Beats News

This is the one they've all been waiting for! Black Box hits release number 20 in fine style, with the first solo 12" of proper Headhunter material in some time. As his 808-riddled Addison Groove project gathers pace, it's easy to forget that Tony Williams has also produced some of the most visceral 140bpm halfstep, so now he returns to stamp his authority on the scene where he first made his name.

Over the past eighteen months there's been a general dissolving of restrictions within the scene surrounding dubstep, the focus squarely on those regions where several different genres collide and mix with one another. But with a growing number of producers deserting the spacious, sub-heavy 140bpm template for the allure of slower speeds and house-influenced grooves, it's been getting harder to find heavy, inventive beats that operate at typical dubstep tempo.

After 20 years releasing records, most recently on his own critically acclaimed ClearSkyz label, Bristol Drum N' Bass pioneer Dj Die has decided that 2011 is the time to launch his new 'Gutterfunk' imprint. Brewing since 2004 this multi genre label is an outlet for genre defying productions and collaborations, as well as a platform to push the new talent

Until now these 6 cuts have been limited to DJ sets from Skream & his spars, causing a frenzy amongst ravers & listeners.

Introducing Subzee-D... Dubstep's new kid on the block his tracks have been attracting attention and support from some of the biggest names in the scene including: Skream, Benga Caspa, Rusko, Jakes, Datsik, Borgore, Trolley Snatcha, Funtcase, Doctor P,and many more. Now receiving radio play on the biggest national stations From BBC Radio 1 and 1xtra to London's mighty Kiss FM

the last 12 months have been a great success for TMSV - he has shown great versatility via his output for the Box Clever label, gigged tirelessly across mainland Europe, and garnered wide support for his version of Mavado's track 'Dem A Talk' - the latter attracting attention from dubstep figurehead Mala, resulting in his inclusion on a remix compilation of Greensleeves classics alongside Mala, Coki, V.I.V.E.K and more.

Abraham Cowley is in fact the name for a new house project from Simon Brown, better known as the Dexorcist, under which guise he's been releasing 12's on various labels such as Control Tower, SMB and Battle Trax since 1998. This first outing for Abraham Cowley demonstrates the full extent of Simon's audio weaponry skills, plunging deep into a dark, synth and bass-driven retro Detroit influenced house vibe. An eerie yet cinematic synth line takes us through 'A Step Goodbye' with deep, heavy pounding beats and rolling bass, while on the flip 'Brother Number 9' is a dark bleepy bass workout with pounding drums. Both tracks are deep heavy warehouse workouts that will stir up any floor in a classic timeless house vibe brought bang up to date for today's bass-loving generation.

Hotflush presents the debut collaborative release from Arkist and Kidkut, both based in Bristol, UK. The title track is a four to the floor deep cut, adorned with subaquatic atmospherics, warm contours of bass and subtly stirring melodies, a magnificent pairing with Scuba's imprint. On the flip side, 'Vanilla Imitate' maintains the vibe and amps the energy with a smart infusion of shuffling UK garage flavors and emotive soundscapes.Arkist's solo productions have been recently released on Appleblim's Apple Pips label, If Symptoms Persist, and Deca Rhythm. Kidkut is the mastermind behind the Immerse Records label, which has been releasing quality bass music since 2006. His solo productions can also be found on Apple Pips and Well Rounded Records.

Origin Audio announces its highly anticipated third release from up and coming producer Commodo. Both tracks have received support from the likes of Youngsta, Distance, Cyrus, Darkside and Tunnidge. Expect heavy weight sub and tight percussion as Commodo demonstrates just why he is such hot property right now. With this release Origin Audio continues to grow its reputation as one of the most credible and exciting labels in Dubstep.

Landing as the second release from the new French label ClekclekBoom Recordings, young newroller Coni drops us sensitive, deep but yet powerful tracks with sensual r'n'b reworks that would make any female moan.Combining groovy sophisticated house and naughty/soulful bass on the lead track 'Luz in Pool', the parisian takes us to a delightful journey where you'll be losing yourself. On the flipside, 'Suma' is mixing up an uplfiting 90s r'n'b vocal with a very effective UK Funky drum line. The laid back G-Swagger 'Crush' favoring a modern half-tempo 808 rhythm with a sweet subtle voice adding to a haunting purple synth coloration.This 3 track EP is full of heaviness and is already listed as favorite by many established big names. This number is not to be missed!

1 Goth-Trad - Man In The Maze
2 Goth-Trad - Departure
3 Goth-Trad - Cosmos
4 Goth-Trad - Air Breaker
5 Goth-Trad - Walking Together
6 Goth-Trad - Strangers
7 Goth-Trad - Babylon Fall
8 Goth-Trad - Anti Grid
9 Goth-Trad - Seeker
10 Goth-Trad - Mirage
11 Goth-Trad - New Epoch

One of the first ever female dubstep producers Dot is back with a new record label Read Write Music. Dot has been previously releasing her dubstep production through London based Immigrant Recordings, notably the first female run and musically produced dubstep record label in existence (KidKameleon@XLR8R). Dot's music gained support throughout the years and has been played by some of the biggest names in the dubstep scene such as Kutz (Wheel&Deal), Mary Anne Hobbs (Xfm), Ramadanman (Hessle,Soul Jazz), L.D. (Ringo,Hyperdub), DJ Chef (Rinse FM, Transition) and others. Dot's remix of Clara Moreno:Pour QuoiNega San Sedalia (out on Far Out Recordings)gained acclaim by the likes of Laurent Garnier, Ross Allen(MoS) and Simon Harrison(Basic Soul). Now opening her own Read Write Music Dot is pleased to present the 'Get Up EP' by Lowa/Dot as the first release on the label and judging by the imminent DJ response it looks like this release will be big. Lowa is an Austrian based producer running Shash Records where he releases his own production and music from artists like Abby Lee Tee.'Get Up EP' reminds you why you fell in love in dubstep in the first place. Lowa's original version of the track Get Up is a mixture of dark 2step vibe blended in with carefully produced fat synths, mysterious pads and a breathtaking bass while Dot's remix is a pure filthy dancefloor filler with heavy beats and thumping sub bass. It evolves into deeper and heavier drive continuously throughout its development and its hypnotic break adds to the heaviness. A pure dubstep classic you'd be happy to have in your collection as Dot's releases never tend to disappoint. 'Get Up EP' has been spreading with support from dubstep DJ around the world-ranging from Germany to Florida, from UK to Russia and has been played on radios such as RedBull Music Academy Radio. This EP certainly aims to fill the gap of music with a strong socially responsible message and is aiming to encourage debate on the current state of the world we live in.

Rounding off what has been a busy year for Idle Hands comes a 12 from west country residents Outboxx. This duo, comprised of Jacob Martin (aka Hodge) and Matthew Lambert have steadily built a reputation for themselves with releases on Well Rounded and Immerse. Moving away from the dominant trends in bass music the pair have been forging a sound more akin to early nineties deep house - yet retaining a palette of 2011 sounds.Here they present two tracks - 'Aporia' is a lesson in wistful house, all pianos and a sneeky bass drop half way through the tune. 'Cromwell' is a straight ahead house roller, but with enough sub to keep the bass enthusiasts happy.Support so far from Ramadanman and Sven Weiseman.

For artists so fresh, Soap Dodgers are already kicking up a storm. As promised, to back up their technically precise DJ sets, their powerful production has already found its signature sound incorporating their tough, precise beats and bass resulting in it being backed by many of the scenes finest. With a number of releases forthcoming on NType's 'Wheel 'n' Deal' label, Soap Dodgers' have received huge support from the likes of NType, Kutz, Youngsta, Hatcha, The Others, Lost, Shiverz, 16bit, plus even more frontrunners in today's scene.

Zed Bias delivers 4 tracks on 2 slabs of 180 Gram Vinyl packed in a gatefold sleeve designed by Will Bankhead.

New Zealand's downtempo-bass producer Consequence, aka Cam McLaren, always treads the line musically, to the point that the line became blurred entirely. His debut album, 'Live For Never,' reminded the electronic world of the intricacies and emotional heights of Drum & Bass, and carried the genre into new realms of sonic possibility. 'Live For Never' appealed to different scenes across the board (and around the world), receiving rapturous applause from electronic music's toughest critics (Resident Advisor, Boomkat, FACT) and magazine gurus alike (DJ Magazine, IDJ).In March 2011, Consequence made his second album appearance on Exit Records with Joe Seven, as They Live: the duo's 'Cancel Standard' was an immersive, sci-fi laced album that set the bar for the year rather high. Consequence decided to end 2011 with one more album, however: his long-awaited sophomore solo LP: 'Test Dream.''Test Dream' is not for those who expect the next logical evolution of 'Live For Never.' It's also not for the unadventurous, nor for those who seek easily digestible music. Creatively free, Consequence revels in pure electronic experimentation, and the result is an album that follows no rules, and explores fractal dimensions that defy conventional genres.The downtempo compositions on the LP manage to hold the intensity and propelling urgency of high BPM electronic music, even though some of the tracks are relatively beatless. 'Before I Go' takes the listener to space and back, while 'Can't Say' comes through with staggered synths and rugged drums, building an atmosphere where each sound tells a story. 'Marlo', meanwhile, is a welcome retreat from the tension built in its predecessors, with a reassuring melody, softly rhythmic snaps and handclaps, smooth vocals and warm pads. 'Of Uncertainty' reveals a slow beauty that builds with impeccable grace, adding colours, slowed vocals and tranquil atmospheres along the way.Ever a many-faced producer, Consequence's album takes a few forays into more haunting, cryptic territories. 'Just Water', filled with creepy effects and sinister samples, leaves the listener nothing short of on-edge, especially with a finale that sounds not much unlike C3PO being ripped to shreds. And 'Magda Trench' sounds like a video game that's burning under a microscope, rendering fractured pixels into outer space.Staying true to his roots, Consequence brings the album back through the tangles of the jungle, and voyages into heavier D&B landscapes. 'Oden' and 'Soul Sees Spirit' feel slightly apocalyptic, with soaring ominous-filled synth builds and hard-hitting drums that will darken (and deepen) any dancefloor instantaneously.There are many surprises tucked within, too, of course. 'Re-occuring' has ascending melodies that sound as though they could dance in a Giorgio Moroder universe: a transportive space-capade that gives an aural tour through a cluster of stars. Powered by a stuttered melody on a wavering synth line, 'Lovershell' is one for code-crackers: an intriguing ball of chaos that slowly starts to make sense as it comes together. The dub-drenched 'Slant' starts out mysterious in feel, takes a swift turn for anxiety and suddenly breaks into an enigmatic poem slowly recited in a sing-song manner.'Untitled', with a yearning vocal that floats through an ambiguous atmosphere, closes the album on that typical Consequence note: with lines being tightrope-walked and left obliterated. 'Test Dream' grows and unfolds more with each listen, giving way to explorations of dense sound universes.

1 Consequence - Cant Say
2 Consequence - Marlo
3 Consequence - Slant
4 Consequence - Lovershell
5 Consequence - Just Water
6 Consequence - Magda Trench
7 Consequence - Re-Occuring
8 Consequence - Soul Sees Spirit
9 Consequence - Oden
10 Consequence - Of Uncertainty
11 Consequence - Untitled Dream
12 Consequence - Before I Go

"Andromeda" is the first single for the upcoming debut album by Deckard entitled "For A Better Tomorrow". The release heads off with the original version of "Andromeda", an incredibly well produced downbeat/electronica tune with a new twist that blends into a grooving sci fi dub/reggae part, refined with a catchy flute sample. Even though there is a dark mood in almost all of Deckard's music this great track should put a smile on everyone's face.

Oxford/London/Leeds based newcomer Graphics is responsible for the first release on the long gestated Granholme label. Brian Eno was once quoted as 'not wanting to contribute to the glut of CD's' in the world. Granholme's ambitions as a label are modest, but if we can do anything to detract from the glut of painfully beige electronic music available in 2011 then that will be considered a small victory. The title track crossed our path in February of this year and was the catalyst for finally making the label a reality. It's blend of intricate percussion, pounding kicks and swamp voodoo atmospherics are bound together by a relentless forward momentum rarely heard. Were we not embarrassed by such brazen hype building we'd say it fuses classic techno to the jungle derived energy of early Big Apple releases. Shit, it's happened again. 'Name This' reigns in the most unhinged flailing of it's predecessor and revels in a focussed chain gang swing. Heavy on Dub'ish atmospherics and sweeping chords it's a more discrete animal than it's other half with methodically intensified tension threatening to swallow the arrangement whole. Exclusive to the digital version is 'D-Transition'. A listless voice unsuccessfully self interrogates as decaying minor chords mount a further assault on the listeners good humour. As things threaten to get overly oppressive a heavily dampened 4/4 kick leads into a rhythm section that gradually comes to the boil before locking into a series of percussion and bass led drops. Finally we have the Zoltan remix of D-Transition. Due to be used as a promotional tool in 1 the weeks leading up to release, it takes the original and adds some hefty drum programming along with a gloriously queasy new melody for the 4am push towards daylight.

New release from label head honcho Jakes featuring the one and only Beezy who's nutty vocal style is adding a psychopathic new angle to alot of Dubstep tracks right now. This is signature Jakes to the core, Coki-esque wobbles, psychedelic melodies and rip-rawing BASS, been a wee while since we've been graced with new Jakes material so don't sleep on these 12' badbwoys!

Shameless Toady are delighted to announce their latest release from London-based rising star Pip Williams. "Analog Sequences" is a limited 4 track EP on heavyweight 12" vinyl.

Irishman Barry Gordon aka Sina is multi-instrumentalist w/influences in blues, folk, ambient & hip hop. EP bleeds creativity & submerges you in well produced brittle clean sound w/intense emotion. Remixes by Swiss rising star Gards from KC, Kelpe & Soosh

Together with internationally-acclaimed Reggae artist, Jahdan Blakkamoore and established stateside lyrical beasts, Armanni Reign & Diggadee MC - Trigon & Dave Gee push the envelope, delivering a massive cross-over Dubstep/Grime influenced riddim with Hip-Hop appeal. Dirty synths, banging 808 bass and pure nasty bars from these heavy-weight MCs all blend together seamlessly, proving this to be a powerhouse combination and nothing but pure 'murda!'

PMR003 sees West London producer Two Inch Punch serving up five slices of genre-flipping electronic soul. Lead single Up in Your Mix lives up to its eponymous chorus, with some serious production muscle getting flexed.

From the unlikely bass music hotspot of Austin, Texas, the mighty VVV returns to Fortified Audio with his strongest material yet in the form of his - and the label's - debut album. If you slept on the Projects EP we released in 2010, now's the time to get acquainted with the dynamic progressive garage that's garnered praise from the likes of Martyn and Oneman.

Official re-work of this b-side obscurity from 80's electro- pop duo Blancmange. Old school synth obsessive Ed DMX and M&M label boss Martin Dupre take on the task of editing and updating the tune for the modern discotheque, and its a winning showcase of high grade electro. On the other side, Ninja Tune favourite Mr Wyse does a fine cut 'n' paste makeover of another Blancmange oddity, 'Vishnu', taking the original into darker territiory. Limited edition pressing - 300 only.

Hotflush presents its first EP from Braille: otherwise known as Praveen Sharma, based in Brooklyn, New York City and one half of the outstanding duo Sepalcure, who have already released two acclaimed EPs and a remix package, cementing their signature sound on the label.Following his debut single as Braille ('The Year 3000' on Rush Hour) earlier this spring, the 'A Meaning' EP delves further into Praveen's love for house music, resulting in four bubbling, soulful house tracks infused with the same unique style brought to Sepalcure's productions, jacking 808 rhythms adorned with tasteful sample manipulations and a warm, emotive foundation.

Joker's new single on 12:, 'On My Mind' featuring William Cartwright on vocals, mixes from both Goldie and Rustie on the A side, with the flipside featuring remixes of his last single, 'Slaughter House' from Tiesto and TC

The latest instalment in the on-going Lee Perry remix series is the long-awaited dubplate with Mala DMZ at the controls. A-side 'Like The Way You Should' finds LSP crooning the track's title through a lattice-work of intricately-constructed rhythms, while ringing piano chords chime, synths mesh in shifting layers, and a deep half-time beat fuels irresistable forward motion. On the flip, 'Obeah Room' drills down into harder strata, striking a seam of dense drum hits that surfaces in a stop-start pattern, driven by ominous sub-bass swells that sound like they're being extruded from the planet's very own sub-mantle magma. Strictly limited pressing of 1500 copies.

Sepalcure are poised to release their eponymous debut full length through Hotflush

Deadboy's own brand of garage flecked melancholia rocketed out of the stables on the single sided "If U Want Me" our very first release in early 2010, and the Brighton based producer hasn't let up since, remixing artists like Cassie, Jamie Woon and Romy xx's CREEP.

The immense sound of 'Factory' has been a staple in the sets of Excision, Datsik and Downlink for months now. Finally it's available to buy alongside brand new track 'Yeah'.