Beats News

After ending 2021 with a big announcement that Laurent Garnier and Scan X were the masterminds behind the label, we start the new year with another big announcement: our 11th release being the labels first 'artist code' album !

Once again a focus on eclecticism, open-mindedness, divergence and non-conformity. Expect to hear a wide range of electronic music from House, Techno, Electro, and even Drum n Bass carefully selected by Monsieur’s Garnier and X.

COD3 QR wants to remain free of all expectations and all prejudices because only one thing counts for us: the music, The Music, THE MUSIC in every shape and form!

Incase you missed the announcement 010 artist reveals were: Laurent Garnier, Speaking Minds & Amarcord, Scan X, Diego Infanzon.

Previous releases have included tracks from the likes of Agents of Time, JoeFarr, Nicolas Bougaieff, Madben, CYRK, Biz and rising talents Works of Intent aka R.O.S.H, LOIS, Softly & Voltaire.

Cod3QR’s profile is steadily growing as a label releasing quality music. With music being the main focus you'll have to wait another 2 months to find out who is behind this latest release. The curiosity continues…..

Head to their Instagram page (ig: cod3qr) for clues to the artist identities.

Wardown, the emotive and experimental project from Technimatic's Pete Rogers, releases second LP on Blu Mar Ten Music

Where the debut Wardown album was a diary of smeared memory, musically recounting the author's childhood home and his subsequent feelings of dislocation from it, Wardown II expands on the themes of nostalgia and focuses on our collective reactions to a promised future that remains undelivered.

Using aural scraps from that most optimistically futurist period, the 1950s & 1960s, Wardown weaves them into an uneasily dreamy, bittersweet commentary on postmodern nostalgia. The album veers between otherworldly, euphoric harmonies and pumping, mechanical incantations of promises for a new age.

GAB002 sees Gimme A Break Records keep things local with a rowdy EP from Leeds-based DJ and producer BEERUS. Over the last six months, BEERUS has demonstrated his production power through two bodacious releases on Gunfinger Food’s new sub-label, Booty Frooty Records. Fusing UK styles including hardcore, acid and jungle with US staples such as electro, juke and footwork, BEERUS has established a playful sound primed for the dancefloor.

BEERUS’s “9000” EP opens with a hardcore weapon which combines rave stabs with Dragon Ball samples and an acid line threatening to spiral out of control at any given moment. “Play This Shit” sees the EP take a sensual turn as BEERUS channels the sounds of Chicago with an enticing juke number. “Booty Acid” follows suit, offering up a particularly self-explanatory track title: luscious electro meets 303s. “Love4U” is BEERUS’s love letter to the happy hardcore scene as a thumping 4x4 bassline collides with melancholic vocals and piano lunacy. Finally, BEERUS rounds off GAB002 in style with the junglist mediation “DO U WANT ME”.

Symmetry are kicking off the summer vibes with a new Various Artist album " Summetry", following their recent EP from DSP and double sided single from KonSoul. Focusing on musical, deep and liquid DnB flavours for this release, tracks were handpicked to encapsulate the spirit of the season.

Welcoming artists such as DJ Marky, Lenzman and LSB to the label roster for their exclusive additions to this compilation. Each of these talented producers bring their signature style and sound with their offerings.

Vocal content is a strong feature with two Break & Kyo collaborations already receiving extensive club and radio support. Lenzman skillfully reworks the vocals of Charli Brix with his stylish remix of the Ill Truth & Satl track 'In Your Soul'. Total Science & FD, Hydro & War and LSB deal effortlessly with the summer roller duties, combining dance floor grooves with warm soulful soundscapes.

Symmetry are pleased to unleash debuts from Arcatype and EchoB, who give their own unique version of the label's sound through their expert productions.

Incus, DFlect & Arcus and Native Alliance round the project off with their deep and jazzy tunes, bringing the sunset moods to a release perfect for the forthcoming summer festivals.

This is the first release from the lost, re-discovered, re-mastered tracks which were originally recorded some 20 years ago. Originally used as a vehicle for Gary "The General" to play unreleased tracks at the now infamous and legendary Manga club night in Edinburgh.

* Spearhead Records kick off 2022 as they mean to go on with the 4th instalment of their Moodswings compilation series.
* 12 brand new tracks and remixes created specifically for this project from some of the finest producers around right now.
* Bladerunner puts his touch on Emba & BCee’s Galaxy feat. Philippa Hanna.
* Sweetpea continues to impress with the aptly named Jungle Juice.
* Spearhead regulars Nymfo & Villem team up for the first time to bring us ‘Lazy Bones’.
* With a little something for everyone, Moodswings touches on exactly what it says on the tin, from the Swing & Bass vibe of Mista Trick to the Jungle rhythms of Sweetpea and just pure liquid goodness of Redeyes.

Joe McBride AKA Synkro has built up a hugely impressive catalogue of releases over the last few years. Via albums and singles for Apollo, Exit Records and his own Synkro Music imprint, the Manchester based producer and sound architect has amassed a dazzling archive of elaborate, emotive and intellectual soundscapes drawing in influences across a spectrum of bass culture and electronica.

On the ‘Information’ EP, it’s business as usual, as Synkro deploys four fresh and forward thinking tracks that slither across the genres with ease. From the frantic percussion and dubwise tones of title track ‘Information’ to the absorbing textures and crackling ambience of the beatless opener ‘Cycles’, the attention to detail and the depth of layered sonics across all four tracks afford the listener a truly mesmerising experience. The dusty and dark skank of ‘Signal’ is a real mood piece, whilst ‘Last Breath’ closes the EP drenched in sanguine sentiments.

An absolute classic from 1993 re-released on M-Beats brand new label.

Available on heavyweight marbled vinyl (green/yellow/black) and presented in a stunning matt finished Mekatune housebag and black paper inner sleeve.eeve.

smokey vinyl

2023 Repress

After his amazing EP on Omerta Records, Bristol based Artificial Red delivers 3 tracks for 3AM Eternal 04. Side A "Mystics" brings the vibes right away! Ambient soundscapes mixed with Hardcore amens and deep subs. Energetic yet meditative B1 "Imy From The Fruit Farm" goes even deeper. Lush ambient pulling you in over subtle breaks, flowing atmospheric jungle. B2 "Dragnet" is another full on amen choppage tune but with subtle guitar licks and wavey atmospherics.

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Following on from the success of his debut EP (Fall Then Rise) for the label, we asked Eusebeia to contribute a second EP. Carving out his own place inside the Samurai Music soundscape has come effortlessly for Seb and the tracks for the Omen EP flowed quickly. EP opener Auspice is the odd one out on the EP, with sinister sonics weaving around a steady kick drum bounce absent of Seb's trademark break-work. Sparse and haunting - it sets the scene for title track Omen where Seb lays out a time capsule summation of his sonic identity - contemplative ambiance, rumbling bottom end, and breakbeat craftsmanship. Indicia burrows deeper into emotive territory and cuts breaks so they wrap around the plaintive melodic content. Signs and Signals is perhaps the most direct tune on the EP, but still the undeniable power of the breaks and bass is welded to the expressive atmosphere.

2022 Repress

Grey MArbled Viny

New Rasta Vibez with Mystic Pulse ft. Pixel

Kouslin returns to Livity Sound with a second collection of slippery club tracks after the 2020 Vision E.P. With an emphasis on head-twisting sound design and a detailed line in percussive programming, the London-based producer continues to reach into intriguing new areas without forsaking soundsystem-ready physicality.

The tracks which make up the Patterns E.P. stemmed from a period of personal experimentation, where Kouslin returned to making music for its therapeutic benefits rather than a fixed purpose. The loops and sketches he returned to and expanded upon for this EP bristle with originality at every turn.

There is a continued exploration of dancehall rhythms on ‘King’, while ‘Five Four’ toys with time signatures for a jagged, fast-paced abstraction of techno. ‘Why Don’t You Don’t’ is harder to pin down thanks to its knotty beat and mutant synthesis, and ‘Michael’ flips the script further with an unexpected swerve into pearlescent melodic lead lines – the perfect demonstration of the honest and instinctive approach Kouslin took when making these tracks.

Livity Sound is a label set up by Peverelist in 2011 as a vehicle for a raw and exploratory strain of UK techno, rooted in the heritage of UK dance music and sound system culture. It has since become one of the UK's foremost protagonists for cutting edge underground electronic music.

The label say "Canadian born, Berlin based producer Aquarian debuts on Dekmantel Records’ UFO imprint with Mutations I & II, a series of two EPs following his debut album The Snake That Eats Itself and his collaborative records as AQXDM. The series marks his return to club focused solo material for the first time since 2017.

Originally written as inflection points for his typically boisterous and genre collapsing dj sets, Mutations deftly splices the foundational DNA of his earliest productions — electro, hardcore and broken beat techno – with new and vital influences.

Mutations I: Death, Taxes and Hanger finds Aquarian gleefully contorting mid-2000s dnb tearouts, wrong footed IDM and progressive trance euphoria into thrilling new shapes. Fast techno, hi-tek jazz, amphetamine-addled filter house and breakcore join the fray in Mutations II: Delicious Intent as he pushes intensity levels past breaking point. Whichever the touchstone, the results are clear: distinctly modern, highly-propulsive body music with an unapologetically emotive core."

After A 20-year Hiatus, Respected 90's D&b Imprint Odysee Recordings Launches Its Return With A Digital Re-master And Remix Of Bewildered. Originally Released In 1995 (ody04), This Track Featured On The First E.p. Under The 'mirage' Moniker, A Collaboration Between Jim Baker (source Direct) And Odysee's Founder Tilla Kemal (t-mirage).

The Original Is A Classic Example Of Mid-90's 'intelligent' Drum & Bass, From Its Warm Bed Of Strings And Sweet Vocal Ad-libs, To Its Crisp And Curling Drum Programming And Deep Subs. This Track Clearly Demonstrates An Exquisite Blend Of Jim's Celebrated Production Style With Tilla's Keen Instinct For Placement Of Abstract Soundscapes, Which Was Instrumental In The Development Of The Source Direct Sound.

On The Other Side Is A Modern D&b Take Engineered By Andy Odysee. This Remix Manages To Successfully Tread That Fine Line Between Faithfully Preserving The Vibe And Flavour Of The Original, Whilst Simultaneously Lifting The Tempo And The Potency Of Both The Drum Programming And Bass-line Work In Line With The Modern D&b Sound. Andy References Much Of The Original Break Work, Sample Selection And Arrangement, But The Undulating Sub Punctuated By Torn Synth Falls, And The Punchy Kick & Snare Give The Track Its Modern Twist.

Following on from the Bewildered 2018 Remix/Re-master E.P., respected 90’s D&B imprint Odysee Recordings presents its 2nd release in this series; a digital re-master and remix of No Tomorrow. Originally released in 1995 (ODY05), this track featured on the second E.P. under the ‘Mirage’ moniker; a collaboration between Jim Baker (Source Direct) and Odysee’s founder Tilla Kemal (T-Mirage).

The original is a timeless and well-loved classic from the golden era of the mid 90’s ‘Intelligent D&B movement’. It displays Jim’s celebrated skills as both a producer and an arranger to their full; building an emotive and haunting piece around two contrasting motifs. The trademark Source Direct breakbeat work is in play on this track as it switches between Clive Stubberfield and Lyn Collins; the curling drums providing the perfect framework for Tilla’s abstract sample selection to really breath and flow.

Andy Odysee’s modern remix retains all the original samples and references both the original break selection and the shape of the original arrangement. This modern D&B version then injects a turbo-charged energy into the piece with a huge undulating sub, aggressive techno-styled chord stabs and pounding kick & snare that thrust this track into the 21st century. The haunting sweetness of the piece is by no means lost, but the melodies are now presented over a framework designed with modern D&B dance floors firmly in mind.

In celebration of Liondub International’s10 year anniversary, Liondub is proud to present the 1st 12” Vinyl EP taken from Norwich based producer Saxxon's first full length LP "Action Saxxon - Jungle Odyssey". Saxxon’s success and extremely loyal fan base is the result of years of hard work creating stand out D&B tracks that are infused with a classic jungle sound that draws from a variety of genres including Soul, Funk, Jazz & Reggae.

This EP shows Saxxon's versatility and features collaborations with T>I, Liondub, Blackout Ja and Capital D. These 4 cuts have found their way into club and radio sets worldwide, and will surely stand the test of time. Support from Serum, High Contrast, L Double, North Base, Serial Killaz, Chopstick Dubplate, Crissy Criss, S.P.Y., Bailey, Bryan G, Ray Keith, DJ Craze and more.

We first met DJ X-cess back in 1995 when he was running Atmospheric Records in the Dalkeith Indoor Market Arcade In Bournemouth Town centre.At the time he was part of Dj Trio The X-men along with X-fade & X-cite and a resident at Madisons Nightclub which was about to close down.

Later X-cess would go onto form the International DJ/producer outfit The Organ Donors with his brother Scott – they have toured the world and released on labels such as Defected, Armada, Tidy Trax , Nukleuz and more.The photo used on the label of this release is X-cess behind the counter in his record shop back in the day.

We have pressed this record in Atmospheric Turquoise - as close a colour match we could get to the paint on the walls in Atmospheric.

Repress !

Odysee Recordings is proud to present the 3rd in the series of digital re-masters and remixes of selected classics from the back catalogue. Originally released in 1995 (ODY03), A Different Groove featured on Source Direct’s second release on the label and sits alongside other early classics such as Fabric Of Space, A Made Up Sound and the slightly later Complexities.

From the superbly engineered breakbeats to the expert arrangement and deftly placed samples, this has all the trademarks of early Source Direct and clearly demonstrates why these productions are so highly regarded. The use of space is remarkable (especially for the time) and as such this is something of a precursor to the celebrated Hokusai releases of 1996-97.

Built around the same selection of breaks and samples, Andy Odysee’s remix delivers a modern take on the classic Source Direct template. In this 21st century version, the art is very much in the detail. Jimmy McGriff’s ‘Worm’ is rebuilt to pack a harder and quicker punch supported by a cocktail of other breakbeats, classic Hip-House style bass stabs and trademark synth bass curls. Once again Andy demonstrates his ability to balance a respectful senstivity to the vibe and design of the original, whilst simultaneously reworking the various musical elements and adding spice to give them that modern twist.

DJ Support
Tony Justice (MJazz), Ben & Rick (Repertoire), Bailey (Intabeats)
Fabio, J:Kenzo, Heath (Warm Communications), Soul Intent, Hannah DJinn (Formless MCR), Source Direct, Seba & Paradox, Homemade Weapons

PRSPCT Recordings in collaboration with Redrum Recordz present StereoKiller, the latest speaker-shredding EP from Deformer. After 30 years in the game, the masked maverick is still tearing down musical barriers - and here's the proof. StereoKiller is four tracks of depraved and dismembered hardcore jungle drum & bass, for enraged raving only!

The Craft Music label is back after a one year break with some fresh new cuts by resident Marco Lazovic. It's an EP inspired by the sound of the English club scene in the nineties and noughties, labels like Good Looking Records and artists such as Mike Millrain. Opener 'Losin Control' sure is a compelling mix of electro and breaks that soars on cosmic lines with euphoric vocals in the distance. 'Come To London' has a distinctly garage feel to it with its crisp broken beats and there is more high energy but melody-rich breakbeat action in 'Dark Gravity' while 'Space Jazzy' is s super sweet and deep jungle cruiser.

10" Green Vinyl

repress


Desire Paths' by very definition are the story of Technimatic's Pete Rogers and Andy Powell. They are the trails created by human endeavour and choices, the route travelled between origin and destination, the reason the duo's enchanting debut solo album is ready to be released. Now fully fledged members of the Shogun Audio family, it has been Technimatic's unprecedented determination and talent that has seen them carve their own desire paths up until this very moment. Delivering an LP of beautifully hand- crafted, soulful drum & bass music you can't help but wonder where their next journey will take them... 'Desire Paths'.


"The best album in the genre for years" - Mixmag
"Desire Paths announces the arrival of a major new talent in drum and bass" - DJ Mag
"Beautiful" - Clash

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grey marbled vinyl / incl. dl

After a long break from production, Senses returns! If you were a follower of the drum-led sounds of pioneering labels such as Inperspective and Bassbin in the early 2000s, you'll already know the name.


For his return he's put together a four track EP full of delicate melodies, scatter gun breakbeats and huge basslines.


From the rolling sounds of "Pharaway", the brooding amen cuts of "Fatal Fountain", to the Wax Doctor-inspired sounds of "Different Wax": Senses is back and sounding better than ever.

Two of the scenes greatest producers unite for the very first time to deliver 2 slabs of militant beats. Fans of each other, Crystl got back in the studio for the first time in 20 years after an invite from Dom. The result is completely as you would wish it want to be.

The Perfect Timing label is an eclectic one but even by their standards, this five tracker from San Diego really does take in a wide range of tuneage. Side one kicks off with 'My Life Is A Walk In The Park', a perky house/disco beaming like the sun does on a hot day, before the ruffneck Amens of track two, 'You Can Only See Me After Dark', slam us into completely different territory, with the Bukem-esque Rhodes piano proving a nice counterpoint to the rugged beats. 'I Go There To Look At The Spurce' takes us off on another tangent, a broken beat with sped up hip-hop credentials, a double bass and some echoey dub effects filling up the sound spectrum. 'But My Name Is Not Bruce' takes a speedy, trip hoppy groove into hypnotic, loopy, spaces, while 'I Am The Scariest Man At The Park' proves not only that our man is a dab hand at an original title, he also has a keen sense of drama, closing the EP with some nicely haunted house piano and general eeriness.

Dispatch Dubplate starts 2023 as it means to go on, with this impressive second Dubplate release from Loxy and Resound. Fuelled by the success of their sold-out debut release for the label in 2021, the pair set to work on more music for Dispatch almost immediately after.

Three deeply textural and progressive deep cuts, from the masters of that minimal sound that maintains maximum impact. Percussive and atmospheric in their own trademark style, Loxy and Resound do what they do best for another standout Dispatch Dubplate.

The release also features the well-loved collaboration with Skeptical "Lik Walls" making a vinyl outing for the first time.



c B1 Loxy & Resound - Mordu vinyl exlusive

SLINK and Daytimers are pleased to present the “Phiriya” EP by Enayet, their first collaborative release. Enayet is a Dhaka-raised, NYC-based artist and co-founder of the SLINK club night and label. “Phiriya” is his second release after 2021’s “Chokkor” EP.

Dispatch Dubplate continues to celebrate the best in unreleased dubs and in-demand tracks from the world of drum and bass with the next edition of this prestigious series, brought to you by Zero T and Black Barrel. Fans of the label will be familiar with these two label favourites, both responsible for several classic album releases for Dispatch and countless well-received EPs.

Leading the release is the VIP of "Sonic Bionic" from Zero T. The original has been in heavy rotation since release in 2021, and this VIP has been a secret weapon in Zero T's sets of late. When Ant TC1 suggested a VIP treatment for this track, Zero T decided to take the vibe back a couple of years from the
original's nod to the Full Cycle sound of 1998, to a more '96 vibe. A classic stripped-back Sandman break and a call-andresponse bassline, are joined by a halftime intro and breakdown, for a further nod to the dark Wu-Tang-style hip-hop influences of the original.

The DLR Remix of Black Barrel's "Fabric" makes up the next track in this split release. The original from 2019 will be well known to many. This DLR Remix adds that trademark funk to this classic roller.

Completing the digital release is an incredible collab from both artists, a soulful vocal leads "Deep Inside" as Zero T and Black Barrel flex their liquid credentials. Building on Black Barrel's original melody with techno-influenced, looped-out vibes - deep by name, deep by nature.

The vinyl exclusive track for the limited edition heavyweight release is Black Barrel's own VIP of "Fabric". Another secret weapon, this rework includes added weight and intensity - building on the original's glitched funk.

Nookie is one of the most well respected old school artists in our scene, and one who has been a huge part of it since day one. His talent is unbridled and unmatched, and this can be seen from this selection of his very earliest recordings. This box set contains the bulk of his early work before he signed with Moving Shadow and Reinforced, and brings together many of his rarer and much sought after classics.

We're delighted to fire up the Metalheadz Platinum machine for the first time in over 2 years, also accompanied by a brand-new face designed by Belin - a Spanish urban artist, surrealist and innovator who we're honoured to have connected to the label.

The music comes from Subfusion, a perhaps unfamiliar name but one which consists of two individuals with over 30 years of jungle and old skool history combined. Those deep roots shine through on the 'Second Phaze EP', a collection of four circa 130bpm rave-infused killers that deeply impressed us here at Metalheadz HQ.

The name of Rupert Parkes needs no introduction. Known mainly for his productions as Photek (although he also had a number of other aliases), he is widely regarded as the single most talented producer in the history of Jungle and Drum & Bass. The sheer stylistic breadth of his output is staggering, not to mention the way in which he developed his unique style of breakbeat engineering to levels that, even now some 25 years later, leave many producers in bewildered awe! Rupert was also an integral part of the Odysee story. He gave generously of his time to help the development of the early Source Direct sound, and this Phase 1 release that he gave to Tilla for Odysee played a very important role in raising the profile of the label.