.



Studio Equipment:
Mackie 32/8 32 channel, 2 x Emu E6400 Ultra (1x8 outs, 1x16 outs), Alesis Quadraverb, Focusrite Green Eq x2, Focusrite Green Compressor, Focusrite ISA430 Producer Pack, Lexicon Alex, Lexicon MPX1, Alesis MidiVerb4, TC Electronics Fireworx, TC Electronics Finalizer, Joe Meek VC1, Drawmer MX40, CryBaby Wah Pedal, Boss Pedals - (Too many to list but all the popular ones), Novation Basstation, OSCar, Sequential Circuits Pro1, Prophet 5, Wurlitzer, PPG Wave 2.1, Neumann TLM 103 mic, Fender Strat 1972, Oberheim/Viscount GM1000, Korg Z1, Kawai K1r, BSS DPR-402 Compressor, Unitor8 Midi output, Kenton Midi to CV box, Yamaha NS-10M monitors, Dynaudio BM15 monitors. Apple LCII computer. Cubase SX 1. All top quality, shielded, balanced, gold core, custom made wiring throughout, with a fully balanced +10db signal path.

For over a decade, Mako has been a distinctive presence, both as an individual and through his music, a talent we've proudly showcased at Metalheadz.



This September, we are honoured to release his third album on the label, and his second solo endeavour, which serves as a seamless continuation of his earlier work. His 2020 album, 'Oeuvre', represented years of dedication and refined production, solidifying Mako's esteemed place within the Metalheadz family.



Now, four years later, we're thrilled to present 'Oeuvre – Part 2'. This 12-track album is a celebration of Mako's deep passion for music, while also reflecting his sometimes disillusioned views on a modern era that often seems to pass us by. In a world where individuality can struggle to shine amidst an overwhelming flood of content, Mako's superior production stands out as a beacon, demanding not just recognition, but active listening.



Mako's commitment to his musical community is evident throughout the album, with contributions from long-time collaborators Fields, Hydro, Villem, and Mikal, each bringing their unique expertise to the project. The album also features a special collaboration with the late Marcus Intalex, a friendship that blossomed in the years before Marcus' untimely passing and one that continues to bear fruit.



Diving into the heart of the album reveals Mako's charm as a producer: from the captivating vocals in 'Feed You', the sleek homage to techstep in "Suspension', to the pure dancefloor energy of 'Direct Source', a track long favoured by Goldie. As expected, Mako also delivers deeper, more contemplative pieces like the album's opener 'True Expression' and the graceful melodies of 'Overshare'.

Here comes the 11th act of our 10" series. Another fusion of obscure 60/70s grooves, epic 90s conversations and other unknown elements from outer space.

Dj Terrace's third and final release in his Signed series contains his usual rich combination of old skool jungle sounds and unusual arrangements, the style echoing peak Labello Blanco with its deep bass and clever use fo samples and edits, but carving out its own unique sound for the modern audiences!

A gang of singular producers assemble to perform the sacred ritual of dissection and reconstruction on all four tracks from Presha's recent Sacrifice EP.

In the heart of the cosmos, a tale unfolds. It begins with "My Space," where ethereal synths weave a cosmic tapestry, guiding you through distant galaxies. As you journey further, "Satan" emerges, beckoning you to dance with the darkness itself, under the canopy of sadistic beats.

Venturing deeper into the EP, "Get Stupid" takes you to an enigmatic dimension, where gravity-defying rhythms entice you to embrace your wildest instincts. In "Yallah," the atmosphere shifts, transporting you to a mystical oasis where sonic mirages shimmer in the desert of sound.

And just when you thought the adventure reached its pinnacle, "Can't Get Enough" mesmerizes with its infectious grooves, leaving you irresistibly addicted to the sonic enchantment.

Turns out Coco Bryce is more than just a hot piece of man meat. On "My Space" this enigmatic master of sound once again harnesses the forces of the universe to craft five enthralling compositions. His boundless creativity and passion for exploration shine through in every beat, taking you on a euphonic jungle expedition like no other.

ChatGPT rated this release 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor

This is a limited bonus EP from Could 9 aka Nookie, that came with the recently released and totally sold out Cloud 9 Box Set. Available on its own for just a short time, this EP features stunning remixes from Furney and EKT01, and it s sure fire classic waiting to happen....

We have known Big Bug for many years… 29 in fact! He lives near to us here on the South Coast and he has been a big inspiration. A truly authentic sound that was years ahead of the competition.

This release was originally put out by Bournemouth based Underdog Recordings, run by Olly Underdog, back in 1995. Around this time the musical landscape of drum and bass changed dramatically and the ‘intelligent’ sound of Bukem and Fabio lead the way. Big Bud ended up recording for both back then, he was just embarking upon his musical voyage.

Interesting fact – the B-Side was never supposed to be called New Vision. Keiron from Aquasky was recording under that name in 1994, also for Underdog, and Olly got the names muddled up when making the labels… so the track was accidently renamed and ‘New Vision’, the track name, was born!

2023 was a busy year at WNCL HQ - a string of high quality underground bangers culminating in a nomination for Best British Label at the DJ Mag awards
 
2024 continues apace with yet another masterclass in bass music courtesy of Mani Festo … 

A limited edition color vinyl repress of these classic from Dj Force & The Evolution's back catalogue, all big tunes, unmissable...

A limited edition repress of these classic from Dj Force & The Evolution's back catalogue, all big tunes, unmissable...

A limited edition repress on color vinyl of these classic from Dj Force & The Evolution's back catalogue, all big tunes, unmissable...

A limited edition repress on color vinyl of these remixes from the classic Dj Force & The Evolution back catalogue, all big tunes, all big remixes!!!

A familiar favorite, Deft, steps up with his second EP on Hooversound, featuring a VIP remix of one of his original songs taken from his 2020 ‘Burna’ EP.

Defts ‘Burna’ EP back in 2020 set the tone perfectly for Hooversound, it being the second release on the imprint following Hyroglific and Sinistarr’s almighty ‘BS6’. Deft’s hybrid artistic style of production sat perfectly within the launch of Hooversound as he went on to rise steadily within the underground electronic scene. Fast forward four years, Deft returns to Hooversound with an equally impressive follow up, entitled ‘Two Years’.
Yip Wong aka Deft has been producing music for nearly a decade. Within that time he has crafted a signature style using elements of dance, cinematic sound design, hip hop, jungle, footwork and 140. This enigmatic style of production has led him to release on 20/20 LDN, Exit, 1985 Music, Critical Music and more. His release schedule alongside his ever evolving sound has gained the attention of not only London and UK listeners, but fans worldwide.

Defts new ‘Two Years’ EP on Hooversound once again sees the talented producer drawing elements from 140, footwork and jungle, all laced with his ability to create immersive atmospheres and intricate percussion. It’s been teased across SHERELLE and NAINAs DJ sets for months, with it finally dropping to the masses this summer on Hooversound.

One of Canada's finest purveyor of breakbeats John Rolodex joins the Over/Shadow crew and delivers 4 tracks of ear blistering goodness.

Objekt launches his new label, Kapsela, with a 10-year anniversary reissue of his lauded production ‘Ganzfeld’. Remixes come from Djrum, Ulla and Piezo.

Objekt launches his new label, Kapsela, with a 10-year anniversary reissue of his lauded production ‘Ganzfeld’. An ambitious, evocative electro/IDM epic with cavernous drums and a riotously funky bass solo, Ganzfeld was initially released in 2014 on Leisure System as the B-side of Hypnagogia, a split EP with Detroit electro pioneers Dopplereffekt. It quickly garnered critical acclaim (including Track Of The Year by Resident Advisor) and amassed a cult following despite clocking in at 147bpm, a relatively unwieldy tempo for most DJs at the time. Given the seismic shifts in tempo and genre that have taken place in the 10 years since and the emergence of a new generation of producers with whom Ganzfeld’s influence has resonated, 2024 seemed like the perfect moment for a re-release.

Commissioning remixes for the first time, Objekt enlists Djrum, who delivers a jaw-dropping 10-minute rendition which weaves through multiple genres and tempos with the cinematic flair of a short film score. Milan’s Piezo contributes a taut, prickly interpretation that builds tension at 80bpm before exploding into a cathartic double-time closer. Finally, US ambient artist Ulla fully deconstructs the original into a serene, undulating lullaby.

The vinyl comes with a free lossless download.

Mastered by Beau at Ten Eight Seven

Artwork by Brodie Kaman

Following on from last year's debut release in the Myor Massiv 'LUV' sub series by Coco Bryce, this time he teams up with partner in crime FFF for another slice of lovey dovey junglism. FFF kicks things off with 'Never Let You Fall', on which he juxtaposes moody synth riffs with uplifting reggae vocals, making for an alienating yet strangely attractive combination, before delving into Amen mayhem extraordinaire. On the flip Coco Bryce opts for a higher cuteness factor on 'Lovin U'. Not necessarily aimed at the dancefloor, but with an undeniably 'junglist' feel to it, this little number is probably best described as a 'love song for the heads', although its ultra low bass frequencies are likely to rattle any sub woofer in the best of dub traditions.

The 23rd 12” from Seba & Paradox lands in the form of Thinking & Perceiving / Unfold.

Thinking & Perceiving is a fast-pace jungle episode with spinning breaks, wobble subs, occult vocals and bouncing fx. Classic Seba & Paradox on a Source Direct trip.

On the flipside the duo step sideways with Unfold. A foot shuffle of breakbeats switch back and forth with growling subs, esoteric samples and metallic stabs. A dream unfolds.

SP005’s jacket features original art by Konie, commissioned by Seba & Paradox.

Tokyo Prose returns to Footnotes with a sublime 4 track EP of rolling liquid DnB. the title track with up & coming fellow New Zealander Trail has been a low key summer anthem and will continue to get plenty of rotation. Culprit is a classic Tokyo Prose cut with subtle pianos and deep bases. The 4th track sees another coloab with footnotes owner LSB and is a classic mix of both their styles.

Tthe EP has already received DJ support from DJ’s such as Fabio, Marky, Workforce, Jubei, LSB and Pola & Bryson