Beats News

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.

Syko & DJ Mik-Sir return with a collection of previously unheard tracks with their DNA firmly rooted in the early 90s. Digging through DATs of unfinished and forgotten tracks we came across a handful of half completed tracks originally crafted using an Amiga, an Akai sampler and a Vintage Keys sound module. The Blueskinbadger music archaeologists have meticulously unpicked and pieced each track together making sure we applied the original methodology and thinking behind these tracks and their origins. We’ve taken our time in tidying up and finishing these tracks, completing their 29 year journey from the studio to the turntable. ‘Reboot’, 'Dissemination' & 'Stand the Test' have all been Re-engineered and Re-mastered from those original DATs. An original remix of Boom by Syko completes this collection...

10" Green Vinyl

Lovingly recreated by John and a beautiful tribute to Brad. Find the Way is a track that was an idea in the 90's and never finished after Brads untimely passing. Holsten and Law stepping with 2 awesome remixes to complete the EP.

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.

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.

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.

Lobster mainstay and breakbeat wizard Coco Bryce follows up last year's Deep Into The Jungle EP and a wicked label-artist clothing collaboration with four varying cuts of 160 energy; spanning half-time chops, devastatingly beautiful jungle and lounge-bar breakbeat aesthetics.

Eagle-eared listeners will have listened to these already through the Dutch producers Balamii Radio show, where he has welcomed fellow label regular Amy Dabbs and footwork-jungle flag flyer Sherrelle recently. Through various aliases and musical projects Coco Bryce has always had an infatuation for bass-heavy sound, and the last couple of years have seen him settle quite nicely into one of jungles finest contemporaries alongside the likes of Sully and Tim Reaper.

‘D.L.P’ showcases this wicked ‘n’ rough energy brilliantly; old-school movie samples add a degree of depth and emotion to whiplash breaks and eerie pads before ‘Velocity Of Love’ takes us on a romance-induced trip through arcade-style keys and driving percussive beats. An explosion of love and lust in the club.

‘Twenty One Lies' swaps the club setting for a dimly lit bar in Peckham; jazz influence shines across this energetic yet home-listening ready cut of breaks, before ‘Wuthering Heights’ half-time identity transports us to the roof of the building, peering through the concrete jungle as dark turns to light.

Repress

New music from dgoHn (John Cunnane) is always exciting, this LP especially so. After a recent release on Astrophonica, a self released collection of tracks in 2018 and 3 singles on Love Love since the inception of their partnership in 2016, John comes back to Love Love with the big album. Conceived in the Essex heartland, 'Undesignated Proximate' contains 12 all-killer mega fresh cuts of the kind of boundlessly creative material that we have come to know him for, marking the most comprehensive collection yet of dgoHn's music.

With a meddlesome level of experimentation and a knack for pumping out truly futuristic rhythms, John's ideas are utterly compelling, effortlessly peddling some of the most refreshing sounds to be found in the drum and bass / drumfunk / jungle worlds over a quarter of a century since the birth of the style. Not constrained by genre however his resolute chops, rich sound worlds and melodic structures form very real pieces of music, full of character and feeling. The production here is tighter than ever and while the tracks are technically adept, they drip in pure personality and raw energy. These are tracks made with a brain and a heart.

Likenesses to great Jazz drummers are just as appropriate to his music as they are his contemporaries in braindance or drum and bass and his noisier influences often bleed through. 'Stachybotrys' sees dgoHn's drums at their most frantic and tracks like this, as well as 'Invisible Sandwich' and 'Ninnyhammer' are rinsers of the highest calibre. The depth of these compositions are a complete antidote to mundanity and while the mainstay of the productions on the album are fully sound system-ready, cuts like 'Electryon', 'Puppet' and 'Windy' are so smooth they could almost be considered ambient.

10 years on from the classic album "Some Shit Saaink" made with friend Bob (Macc) on Subtle Audio/Rephlex, John"s music has garnered many notable fans including Aphex Twin, Skee Mask, DJ Food, Thom Yorke, Ben UFO, Lee Gamble and Tom
Ravenscroft finding a firm place in the hearts of many. 'Undesignated Proximate' is a timeless collection of music that sets a high bar for what can be achieved with a computer and some nifty ideas.

All Tracks by John Cunnane
Mastered by Robert Macchiochi
Artwork by Colin McCallister

Limited 12" from Pete Cannon - 4 tracks produced on the Amiga 1200!

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.

Four previously unreleased tracks from the legendary Sky Joose. Recorded between 1995 - 2000 and recently rescued from the original DAT tapes.

This Jimmy J & Cru-l-t Box Set has already surpassed all expectations. The first run sold out in under 6 days, which is appropriate considering 6 Days is one of the biggest anthems from this legendary duo, and is featured on this box set as a Pete Cannon remix. Joining Pete on remix duties are NRG, Sunshine Productions, Liquid, Dope Ammo, Luna-C, IOTB and Sunny & Deck Hussy. Plus a selection of represses and brand new tunes which show Jimmy J & Cru-l-t have returned to music at the top of their game!

Four years after its launch, Pont Neuf Records, considered as “one of the most essential house labels of the hexagonal scene” by Mixmag, has gone on participating “in the revival of the genre” (Trax Magazine) by producing a major part of these young producers who now represent this hyperactive and vibrant scene.

For its 4th anniversary, the Parisian label makes no exception to its rule with a new compilation Hexagonal Club, bringing together once again this new French house scene with varied influences, ranging from filtered disco-house to jungle influences, but also through percussive deep house sounds or more broken beat-oriented universes.

Long time supporters of Kniteforce will be well aware of the truly amazing series, Remix Records & Kniteforce presents ‘The Remix’s’, and here we have Part 17! All the records in this series are insanely good and this EP does not disappoint. To start we have the mighty Bay B Kane taking one of Phuture Assassins newer tracks and turning it into an amazing jungle track, using the original vibe and cranking it up to the maximum with a proper early Bay B Kane style. Next is an absolutely mental remix from Heavy Systems Inc. of an already mental track! One of NRG’s most insane tracks gets the rough and raw treatment that HSI is known for, drawing on the underground sound of 1992. The action doesn’t stop on the other side either! The living legend that is Austin takes an already hugely popular track from Sunny & Deck Hussy and absolutely sprinkles it with awesome. This is Austin at his best, and it shows how he has not missed a step in 3 decades of music production. Rounding out this installment is The BradderCase remix of Stu Chapman’s Rude Boy. The duo of BradderCase, aka Paul Bradley and The Lowercase, took this Stu Chapman track and flipped it on its head. Extracting the energy from the original and lighting a fire under it, showing that hardcore can be fun and serious at the same time.

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

The not-particularly mysterious Bristol / Manchester duo 'Yung Bingles & Lil Chimpz' combine again on two strictly limited vinyl only grime / jungle anthems, both tested around the world in the most demanding raves on road. On the Mango side, a Joy Orbison classic gets mashed up with the classic Devil Mix of East Connection's early Grime anthem 'We're Ready' in a junglist style and fashion, while on the Sceptre side, 'I don't know why man's calling me family' is the question being asked rhetorically at 170bpm. Support from everyone basically.

Basic Rhythm returns to Raw Basics, this time with a couple of mates in tow.
Kicking off the A side is a collaboration with long time friend Tim Reaper. The title track to the EP, Revival opens with lush pads and stepping drums, before unleashing tumbling breaks and a chest rattling sub that roll through to the breakdown and second drop, when the true chaos of the Hardcore influence is unleashed with an updated oldskool stab riff, drawing as much on early C4C tracks as from 93 Hardcore.

The second track, On The 86 (Romford Mix) opens with a dark drone and tumbling breakbeat punctuated with stabs, before letting loose the breaks and a huge bass line evocative of early ‘90s Hardcore but with a contemporary approach. This one is a dance floor smasher! This is followed by a digital only alternative version of On The 86. The (Stratford Mix) opens with airy pads and a more militant break pattern before dropping into the breakdown, drawing for some old rave stabs before unleashing the breaks and bass for a modern take on the current oldskool revival.

Track four is a collaboration with Sully. Apache (Let The Bass Go) opens with a pitched and filtered break and pads, gradually dropping down into a “proper Hardcore riff” accentuated by scattering pitched breaks and sub bass. Wait for the switch on this one though! And watch your bass bins!

The last track, Help Me, more overtly nods to the sound of 92, with lush pads a classic vocal sample and rolling breaks. This one has a low fi edge and pure 92 Hardcore energy combined with modern production techniques. Watch this one devastate the dance floor and get the ladies raving!

The Revival EP doesn't let up for a moment, with dance floor killers from start to finish this one needs to be in your record box!

From the ashes of revered drum & bass project Ulterior Motive rises the phoenix of Settle Down, the new solo moniker for Greg Hepworth. He takes things back to where it all began, channeling the rude spirit of early jungle for his debut single on E-Beamz.

What is Real, a collaboration with FD, is the classic combo of jittery breaks and warm, rumbling sub bass. Throw in some dub sirens and sweet female vocal cuts and you have a tried and tested recipe for some dancefloor delight - horns crew!

'Sub Bias' is a more sinister affair with the reverbed snare rolls blending with a deep, drone bassline and menacing, gutteral stabs.

red vinyl

A righteous squad of precision technicians re-construct tracks from Presha's debut EP - RATS.

Fabio & Grooverider have been at the forefront of UK dance music for over 3 decades. This is the roots of their story told through music.

The 2 London DJ's are part of the DNA of the global Jungle / D&B movement and they have remained relevant, cutting edge, authoritative and essential to this truly underground art-form since it's inception. RAGE could arguably be the ground zero of Jungle. The party was started at London's cavernous Heaven club by Fabio & Grooverider in 1988, at the height of Acid House fever that was making it's way up and down the motorways, slip-roads, fields and warehouses of the M25 and further beyond every weekend, troubling the nation, the police, your parents and the press as it went. RAGE was a different beast, it certainly channelled some of that Acid energy but pitted it against the new and exciting sounds emanating from Belgium, Amsterdam, Detroit, Sheffield, Essex and Hackney and in turn created a new style, a new sonic attitude and energy in the process. Rumbling bass-lines, narcotic synth rushes and roughly chopped and sped-up breakbeats all merged into a style that we now know as Jungle. Nothing like this had been heard before, this was a brand new style and it was coming out of London's West End and Fabio & Grooverider were the people firmly behind it.

RAGE is approaching it's 30th anniversary. It's sonic and cultural legacy is still being felt today, Fabio & Groove are still shutting down raves and festivals every weekend all over the world with their superior DJ sets and musical knowledge guided by their pioneering spirit. This musical selection you hold in your hands, the first of 4 parts, sees them delve into their prodigious memories and record boxes to select a true musical representation of the very beginning of one of the UK's most unique and influential musical movements of the last 50 years. Across 4 x 2 x 12"s compilations we are taken on the journey through the sounds of RAGE, accompanied with track by track notes from Fabio & Groove themselves. This is the sound of the underground, from the inside out.

This is a masterclass in the old-school. The roots. There is no filler here, it's simply ALL killer. Lovingly selected and programmed by the masters - 'The Living Shock' & 'The Ladies Choice'. Produced in conjunction with Above Board distribution and Fabio & Grooverider. All tracks mastered from original sources and fully licensed. Mastering by Optimum, Bristol. Artwork and design by Atelier Superplus. 2019

Tommy De Roos (FFF) from Rotterdam, Netherlands joins Syko on this EP to remix an unreleased track from Syko's back catalogue 'Children of God'. This was due for release back in the day but never happened after the label ended. Really excited to finally release this and have Tommy do a fresh remix. The B-Side welcomes FFF again with some fresh new beats and Syko also brings the B-Side business with a fresh new track.

The alis of a UK techno producer, San returns to Rua Sound with another statement of intent - "no other junglist delivers this power".

San was born out of the clear necessity for jungle futurism, breakbeat terrorism and hardcore sub bass gangsterism.

The illusive producer's second record on the label is a masterclass in dark jungle choppage dripping with futurism and dread. Fans of Source Direct take note.

Since launching last summer, Rasta Vibez has carved a niche for itself among the drum and bass community for those seeking out some dub and reggae flecked jungle cuts for the dance. Now, after a successful series of 10" hand stamped records, Mystic Pulse kicks off a new 12" series pushing a more serious and distinguished sound with style. Both sides start off halftime but effectively evolve into breakbeat chaos, which has already proven to shake up the dancefloor big time. In short a must have for all ragga muffin junglists!

Spandangle Selection Volume 20. All previously unreleased from 1993, these were made by using the Commodore Amiga and an Akai sampler. With so many tracks made, and vinyl releases occupying so much production time, these great tracks got overlooked, but as they say “classics never die”!

Columbia's Nicolas Duque is next up on the Dansu Discs White Label series with his own individual flips. Vinyl Only.

Soul Jazz Records’ new Black Riot: Early Jungle, Rave and Hardcore is a brand new collection of heavyweight ragga-influenced hardcore jungle tracks from the early 1990s. Dark and heavy!

Featuring classic and seminal tracks from the likes of Levictus and Krome &Time, alongside a host of rare and little-known ragga & junglist hardcore tunes from the likes of Babylon Timewarp’s hypnotic Durban Poison, Rhythm for Reasons’ mad ‘The Smokers Rhythm’,
The Freaky rave-y breakbeat sound of ‘Time and Age,’ Trip One’s super dark ‘Snowball’ and loads more!

Expect super heavy basslines, equally heavy twisted Amen drum loops, even heavier ragga vocals! Original jungle style – roots and culture – from the earliest days of drum and bass.

Included with the first edition of the Black Riot vinyl and CD is a very limited-edition free graphic mini-novel “Black Riot: The Mysterons save Planet Earth from the Xatheroid Angels.” This is the third collaboration between writer Paulo Parisi and Soul Jazz Records.

This new graphic story continues the story of black electronic dance music – this time set in London circa 1992 and continues onwards from Soul Jazz’s earlier ‘Invasion of the Killer Mysterons’ (Jamaican electronic dub, co-compiled by Kevin Martin (The Bug) and ‘Mysterons Invade the Jackin’ Zone’ (about Chicago Acid & Experimental House 1986-93).

Seventh Circle Of Litness is a dizzying collection of rave inspired dance tracks that have no earthly business sitting together on a record. What started as a deep dive into old school rave ended up being the inspiration for a hellish cacophony of styles and themes.

The launch of the Distant Planet label. 2 tracks of slamming breakbeat hardcore/Jungle Techno by Distant Planet DJs Hughesee, Dwarde & Louise Plus One

All tracks have been made on a range of hardware in the Distant Planet labs.

Rikers Island is yet another very sought after slice of wax from Q Project, this time with the aid of his long time collaborator, Dj Spinback. This track, with it’s two different versions, will cater to pretty much any jungle raver. The ‘On The Run Mix’ is the darker of the two and today would most definitely be called the ‘VIP Mix’ for sure, but this is from a time where artists and producers where still inventing the music. Then the ‘Dream Mix’ is the more atmospheric version, the one that you would drop when the crowd isn’t as dark or you wanted to lift them back up some, and this track does that perfectly.

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

Children Of The Sun God is probably a name that you are not familiar with but it is an alias for DJ Deluxe, who has been part of Kniteforce for many, many years. But here he wanted to go back to the dawn of Rave and make some lovely Rave music and he did not fail, featuring some of his best work to date. Going back to his roots for a proper soul cleanse. All 4 tracks really do harp back to that burgeoning 1990s era sound with bleep, bass, breaks and pianos. All 4 tracks are very different from one another, but maintain that original style, which in itself shows the range of Rave, even back then!

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