Beats News

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0860 is a project by Charlie Fieber aka Fracture inspired by London Pirate Radio. The project includes an album, radio station and interview series that explores the history and legacy of Pirate Radio and its importance in the development of UK underground music.

0860 is presented via an 8-track, DJ-friendly 2 x 12" Vinyl Album, 19-track mixtape cassette and the radio station 0860.fm, which is broadcasting now. There is also a Pirate Radio Art Print from UTILE and T-Shirts. Broadcasting now on 0860.fm is an additional 90-min 'Signal Test' ambient album by Fracture.

Over the coming weeks, 0860.fm will broadcast interviews with Bryan Gee, Eastman, DJ Flight, Scratcha, Dextrous, Uncle Dugs, Mantra, Missing, Eddie Peake, Om Unit & Laurent Fintoni, Naina & Sherelle, Stamina MC and more. It will also broadcast lost recordings of original 90s & 00s London pirate station broadcasts from the likes of Kool, Rinse, Pulse and more.k about it.

Track two is ‘Where Are U’ and encourages us to ask ourselves that question through the exploration of full speed Breakbeat Electro. If we know where we are, we can begin to look into where we are going. Probably the dance floor.

Track three is ‘it's NP-Complicated’ which sets out an uncomplicated blend of bubbling bass and simple sympathetic drums, providing us with a network to feel more empowered and to build a sense of community.

Track four is ‘Donut Time’ - Well done for finishing the course! You can congratulate yourself with a donut full of squelchy acid jam, glazed with frosted pads and hi hat sprinkles.

“Together we can help ourselves be alone together.” - Nikki Nair

Over the last 3 years, original 90’s D&B imprint Odysee has been steadily building its profile, both through its ‘Remix/Remaster’ series as well as a growing number of new releases. Label Partner Andy Odysee continues to develop his own unique sound with this third solo E.P. All three tracks work together as a triptych, whilst simultaneously maintaining their own unique identity.

Ruthless (In Purpose): Insidious (In Design) immediately establishes an ominous mood of brooding menace with its creeping bass stabs. As the drums enter, the track builds towards a drop of deep subs and driving breakbeat fury, punctuated by the ripped synth basses and curling drum edits that are fast becoming characteristic of Andy’s productions. There are subtle nods to the later Hokusai releases such as Sculptures Hide and even Black Domina; with eerie chiff-flute phrases, and those signature Mirage-style film-noire and dark avant-garde Jazz sounds nestling amongst the tapestry of beats and basslines.

As a contrast, Provocateur has a sweeter, almost sexier feel. A dreamy oscillating pad soon gives way to razor-sharp curling Jazz breaks and deep subs. The vocals border on the ‘saucy’ with their tantalising suggestions of ‘who thinks the technique is to make love to me’ and ‘the sexiest thing about me is my a**!’ There is a subtle darkness nonetheless to this track, with its plethora of dark film-noire samples. Although the framework of breaks & bass is strident enough for the dance floor, it is also the kind of track that is loaded with all those little production details that will reveal something fresh with each hearing.

The third track Status Anxiety is a frenetic, tense piece of music. Underpinned by a relentless bass synth stab that slips and slides throughout the track, the drum patterns are more elaborate, cutting between several different breaks, with abrupt stops to expose dark string sweeps, hammered Rhodes strikes and shimmering china cymbals. Again there is a subtle reference to the Hokusai releases, but with a fresh twist on that darker Jazz-infused style of Breakbeat D&B.

DJ Support
Source Direct, Law & Ben Repertoire, Mister Shifter, Basic Rhythm, Voodoo & Sensenet

Friske turns in two thugged out weapons for UVB-76’s delinquent sister label DROOGS. Normally his releases showcase his mastery of the light and dark duality of Drum & Bass with a sensei’s precision, but for DROOGS he reminds everyone that to be adept in the Yin, you need to be an accomplished champion of the Yang.

The 303 acid rhythm of “Eyes Open” slithers through the smokey underworld, a measured and methodical killer that squeezes the listener tighter and tighter in its grasp.

“Violator” goes full Rufige with broken side steps and gooned up stabs setting up speaker knocking thuds and miscreant B Boy atmosphere.

Tim Reaper debuts on UTTU with his contribution to the labels “Cosmik Connection series” 4 sublime jungle / breakfast sci fi inspired puts for heads world-wide.

Since we started with this beautiful idea of releasing vinyl records to the market, we have not stopped working, always trying to improve to offer you the best of our music.

This is our first chapter of “Classic Chapter” in which we have chosen to recover old jewels from our scene, adding some remix of some of the monkeys of our family.

It is an honour for us to present our next release at the hands of Mr. Eddy Mendez.

Welcome to the family…!!!

UNRELEASED MID 90’S TRACKS FROM PULSE

The 'Sepia Grooves' release pays tribute to the influence of jazz, funk and soul music on DnB / Jungle and to the players (most particularly the drummers) who have inspired so much of what we do today.

The 3 tunes included on the release feature some of the biggest breaks in Drum & Bass, namely the Amen, the Apache and the Funky Drummer and there are photo's of each of the people responsible for the original rhythms on the sleeve and on the vinyl labels.

Okay, so some of us that are close to the music know who's responsible for the foundational beats, but it still feels like people such as Gregory Coleman, Clyde Stubblefield, King Errisson and others haven't really gotten the respect and kudos they deserve to this day. This is our little way of saying thank you to these great people and of raising awareness about their contribution to the music we love so much.

Pianos Raining Down' is a collaboration with house veterans McDonald and Jannetta, and it continues in the duos passion for blending the old with a new production standard. The breakdown has classic, acid-house piano before a visceral jungle break takes center stage.

Hotflush - the label founded by Scuba in 2003 - continues its celebratory 20th anniversary year with a debut contribution to the institution that is Record Store Day UK.

‘Hardcore Heaven’ is a collection of six fresh Scuba takes on the classic era of hardcore. Taking influence from producers like Top Buzz, Nookie, and Foul Play, the familiar collision of hard-edged beats, euphoric breakdowns, and helium vocals gets something of a 2023 update from one of the UK’s most versatile and prolific producers.

The tracks on this collection will appear ONLY on this release - a Neon splatter-look, 500-unit press vinyl special with no streaming platforms, no represses, and definitely no Youtube rips.

OK, there will probably be Youtube rips but we will do our best to get them taken down!

I got a message on social media one day saying someone had some tracks for me. I get messages like this all the time. I always listen to the tracks, eventually.

When it came to listening to these I was blown away. Who was this? Why are they being offered to me for Time Tunnel? It turns out Andrey, knows Ant To Be who recommended me and my label as a potential outlet for his music.

There is a great story behind the artist and this particular alias he uses. But for now, I want to talk about the music.

As I previously mentioned, I was blown away. Undoubtedly the most beautiful music I will have the pleasure in releasing so far on Time Tunnel. Layers of pads and ambience, fantastic musically. Drum programming is top notch. The production is bang on. I could type on & on about these tracks but I wont be able to do them justice. You need to hear them.

Here we have the eagerly awaited Boombastic Plastic 8, from A-Sides. These are some more unreleased tracks from the early days of hardcore. This is a wicked 4 track EP with all the tracks being made back in the early days of rave, but the tracks never received a full label release. You will most definitely know two of the tracks because they got caned by all the big name DJ’s back in the day, Narrow Boy and Brothers In Arms. If you're lucky and old enough to remember 1992, you will be back there in a heartbeat with these authentic, original hardcore rave tracks.

Club / DJ Support
Jay Cunning, Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Liquid, Hyper On Experience, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Paul Bradley, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Jimmy J, Doughboy, Lowercase, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

DUBURBAN & JAHGANAUT return to the label for their second release with us. Following on from thier previous tracks, going deep again with some fresh new Jungle vibes, from these quality producers. We also returned to same spot to create the graffiti for the cover 'Love Blind'.

Big ups to the DNG crew, DAER for the Graffiti Artwork.

DJ Support
Jessy Lanza, DJ Flight, Giant Swan, Pangaea, rRoxymore, Laurent Garnier, James Ruskin, Carista, Kikelomo, Vladimir Ivkovic, Sinistarr, Metrist, EMA, Alan Fitzpatrick, Dangermami, Alienata, James Zabiela, Mark Archer, Lucretio/ The Analogue Cops, Star Eyes, Tailor Jae, Doc Scott, Yorobi, DJ Fart In The Club, FFF, Jamiu, Smokey, Aquarian, Photonz, Roger 23, Om Unit + more to follow

Following the release of ‘The Rainmaker EP’ back in 2020 John Rolodex continued to hunker down in the studio, recognising that there was much more to come. Fast forward a couple of years and we’re delighted to welcome John back for a full vinyl EP, one that showcases his love of different styles in a deeply personal manner.

The ‘Formless EP’ consists of 4 tracks headed up by ‘Depth Of Field’ which draws from many influences and is an example of John’s ongoing study into drawing a groove out over time. With the title track up next the EP becomes suddenly very experimental and boundlessly creative, a piece of music that Goldie didn’t hesitate to jump on. The origins of ‘Tentacle’ go back to 2010, only recently revisited with John’s expanded skill set, whilst ‘Serve No Kings’ brings the renowned Jungle Drummer into the fold for a unique percussive work out.

Paradox needs no introduction and we are thrilled to once again have one of our old friends on board. Two tracks on 140g black vinyl of pure breakbeat craft. As Dev said to us when presenting the 12 - "Some things are meant to be full circle...

blue marbled vinyl

Blissful atmospherics wash behind heavy amens on Spacewalk, tightly constructed old school style breaks thump along with subtle effects create a vibe that will take you to a world beyond ours.

A distinctive crisp unorthodox beat pattern opens Oceans and sets the tone for this beautiful composition of smooth pads and earthy bass-lines, a dreamy treat which builds the vibe as the track progresses.

Messages from Space opens with a mellow, eerie intro that washes in before the Spectrum breaks - heavy on the ride cymbals - take centre stage in this lunar-inspired composition.

Energetic rapid-fire break work punctuates Quiet Storm with drum funk vibes that sound immense at this BPM - playfully filtered, surrounded by delicate atmospherics and an understated vocal sample - a treat for the breaks fans.

Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)

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Boogie Beat Records and Kniteforce bring you one of the most sought after underground jungle classics ever. Jonny L is the legend behind the Baraka alias, and this EP has been sought after by many collector for years and years! There is not much more that can be said about this superb slice of old skool jungle, it’s a must have by any and every standard.

Unforeseen arrangements:
Droplets gather in clinging mist,
Multitudes within multitudes.
The world has a body that spares everything;
In light, it undoes nothing.

Soft Raw is a new label from Danielle – a natural extension of the Bristol-based DJ’s expansive tastes within contemporary club music. Over the past few years the NTS resident has become a leading light in the multifaceted world of modernist techno abstractions, ably balancing soundsystem pressure and propulsive rhythmic intensity with experimental textures and explorative energy variations. Soft Raw seeks to continue that mission with releases which will progress stylistically from one approach to another, taking in exciting, emergent producers unique in their approach but bound together by the idiosyncratic curation of Danielle – a faithful reflection of her proven skill as a selector.

The label launches with a six-track drop from Slacker. Sam Black has been winding up a potent strain of needlepoint techno which leans towards jungle and half-time D&B in its tempo and structure. Across a selection of various releases, Black’s sound has evolved into an accomplished and detailed style which draws on moody atmospheres and advanced engineering in the grand tradition of UK soundsystem music. Across this EP the Slacker sound matches up to the spirit of Soft Raw, balancing fierce kinetic energy with delicacy and finesse and leaving some space for outright ambience. At times he locks into a half-step warm-up mode, while elsewhere the amens creep in for a more pronounced jungle rinse-out.

It’s a strong opening statement for this new label, but crucially this doesn’t spell out the future in absolute terms. True to Danielle’s broad outlook, subsequent releases are set to take in everything from straight up 4/4 and acid to footwork and electro, with a narrative binding each release together according to her internal logic and the tension between soft and raw qualities explored across consistently cutting-edge tracks.

semi-clear red marbled vinyl

A good old fashioned amen banger opens up Quantum State, as Howling Winds takes it back to that classic break sliced and chopped expertly as you'd expect from ASC, with a solemn, almost mournful melodic backdrop.

A tense, moody vibe awaits you with Nectar, ominous pad work and Hot Pants breaks craft an uncomfortable, brooding atmosphere you won't forget.

Flashback lives up to its name with classic jungle break work and effects, taking you right back to the 90's with a purposeful yet sombre oceanic backdrop. Towards the back end of the track the mood shifts skyward somewhat as if reaching its goal. Delightful.

Minimal breaks punctuate Hindsight with spaced-out kicks and jittery cymbals, smooth pads and that classic deep 808 bass wind and weave through a relaxing sonic landscape.

Words by Chris Hayes (Red Mist/Spatial)

Ray Keith's long and incredible career is littered with forgotten gems, or in the case of Rinse, much sought after and longed for classics. Finally getting a much deserved remaster, Kniteforce is proud to be releasing this slice of early jungle excellence, and flipping it with a more recent anthem, Love Like This.

Undercurrent is an artist based in LA and a New Palm resident who shows his studio skills across a trio of new cuts here. 'Beliefs' is a loopy breakbeat roller with jittery rhythms that lock you into their loops and keep you there.

'No Data' is similar but more punchy, with real edge and drive in the breaks while fat bass stabs power things along from below. The same track then gets a remix from Charlie Edward that is more spaced out with searching synths and a more rubbery bassline.

Last of all is a floating ambient cut that eventually has a jungle breakbeat rise up through the mix to take you into the next dimension.

DJ Support: dBridge, Laurent Garnier, Vladimir Ivkovic, Lukas Wigflex, Konx-om-Pax, Borusiade, Rob Hall (Skam), Mincy, Black Cadmium, Em & Stav, Tailor Jae, Pressa, Roger 23, Shcuro + more.

In no uncertain terms, the debut solo EP from Mantra has been a long time coming. To anyone plugged into drum & bass for the right reasons, her name should already be on the tip of your tongue. At the helm of Rupture alongside Double O she’s nurtured the realest of the real in D&B terms, creating a scene within the scene for all true heads, where the demand for creativity, innovation and sheer integrity keep the music pushing forwards well beyond the confines of the venerated dance. It’s no surprise to hear this four track 12” follow suit - you already knew it was going to be good when you spied her name on the label.

In true Rupture spirit though, you shouldn’t just assume you know what you’re getting. Making her intentions clear from the get-go, Mantra opens up with ‘Damaged’, an icy half-stepper built from raw, rasping drums with an industrial patina. It’s no breakneck roller, but rather a deadly creeper with more than enough bite to satisfy those who want their music fierce.

It’s ‘Murda’ and ‘Victory Dance’ where we can hear Mantra stretching out into the rollers, but even so the breaks come diced at intriguing angles, the energy is teased with a distinct flair, and they only go off when Mantra deems it time to - much like when she’s at the controls in the club. ‘Ala’ offers up something wholly distinct once again, offering the kind of hidden B2 magic that makes a record special with some trippy backroom stepping business shaped out by mellow synth impulses and a pad setting a melancholic mood. Original, innovative pressure from someone largely responsible for keeping such values alive in D&B, as if we expected any less.

2023 Repress

Hot off the heels of their 2021 vinyl debut, London jungle collective 4am Kru return with their second vinyl offering 'High Time EP'. The title track High Time takes centre stage here, already a sing-a-long classic after destroying dancefloors and algorithms following it's digital release in 2021. The EP also inlcudes amen heavy hitter King Konger and grime roller 4AMK3, concluding with the soothing sounds of Your Only feat. Phoebe White. All favourites from 4am Kru's growing digital back catalogue on Embrace The Real Records.

White Vinyl

Closing out the series with two heavyweight stalwarts, The Planets come to an end at Neptune. The first track sees Coco Bryce return to pay homage on ‘Mantra’ as crisp breaks float above glowing pads and vocal cuts. Forest Drive West also returns, journeying to the outer edges with ‘Neptune’. Tightly chopped hits and snapping snares are laid over bleak but blissful tones and Rupture completes its cycle from the Sun.

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More limited edition roughneck jungle riddims, smacking up reggae anthems of yesterday!

Here we have the beautifully remastered Foul Play and Foul Play ft Randall remixes of Lords Of The Null Lines. There is little to say about these definitive classics that has not already been said. You know ‘em, you love ‘em, they are essentials.
However, the Danny Styles remixes are perhaps deserving of some explanation. There were created in the early 90s, and were cut, but quickly stopped by Moving Shadow as they were not really official remixes. A few test presses got out, and the result has been these remixes reaching a near mystical status in the passing decades, and the vinyl changing hands on discogs for £500 and other ridiculousness. So it was with great pleasure that Alex Hyper On and myself managed to broker a deal with Moving Shadow and Danny Styles to bring these amazing remixes to a legal and official release! It took over 25 years, but they can finally be bought...

Club / DJ Support
Shimon, Andy C, Randall, Ray Keith, Chase 7 Status, Zinc, Jack Frost, Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Liquid, Hyper On Experience, Ant To Be, Ponder and many others

Phoenix Breaks is a physical record label based in the UK specialising in modern breakbeat hardcore, jungle and drum n' bass. The label began in 2021 and the first release was released in December of the first year in the form of a vinyl ep entitled 'The Rising'.

The EP sports 4 tracks of varying styles ranging from breakbeat hardcore to jungle and also drum n' bass. Staying true to the sounds of the 90's, each track has been carefully produced to fully capture that sound and has received raving reviews so far. Strictly limited edition and housed in a sturdy stickered cover, this is a must buy for anyone who has any kind of interest in the oldskool 90's rave sounds.across 4 huge dancefloor tracks.