Beats News

Silver Vinyl

O'Flynn und Frazer Ray - zwei gefeierte britische Produzenten und DJs - kündigen ihr gemeinsames Album,„Shimmer“ auf Technicolour an. Das Album ist das Ergebnis der Liebe von O'Flynn und Frazer Ray (fka Soundbwoy Killah) für die britische Dance-Music-Szene, von Speed Garage bis hin zu Breaks und Hardcore, und ihr umfassendes Wissen und ihr Respekt für Underground-Kulturen und -Genres scheinen als direkter Einfluss durch. Insgesamt ist diese Herzensangelegenheit eine nostalgische Hommage an ikonische britische Nachtclubs und den Eskapismus, den sie bieten, selbst bei ihrer Abwesenheit während der Pandemie - „Musik für diese Räume zu machen während sie geschlossen sind, war eine Form des Eskapismus für uns - ähnlich wie ein Videospiel zu spielen oder ein Buch zu lesen, wir wollten einfach an einen anderen Ort transportiert werden.“.

O'Flynn hat sich in den letzten Jahren einen Namen in der britischen Electronic-Dance-Szene gemacht und bekam Support von Künstler*innen wie u.a. Four Tet, James Blake, Ben UFO, Gilles Peterson, die ihn in ihren jeweiligen Radioshows spielten, sowie von Bonobo, mit dem er auf dem Track „Otomo“ (aus Bonobos aktuellem Top 3-Album „Fragments“) zusammenarbeitete. Bereits 2017 veröffentlichte er bei Ninja Tune seine 12“ „Pluto’s Beating Heart“/ „Eleven“, bevor er 2019 sein von der Kritik gefeiertes Debütalbum „Aletheia“veröffentlichte, für das er eine 18-tägige UK-Tour absolvierte und vom Guardian als „One to watch“ bezeichnet wurde. Frazer Ray veröffentlichte ebenfalls 2019 sein Debütalbum, „Halcyon Daze“ (als Soundbwoy Killah), das auf Vinyl schnell ausverkauft war.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST JUNGLE TRACKS OF ALL TIME GETS NEW REMIXES & A PICTURE DISC!

Does this track need any introduction? Since the original release on London’s Dee Jay Recordings way back in 1995 Babylon is one of those rare tracks that doesn’t seem to date.

Andy C, founder of the iconic Ram Records & arguably the worlds most in demand drum & bass DJ, sighted Babylon as one of his favourite ever D&B tracks. The track still regularly features in his
sets some 27 years after its initial release!!

Over the years this genre defining track has been reworked by some of the scenes all-time greats; Dillinja, Trace, Bladerunner, DJ SS & Ray Keith, the latter two names featuring on this visually
stunning repressing with carefully remastered inclusions of their versions.

The success of this track made Splash aka Undercover Agent one of the most sought-after names in jungle / drum & bass and was the launchpad from which he instigated his own Juice & Splash label imprints.

The artwork for this picture disc has been reproduced with kind permission from the original Dee Jay Recording sleeve artwork for Babylon and proudly features both the Dee Jay Recordings and Juice Recordings logos.

Alongside those very high value classic Ray Keith & DJ SS remixes come two brand new remixes!

Ego Trippin, is both a popular DJ on today’s D&B circuit, and under previous guises was one of the original artist signings to the Juice / Splash labels… Who better to breathe new life into this classic track? This 2022 Remix brings all the flavours of the original & injects a new energy for today’s audiences.

Deadly Silence is a new artist head hunted by Splash himself and entrusted to bring a new take on his legacy music, providing yet another exclusive unreleased version to this incredible package.

This picture disc is extremely limited. We’re expecting this to sell out as soon as it goes on sale. Act fast to be one of the few to own this exquisite collector’s item.

Gacha Bakradze releases his third album on Lapsus entitled "Pancakes", and while the name may appear conventional at first glance, it actually contains esoteric philosophical concepts.

The Georgian producer perceives the making of pancakes -a transformative and healing parental activity that he loves to partake in with his son- as a metaphor for alteration, metamorphosis and change. A reflection that also accentuates the importance of balance during each process of preparing a simple recipe, which in turn highlights key human attributes such as patience, attention to detail and willingness to adapt to shifting circumstances.

On a sonic level, Gacha’s new album embodies precisely that: the contextual reworking of his music, while maintaining the essence of his previous work. "Pancakes" provides the typically melancholic yet vibrant genetics already recognisable in his music, but also embraces new genres, including his unique and personal take on hyper-pop and trance. It is an album of contrasting elements, where bucolic interludes make way for heavier tracks that are more suited to a club environment, an aural universe that hybridises IDM, electro, bass music and cutting edge techno, and once again demonstrates that trying to pigeonhole Gacha Bakradze's sound is a somewhat fruitless task.

Pure Ragga Jungle Style!

Must Have!

Kickin' off our new off-shot 'Dolphin Traxx', D. Futers takes the rains with a pounding two tracker of aqueous goo, molecular body deposits and corrosive laser stains, pressed up loud + harddd.

Cyber-hounds might recognise the first track 'I Care' - a pitched up vocal garage house jam bootlegged on your bros Samsung RazorBlade and running piano keys hoisted in the back of the multi-changer.

On the flip, Never Givin' Up is for the jungle heads, bringing back the oscillating machine gun funk of the warehouse, crashing between broken beat euphorics and shimmering pads.

Another week, another new release from the unstoppable ambient powerhouse that is zake. His latest full-length LL has two new cuts by the American maestro with remixes from a hefty selection of equally prolific producers all served up on his home label Past Inside the Present and no fewer than six sides of vinyl.

Across this immersive two hours of music, there is a mix of ambient, drone, drum & bass, electronica, and deep techno from Warmth, Aural Imbalance, ASC and Bvdub. It is yet another essential release from zake and co.

Originally released in 1993 on DJ Phantasy’s Liquid Wax label, it has now been repressed in conjunction with Vinyl Fanatiks on coloured vinyl.

Ment 4 Bass is a duo comprising of DJ Phantasy and DJ Lee, two legends of the game, linked together by Jack Smooth, who at the time worked for Basement Records, where Lee worked behind the counter and Phantasy produced in the studio.

This record, as with most of the Liquid Wax backcat, is sought after on original press so we are delighted to be able to get this repress out to you in a high quality gloss Liquid Wax housebag and white inner sleeve. Released on either red, white or blue 180g heavyweight vinyl. LIMITED PRESSING.

Dread Recordings have made another return with a fiery new release from Dread regulars Ray Keith and Dark Soldier. The vibrant joint consists of two unmissable tracks dubbed ‘Chopper’ and ‘Back To Me’. Opening with a lively VIP remixfrom Dilligent Fingers, “Chopper” encompasses a lively atmosphere upon its rapid bassline and fluctuating drum patterns. Each element fuses together to manufacture a stylish VIP mix perfectly produced to bless up the dancefloor.

Following on from the opener, the two-parter fades into a lively production courtesy of Dark Soldier. Opening with a sampled version of the iconic riff from Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” the track explodes into a controlled drop incorporating nostalgic jungle-esque soundscapes and a harmonic vocal. Both tracks hold their own as memorable productions. Each offering flexes the prowess of both producers seamlessly; adding further layers to their credible discographies

When Underdog Recordings started back in 1993, the first 2 releases, Mad Dog 1 & 2 were what would now be considered as hardcore jungle techno.

From UDR003 onwards the hardcore techno elements were abandoned as the scene and label evolved into straight up jungle and drum & bass. 29 years later, DJ Jedi's first outing on Underdog Recordings is a very welcome return to our Hardcore Jungle Techno roots as he delivers "Prophecy E.P". on the label.

The Prophecy and The Cube take us on a journey through the Jungle Techno and then on the flip "Dance with The Speaker" and "Can't Stop the Feeling" we go even further back in time to the more '92, heavy amen sound. 4 brand new tracks from the Old Skool Don that is Dj Jedi

Pinecone Moonshine's latest dnb album spotlights Greenleaf. Greenleaf's musical roots from New Orleans influence the rhythm, creating a live drummer feel out of programmed breaks.

And mixing different drum kits as if multiple drummers are in the same studio. Science-fiction, funk, and soul set the atmosphere for drum and bass ranging in styles from drumfunk to techstep.

On the latest installment of the Bustle Beats 10 inch vinyl series we feature two heavyweight cuts from Naphta and Dub One.

Naphta's 'Condition Zero' is a mish-mash of Jungle, Drumfunk, Cutty Ranks and Rhianna samples along with some 80's synth aesthetics which all combine to create a dancefloor monster!

On the flip Dub One brings us a heads-down, drum-driven assault - 'Da Artical Bushman' has some proper snappy rhythms designed to whip up a fever in even the most complacent of crowds. This one has remained unreleased for well over 15 years at this stage (maybe closer to 20?) Annnnnyway, we're happy to finally end that particular saga !! We just all need to hammer this one to make up for so much lost time now!

The sleeve for this release features a collage of my late-wife's cartoon artwork which had been running as a series on Bustle Beats between 2012 and 2018. She sadly passed away in June 2020 and this is the first release on the label since that time. It's lovely to see her artwork still living and breathing and to know that her charicatures and the funny lines she wrote for the cartoon are still bringing smiles to faces around the world. Love you always Louisa.

This was the first release on M-Beat’s new label Mekatune, but it sold out on mega marbled vinyl before it reached distribution. So, we have created a super exclusive pressing for global distribution – a sunglow yellow version.

An absolute classic from M-Beat’s back catalogue on his brand new label which follows on from his recent set of releases on the label. Originally released in 1993, this is the 30-year anniversary repress.

Bitin’ Back is Micky Finn’s debut release. Originally written in 1989, it wasn’t released until 1991 on Fokus Recordings. Heavily played in the warehouse parties, illegal parties and pirate radio stations at the time, these are two breakbeat tracks that are made to make you move.

The record is presented in a full colour housebag designed by Micky himself, which includes the opening lines of the Six Million Dollar Man printed on the bag, the source of the vocal sample on ‘She’s Breaking Up’.

WNCL Recordings is back with a series of 2-track 10” vinyl battle weapons for your record box.
Ténèbre is first up to the plate with two heavy hitters, guaranteed to kick sand in the face of this week’s jungle revival. You have been warned …

Originally released in 1993 on DJ Phantasy’s Liquid Wax label, it has now been repressed in conjunction with Vinyl Fanatiks on coloured vinyl – options red/white/blue.

DJ Phantasy co-production alongside his mate Simon aka DJ Kid Twist. This was produced at Jack Smooth’s studio and engineered by a young Alex Reece, who later found fame on Metalheadz.

This record, as with most of the Liquid Wax backcat, is sought after on original press so we are delighted to be able to get this repress out to you in a high quality gloss Liquid Wax housebag and white inner sleeve. Released on either red, white or blue 180g heavyweight vinyl.

Debut release from the 'Bridge Project' paying homage to two of our favourite DJ's from 1993.. Randall & LTJ Bukem.

Joe Koshin steps up with four cuts of what Hardline is all about.

Repress!!

The Lemon D remix of Terrorist was found on a DAT a few months ago while Ray was archiving material. This remix was made in the early 90's but is only now seeing the light of day. Limited in numbers and unlikely to be repressed, it is a stone cold classic jungle tune and available for the first time. It is flipped with the Areis remix that cheekily mashes up Limb By Limb with the Terrorist to epic effect.

Experimental musician and performer Moss Kissing debuts on vinyl for Lisbon collective Vilamar. Thick layers of ambience and intense bass weight form a canvas for plaintive melodies and brooding dance rhythms. These latter range in tempo and gait from dubstep to techno to jungle and back again, summoning contrary moods often within the confines of a single track. This freedom with form arises from Moss Kissing’s background in noise guitar and his current focus on dynamic improvisation led hardware jams, which have gained him notoriety around his chosen city of Lisbon. The British connection is unmissable, though, as the Pass Through LP is haunted by many of the spectres conjured by FSOL, Autechre and Burial before it. As with their previous releases, Vilamar bring to light an artist playing with the boundaries of dance music without ever losing sight of what’s at its core: the physical texture of bodies and minds in space, moving, seeking connection.

NRG is one of old skool raves original masters, and he once again shows the world why he is so highly regarded with this epic new EP. Three tracks ranging in style, with I Like It leading the way on a cheerful tip, while The Trouble and Its All Gone Wrong lean deeper and darker. Another classic in the making? Time will tell, but the high level of production and the excellent execution makes this one of the standout new NRG Eps...

DS1's debut EP on the much sought after Kniteforce White label is everything you would expect. Dark and light, inventive and unusual, proper underground old skool music. Strictly limited, the KFW label is never repressed, and if you miss it, its gone for good...

DJ Exodus is no stranger to Vinyl Fanatiks, with his two 92/93 releases on Skeleton Recordings being repressed recently. This release originally surfaced in 1994 on Tearin Vinyl and shows how Exodus traversed between his early hardcore releases and his straight up jungle darkside tear out.

One for the purveyors of authentic west London jungle who like their beats chopped and finely rinsed.

Comes in a high quality gloss Tearin Vinyl housebag and white inner sleeve. Released on either red, white or blue 180g heavyweight vinyl.

‘Before the Odysee, there was the Iliad; a tale of the golden age of heroes and warriors.'

The idea behind the new Iliads series is to return to the sound of the golden age of Jungle/Drum & Bass, and more specifically the original ‘heroes’ of the Odysee label.
This first in the series pays homage to the style of music heard in the Oblivion releases that Source Direct delivered through Bassment Phil’s Street Beats imprint between 1995 & 1996.

Forbidden Affections is a classic Deep Amen track, made with tracks like Sands Of Time and Secret Liaison very much in mind. Right from the onset where the pads are given plenty of time and space to draw you in, it is completely faithful to that mid-90’s SD style. All the trademark break switches and deep 909 sub lines are present, and the palette of sounds are all drawn from those same sources that first inspired the SD sound (as such it is Atmospheric Jungle with a strong Techno persuasion). The finishing touches come from the achingly gorgeous female vocal ad-libs that were also such a trademark of the early, more atmospheric SD tracks.

Hidden Rooms is perhaps even more authentically SD, especially with its focus on arrangement, and the way it uses the selection of samples that are once more drawn from those same Deep Techno sources. The interaction between the rolling curls and cuts of the Apache at the start, and the crisp injection of the Think breaks at the drop comes straight out of the early SD portfolio. The bass drops down super deep underneath the drum work, punctuated by exposed electro hits and well-chosen samples. It is the haunting keys nearly 4 minutes in however that give this track the authentic SD twist more than anything, calling tracks like Fabric Of Space and Made Up Sound very much to mind.

Drifting Through is the final track of the E.P. with its beautifully sharp rolling Hotpants/Worm combination. This track leaves plenty of space; dubbed out to just breaks and bass for much of the duration, with the occasional injection of an obscure electronic sample, or the sweet vocal ad- libs to hold the tune together. Further down the track there is a touch of the Jazz influence as the Rhodes chords add an extra level of harmonic warmth.

Look out for Volume II where we will be returning to the distinctive flavours of the original Mirage releases on Odysee!

LUXE & Tom Place are next up with their collaborative ‘Moonquake’ EP. The signature cross genre influences can be heard in the off kilter percussion, laid on top of bassy cuts, with subtle trance influences permeating throughout. A bold way to close out another year of releases on Dansu Discs.

Firm favourite, Angel D’lite is back to close off the record with her jungle filled flip of ‘Moonquake’.