Beats News

Artikal and Chestplate combine to form Chestikal. A meeting of labels and also a meeting of production minds as Distance meets J:Kenzo for this special release.

Spanning the BPMS from 140 - 160 halftime, tribal and dark two heavy crafted tracks from the chambers featuring 'The Offering' and 'Dhyana'.

In six short years, over as many releases, Corin Bornhoff AKA Karma has carefully built a name as one of the most trusted and sought after producers in dubwise dubstep. His releases are few and far between, with most tunes gaining legendary status on acetate long before they see release. To date only System and Innamind have released his works on vinyl - ZamZam 73, our first release together, continues Karma’s path of strict quality control with two eagerly-awaited sound system tunes.

Heads have been clamoring for A Side “Crampton Beat” to be released for no less than five years. In that time it has aged beautifully, showing itself to be a truly timeless track, as captivating now as it was when first played out. Buoyed by a massive, melodic bassline and pounding kick, thick atmospheres ebb and flow like tidal movements, and hard-skanking stabs drive the track forward. Deeply melancholic pads that could almost be processed horns create a sense of loss, while lasers, test tones, and lacerating snares resolve in sheets of echo and feedback. A gorgeous study in contrasts, Crampton Beat is a rare steppers that is both rhythmically ruthless and rich in emotion.

Awash in tape hiss as thick as a sneaker wave, the B Side is an equally deep tune in collaboration with Karma’s longtime friend & musical sparring partner G.Goodz. Blanketed in fog, rocking with shaker & sly drum turnarounds, "Shortwave Step” has all the hallmarks of the most beloved Karma tracks - propulsive half-time riddim, lonely reverb-soaked spaces, masterful EQ, mournful melodics, and subtle dub effects. Together these two sides show once again that Karma is an artist who fully integrates emotion, intuition, and serious craft to maximum effect.

Unknown to many, this guy flipped some classic roots gems. White label business for the 140 crew!

Straight out of one of the UK’s most innovative bass music hotspots, Bristol, two of the scenes fastest rising stars Glume and Phossa join the Subaltern roster with their massive debut split EP.
A - Glume & Phossa - IMHK A collaborative effort from the two talented producers, the EP opener IMHK packs double the punch as well as showing a lot of love for the details. Setting the eerie vibe of the release straight off the bat, IMHK is a surprisingly refreshing track that will light up any dance. Waterfalls of melodies meet hard bass hits, all surrounded by a masterfully-composed, rich-in-details and continuously-evolving drum beat. Get ready to walk into a medieval world of wizards, spells, castles and dragons - Glume and Phossa will be your guides.
B1 - Glume - Shriek Time to enter the dungeon and follow our loyal conductors deep underground. Relentless is the term that comes to mind when indulging in this stone cold, yet somewhat uplifting banger. Glume’s solo piece on the EP delivers pulsating bass waves accentuated by tonal percussion lines, embedded into a horror-movie-like atmosphere.
B2 - Phossa - Deathly Stare It’s Phossa’s time to tell the tale on the third track of the vinyl, showcasing some of his signature style synth lines embedded in an ever-creeping atmosphere. Heavy standing bass walls accompany the trippy cascade of sound, ever enchanting and luring the listener deeper into the maze. Will we find our way out?

Following the release of grime legend Jamakabi's “Wickedest Ting” EP, grime fans and vinyl collectors alike have been screaming for the bass remixes by Truth and Ghosty to be released on vinyl.

We heard, we listened and we can now deliver!

Rhythm Rollers is proud to present “The Bass Remixes” of Wickedest Ting on limited edition 12” vinyl.

Track A is an absolute monster brought to you by LA based dubstep veterans “TRUTH” which incorporates all the lyrical energy of the original while providing atmospheric low sub baselines that Truth are so well known for around the globe. If you love your dubstep this is a must for your collection and sets!

Track B is a whole different take on Jamakabi and D Double E's 2018 grime anthem. Ghosty steps up to the plate for this one and rises to the occasion in superb style. The Reaper Recording head honcho is quickly becoming renowned for his high energy amen drum patterns and this does not disappoint! If you get a chance to play this on a large system, be warned! The low subby basslines and heavy hitting drums will bring the roof down, and the rest of the building for that matter!

It's not often Grime greats like D Double & Jamakabi bless these type of styles and its even rarer to find them available on vinyl. If you love your Grime, dubstep or your amens this release has to be an immediate addition to your vinyl collection!!

The first vinyl appearance of 'I Came I Saw' from 90s steppas legends the Bush Chemists (which appears as a bonus track on some CD editions of the now-classic Light Up Your Spliff LP).

Comes with a typically screwed jungle refix from Bokeh staples Seekersinternational + a ragga noise deconstruction from Bristol's industrial terracorps Bad Tracking (FuckPunck / Mechanical Reproductions).

Hypnotizing rhythms and stormy bass cuts make up Various Visions 2, as D-Operation Drop, Zygos, Hebbe and mrshl unite on the Copenhagen based label's 9th vinyl release.

Various Visions is a new series of vinyl releases by Circle Vision, launched to present an umbrella of artists from around the globe, who share the label's vision of sound design and affection for immersive bass music.

Manta, this release made itself. Crow sample, swampier than the everglades and swing!
Manta is a man crafting some of the most off kilter sounds we have heard and these tracks go a touch of the way to show the mans class!
Control of the uncontrolled.

Hi Tek Sounds is the new label from East Man (AKA Basic Rhythm) set up after his debut album for Planet Mu ‘Red, White & Zero’.

The second release on Hi Tek Sounds is a collaborative effort from East Man & Walton.

The A side, Horse Mouth, is a dread affair. Bursting into life with a staccato drum pattern and an ominous synth drone that slowly builds up before breaking down into a calm before the storm that utilises the now infamous vocal sample of Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, before dropping back in with militant staccato drums and a deep booming sub stab. This one guarantees damage on the dance floor!

The B side, Gunshot, starts with soft, summery chimes and a minimal kick drum and clap pattern, peppered with vocal samples taken from an old recording of a pirate radio show, before dropping into a spacious but heavyweight drum pattern and deep rolling sub bass. Definitely one for the heads!

Ophir Kutiel AKA Kutiman is a multi-instrumentalist from Tel Aviv, a “psychedelic space funk architect” to quote Straight No Chaser. When we were approached by his label Siyal about recruiting ZamZam/Khaliphonic artists for a remix project, we loved the idea right away - dub without borders or boundaries is our passion, and getting our hands on Kutiman’s freeform analog explorations felt like an amazing opportunity to push that passion further. All four remixes revel in the freedom of the original tunes, and each, while anchored in dubwise techniques, are totally unhindered by tempo or other genre constraints.

Alter Echo & E3 open with a remix of “Unknown,” the set’s only 140 tune, full up with a bubbling cauldron of bassline and flutes, esoteric vinyl archaeology, spring reverb shocks, and swung percussion.

J:Kenzo, known for 140 and 160 bpm sound system bangers, here takes the chance to stay deep - but in a chill mode - unfurling a beautiful journey of syncopated drum work and slapping percussion framing the lush, meandering melodies of the original “Behind The Noise."

Gulls’ rework of “Mineral” rocks with an offbeat feel, technically in four, but swaying like it’s in three. Plucked guitar figures recall the African roots of contemporary bass music, and tape hiss buffets the listener back and forth through a sonic hall of portals and passages.

Perhaps the most surprising of all four four versions is Headland’s closing “Lucid Dream” remix, which sets course for dub techno country and never looks back. Combining the best of the producer’s masterful sound design and sense of build-and-drop dynamics with the idiom’s 4/4 pulse and focus on immersive space, Headland closes a set as inspired as the album it was based on.

Never Ready Records welcomes Dublin's Major Grave to the label delivering Grime, Garage and Dubstep munitions from the Major's sonic arsenal, decimating all that lays in his path.

"Take Charge" drops like a depth charge of shimmering bass cannons and 2-step snaps. Waxing lyrical with "If You Want" sees Grave notch the mood down and get melodic, while still keeping proceedings bouncy. The B-Side is reminiscent of early FWD days with the woofah bass galore of "S.W.A.T" and the dark transient melodies of "Dem Nevah Ready".

From Dublin's first Boiler Room event to 12's released on Big Dada , Local Action , Sulk and with years behind the MPCs as part of Ireland's premier underground bass crew 'Standard', Major Grave cements his position as a force to be reckoned with in the instrumental grime and bass scene.

Never Ready Records' second release in a four part salvo of underground ordnance continues with cover artwork from Nerog, 180g coloured vinyl and limited pressing of 300 units.

Navy Cut are pleased to welcome Ramsez! The Bremen ??born, Netherlands ??resident, creates a style of bass music that is deep, modern and energetic.

“Bigboi”, admittedly Ramsez’s most powerful track to date, has a big, bubbling bassline and well-rounded style.

The swinging off beat hats, inspired Ramsez for the title “Swinger Club”. A throwback half-step rhythm with modern sound design.

With a rolling bassline and snarling mid-bass, “Talk Crime” is deep and upfront; one of Ramsez’s most proudest works yet, he is excited to unleash it to the masses.

Somah has been turning heads throughout the dubstep scene with recent support from Mala, Jack Sparrow and J: Kenzo to name a few. Within the last year he has released music on Chord Marauders, Scrub a Dub and Natural Selectas. Make no mistake Somah’s doing the bits.

Here he brings three deep, dark and superbly produced heaters to Foundation Audio for an incredibly impressive debut solo 12”. FYAHHHH!!!!!

Stepping out of the dojo with sublime focus - DJ Youngsta's subsequent addition to the Sentry discography unveils its sound system technique in abundant grandeur. Supported by the likes of UKF and Disciple Recordings, the achievements and long-standing dedication to the bass music scene of the London-based artist speak for itself. Now taking charge of the controls, The Others materializes two irreproachable cuts of undiluted Dubstep for the imprint's tenth single outing, bringing forth an exceptional display of the artist's creative ingenuity as well as technical ability, that perfectly falls in line with the label's vision and acclaimed discography.

Anticipation permeates the air. Haunting flute melodies intermingle with tribal drums in 'Shaolin' - introducing itself, saturated in tension. Surges of electric power progressively increase the strain as the sound of the final chimes strikes its apocalyptic verdict. Heading into full-frontal warfare and the midst of a sword fight, a murderous array of distorted overtones leads the way through the trenches, dug by its huge drums and minimal instrumentation. Densely loaded with ingenious sampling and off-kilter groove, the resulting soundscape will wreak havoc on any proper sound system and skanking audience.

Turning the echo up to eleven, the B-Side 'Feedback' boasts an equally effective inferno, culminating in otherworldly levels of pressure and energy. Contemplative synth melodies merge into the melancholic soundscape, feigning brief silence before promptly being reconstructed into a super-charged form. The ensuing shutdown swings to the merciless groove onslaught of its highly fissionable basslines, roaming the dance floor with rhythmic intricacy and a universe of switch-ups and creative breaks - The Other's signature style taken to its fullest extent.

Georgio Roumans aka Zygos has been making a name for himself recently with his incredible production skills, crazy work rate and mean selection of dubplates. His hard work has been paying off recently with stellar releases on top labels Rarefield, Subaltern and Unity Through Sound. Here he brings four tracks exclusively to Foundation Audio, each with their own unique flavor and vibe, but all carrying Zygos's signature sound - which if you didn't already know is dark and gully as fuck and a perfect fit for the label. Essential Dubstep pressure from front to back, Zygos has smashed it again!

* Having become one of the UK's most exciting acts over the past few years releasing their bass-heavy brand of garage and grime across labels like Black Butter and MTA, My Nu Leng go back to their roots as they deliver their very first drum & bass EP. And as you'd expect from a duo who've been drawn in to remix the likes of Naughty Boy, Rudimental and Clean Bandit, it's big and it's very, very clever.'We are both so excited to be releasing an EP on Shogun! We've been huge fans for many years and have bought and collected most of their back catalogue on vinyl. We actually both come from a big drum and bass background and became friends through mixing and looking through each other's D&B vinyl collections.
We first worked with Friction by remixing his track 'Long Gone Memory' and more recently have been working with Ed under his new alias FineArt - we showed him some drum and bass we'd been making and he mentioned the idea of an EP on Shogun. It's been over a year since that conversation started and we are really happy to now get it out there and an honour for us to bring it on Shogun whilst working with SpectraSoul and Friction on music too. Iyamah on vocals for senses really blew us away and we hope people enjoy the music as much as we did making it!' My Nu Leng 2017

* "Of all the dubplates in my bag from this last few years, the ones I've selected most often have Walton's name scribbled on the sleeve. 'Black Lotus' is a unique creative statement; I'm very proud to release it on Tectonic and to support Walton, who I believe is a true talent." Pinch

* On July 6th Tectonic recordings presents the game-changing second album by 26 year old Mancunian Sam Walton, better known as simply Walton.
* 'Black Lotus' follows his inclusion on Tectonic's landmark 100th release - Riko Dan's 'Hard Food' EP, plus the 'Praying Mantis'/ 'Koto Riddim' 12' (also on Tectonic) and the 'Taiko' EP on Kaizen - the latter two of which hinted at the album's sound, but didn't fully prepare us for the brilliance to come.

* Abstract electronics, grime, dubstep and new styles that don't even have a name yet coalesce perfectly on this classic in the making. It finds Walton at peak power, reaching just as far (if not more so) than anything on the Pan, Different Circles, Boxed or Tectonic catalogues for pure futurism and new-terrain-traversing brilliance.

* Spacious and modern sounding, with just the right amount of grit, on 'Black Lotus' Walton has taken things the next level - setting an impressive new high bar. This is the best music to take inspiration from far eastern culture since Photek's seminal 'Ni - Ten - Ichi - Ryu' and 'The Water Margin'.

* Cinematic may be a term bandied about too often, but on this record it unquestionably applies, with the whole thing playing out like an epic movie, full of highs, lows, action, reflection and changing scenes.

* The album kicks off with 'Black Lotus', which makes it quickly evident that this isn't just another generic longplayer; a weightless/sino style intro segues into a mystical kalimba line, which is then is enveloped by huge waves of synthesized, pitched-down brass.

* 'Point Blank' offers locked, harsh mechanical funk, full of aggravated excitement, before sleek, spacious grime and disguised pop garage achieve twisted anthem status, on the hugely satisfying 'Koto Riddim'.

* 'No Mercy''s Yakuza crime riff is perfect for Riko Dan's threatening menace, especially at the point his voice gets distorted into a guttral and unsettling, demon-like wretch.

* 'Mad Zapper' is abstract, comprised of simple yet challenging beats, tones and stutters, whilst 'Angry Drummer''s taiko/kumi-daiko style percussion has a rousing, heavy thump.

* 'Pan' sounds equally enthralling whether soundtracking a dark movie scene of impending danger, or carying enratptured ravers on a danceflor journey, especially one suited to the synapse-prodding drama of a high production, lazer-heavy festival set.

* Choppy drums and bouncy bass tones are laced with the georgeos melody of 'Ehru', and 'Vectors' is sleek 'n' deep breakbeat-garage-meets-IDM.

* Although already known for elements of musicality, Walton raises his game even higher with the beautiful closing track 'White Lotus', which has a wow factor akin to hearing Aphex's Twin's 'Jynweythek Ylow' for the first time.

* 'The title came from the idea that I wanted it to be sweet and melodic in areas, but dark and grimey at the same time', recalls Walton. 'I never really listened to much Japanese and Chinese music before working on this, and that element originally came from listening to a lot of Sino grime stuff. It wasn't until I was deep into the process of making the album that I started listening to loads of traditional stuff on YouTube for melodic ideas, which changed how it turned out. The whole dubstep techno crossover thing was also a big influence.'
* 'I'm really happy to have Riko Dan & Wen on there', he adds. 'I've done a few remixes of Riko tunes which have had a great response, so it's been wicked to get some original material done together. The track with Wen was first started a while back, so I'm glad it was finally finished and will see a release.'
* Walton has been steadily gaining serious clout through releases since 2011 on Hyperdub, Keysound, Tectonic and Kaizen, with supporters including Mumdance, Logos, Slimzee, Laurel Halo, Wen, Hodge, Mary Anne Hobbs, Giles Peterson, Paleman, Teki Latex, Commodo, Loefah and Kode9. Key club, festival and radio shows include FWD at Plastic People, Fabric, Outlook, NTS, Rinse and BBC 1xtra.

2x12"


Dutch electronic music trio, Noisia, have announced the release of their long awaited new album, 'Outer Edges' on their own label, Vision. The 18 track album is their first in six years, and the band's second in total.
With a peerless reputation and countless awards under their belts, Noisia have transcended their genre and grown into a phenomenon in their own right. Drum & Bass is at the core of Noisia's sound, but Nik, Martijn, and Thijs's visceral brand has always ventured further.

"It's called Outer Edges because it's us exploring the outer edges of what Noisia, the three of us together, is. It's about the idea that all the songs are little islands that we take to their individual edge... They're all like expeditions to far sides. That doesn't mean that it's everything; it's just that every song, if it goes in a certain direction, we've taken it all the way there. There's no real concessions, we haven't been super DJ- or radio-friendly at all and we've done no collaborations or hardly any vocals on the album." - Noisia

We were very proud to release Titus 12's debut physical release early last year, and we are just as proud to present his second ZamZam. Longtime host of Ujima 98 FM's Subsession radio show out of Bristol, and the hand behind new cassette label Limbo Tapes, Pete Hazell is well-known in his city as a purveyor of deep, eclectic, bass-centric music of many hues and shades... his myriad influences alchemically combine into a signature sound that is as unmistakeable as it is difficult to pin down. In a world of cookie-cutter soundworlds Titus 12 conjures something truly personal and magical and makes it sound effortless. Summon Luxo' opens with raw vinyl archaeology, managing to wed a humid, plaintive, layered vocal chop to a sultry boom bap riddim, with so much swing and space you'll swoon under its strange power. Titus 12 says, "Summon Luxo came about after falling in love with a recording of an Ethiopian funeral song, and the suggestion that the singer might be summoned to a funeral from many miles away, because of the calibre of his lament." Intertwining melodies, sophisticated vocal manipulations, deeply elastic bass and ethereal ragga flavor complete an absolutely unique and captivating tune you'll want to rewind again and again.Silly Youth' fuses distorted french cafe melodica vibes to rugged sound tape boasts and smoked-out 140 swagger with Titus' signature reverb-filled spaces, 808 bass and aquatic claps for another singular journey through the mind of a true original. No dibby-dibby sound !! Mastered by Sam at Precise

Debut EP of the mysterious Ex-Pylon. Studio Barnhus (the young Swedish label run by Axel Boman, Kornel Kovacs and Petter) is bringing som hot forward thinking dance tracks that will create this special energy on any dance floor. Two powerful tracks with otherworldly melodies and rugged beats plus a more dreamy beatless piece on this intense and effective release. Check!!

Brooklyn-based label and sound system collective Dub-Stuy prepares for the summer with a brand new EP alongside Jahdan Blakkamoore, who first appeared on the label’s “Pool Party” single back in 2014 and again in 2017 on Von D’s Wicked Scam EP. This time around Jahdan is front and center, flexing the creativity and versatility that has kept him at the cutting edge of Jamaican music for more than two decades: whether collaborating with hip-hop icons like Smiff-N-Wessun and Snoop Dogg or with global bass providers such as Major Lazer, Liondub and Dutty Artz (who first introduced Jahdan and Dub-Stuy!).

The Linkage EP is a family affair, born after Jahdan and Dub-Stuy connected for a gig in Montreal in December 2018. The energy and vibrations from their performance that night inspired both parties to discuss a new label project. Soon enough, Dub-Stuy had sent Jahdan a pack of dancefloor-minded riddims and beats crafted by in-house producer DJ Madd. Within a few days, Jahdan locked himself up in a studio, writing and recording the five songs that make up the EP in a burst of creativity. Dub-Stuy then enlisted Bay Area based producer Kush Arora to mix the tracks, putting the finishing touches to a showcase of deft songwriting and melody-driven singing that has made Jahdan a favorite of many.

On “Absolutely” and “Properly” Jahdan celebrates the fun and vibes of a good session, switching effortlessly between singing with an irresistible lilt to rapid-fire lyrics against revamps of two timeless dancehall riddims - “Hot Milk” and “African Beat.” The results are surefire party starters! “Sort Out” taps out a syncopated skanking riddim to keep the dance going while the rest of the EP addresses more serious themes with Jahdan reaching for the deeper parts of his range. The hip-hop infused “Round of Applause” reflects on everyday struggles, and the EP’s namesake track “The Linkage” draws for deeper bass as Jahdan calls for unity.

Foundation Audio follow up their sold out FAVX001 plate from Quasar with Raremans long awaited debut release!

01425 is steeped in golden era DMZ vibes with its laid back beat, eerie atmospheres and rude boy basslines. This one’s got classic wobbler written all over it!

Flip side ‘Why Didn’t You Realise Before’ switches up the mood with its somber Rhodes piano tones and pots and pans like percussion to create another seriously classy joint.

What we have here are 2 massive tunes from Rareman showing 2 different sides to his production. Class from front to back, debuts don’t come much better than this. Big up Rareman on this killa plate!

For the label to finally reach its 20th catalogue number is a seminal moment. To reach it with the original logo designer for Encrypted Audio and all round top gent is an even greater honour.

Mesck has a slew of releases on friends and family labels such as Chestplate & Crucial Recordings but with this release we wanted to create the feeling that no side was an A. Knowing Zach's style he did not let us down.

As we are referring to this release The Double Header..... 'Locust March' testament to the commanding way Mesck uses percussion and synth tones in a controlled fashion to create anticipation in the way they are used. In a track dominated and driven by a raw sub and mid punch combination that Mesck knows all so well. Joined by the equally amazing 'Fugazi'... There is no other way to describe this piece of art than EPIC.

Nach zahlreichen Releases auf Ninja Tune, Anticon oder Planet Mu erscheint das dritte Studioalbum des britischen Electronic-Produzenten Greg Feldwick aka Slugabed auf seinem eigenen Imprint Activia Benz und trägt den rekordverdächtigen Titel: "Any Attempt To Control The Environment Or The Self By Means Which Are Either Untested Or Untestable, Such As Charms Or Spells".

Firing out of Wakaan on May 24th is the supercharged new EP from New Zealand’s very own TRUTH. They began working together a decade ago and ramp up the intensity for this four-track offering, which brings out their contagious, floor-filling vibe as an act.

TRUTH kick-start the EP with its title track; a busy bassline and reverbing bass notes thud out of the speakers with fiery direction and crisp rhythms. ‘Goodnight’ blends drifting vocal samples and a deep, grooving beat that has been drenched in low-end energy.

‘Creatures’ is a chance for menacing snatches of melody to infiltrate its commanding bassline, coming in thickly textured waves. The last tune here is ‘For Sure,’ again showcasing TRUTH’s knack for incorporating unique samples and coupling them with a roving, pitched down backdrop.

They say "With this EP we wanted to showcase some of the diversity of our sound. From the triplet-driven crazy energy of the title track ‘The Unexpected’ with its bouncy bassline and in your face sound design. The ravey, garage-esque intro of ‘Goodnight,’ which transforms into a snarling reese-bass monster. ‘Creatures’ is something straight out of the swampy depths, sucking you in with horror vibes. Then ‘For Sure’ is just plain weird, but catchy, upping the tempo on that one.

We've been vibing on Wakaan for a while now, so it's a real honor to be able to release a full EP of material on such a dope label. There also seems to be a massive crossover in people who enjoy the Wakaan sound and people who follow our Deep, Dark & Dangerous label. So we're really excited to see how people respond to this release, and just in general seeing what the future has in store for the scene as a whole!

Oh, and did someone say purple vinyl"?

It’s time to expect ‘The Unexpected’…

9 years on from his Tectonic album, J Sparrow drops his next LP on MEDi with a carefully curated body of work showcasing the breadth of his production skill.


"#000000365 / Dark365 comes as a surprise, but one that feels the product of careful craft"Tomas Fraser - Mixmag Album of the month

Digital: 12 x tracksVinyl: 2 x 12" (6 x tracks)

31.05.2019