Beats News

The diversity of the beats and bass scene is reflected in the Rotterdam based label Lowriders Recordings. The new release by Know V.A. is a perfect example of the ever shifting and developing scene. Know V.A. and their mixture of styles is an obvious concurrence. The first release on Low by Know V.A. is called O Horizon and is filled with blunt drum-programming like it was 1994 completed with threatening tone contrasted with field recordings and all this together into a gritty dancefloor set. The name O Horizon, is also known as the forest floor, which is the lowest layer of a rainforest. The O stands for organic matter and is a place of spontaneous growth and continuous decay. The constant struggle for sunlight resembles the dynamics of the EP. Know V.A. are listed by Djbroadcast as Dutch producers to watch for 2014. Their recent Slowjamz release (and remix ep) got favored by artists like Plastician, Darkhouse Family and DJ Shadow. They are resident dj's for HOAX in Amsterdam and shared stage with big names in the scene. The choices for the remixes really add power to the release. Dj Earl & Dj Taye takes the drum sounds and the melody to another consciousness. American grime producer Rabit takes the floor filler Donkey Kong apart and creates a spooky masculine abstraction. Limited edition 12 inch vinyl in mixed colors: Chrystal Clear & Blue & Black.

* Established Berlin based producer Carsten Aermes, aka PHON.O, delivers his latest EP 'Afterglow', bringing the Vorsprung Durch (to) Tectonic. Having dropped a number of acclaimed releases on Modeselektor's dynamic imprint 50 Weapons over the last several years, PHON.O has also had a variety of singles and EPs for the likes of Kompact, Bpitch Control, Shitkatapult and Detroit Underground, as well as remixes galore.

* 'Mercurial' kick starts the EP at 137bpm, melting the boundaries between techno, dubstep and footwork with effortless grace. The track sets a mood with an initial sense of ominous tension, before embarking on a strange, cosmic journey, narrated by polyrhythmic layers of percussive interplay. Kick drums bounce, snares crack, hats and the melody builds with mysterious intent.

* Flip over then for the first of two further tales in dubwise beat science. First up is 'U8 Phunk', taking it's name in part from a Berlin underground metro line, it represents a tougher, harder edge to the EP. Recalling echo's of jungle music alongside techno sensibilities, 'U8 Phunk' follows on again at 137bpm with a series of hyperactive drum hits and twisting percussive manoeuvres, charged with a reese-like bassline and grimy bass stabs.

* 'Bell Blender' closes off the EP, further developing themes of broken breakbeats and grimy sci-fi atmospherics, this time at a tempo more accessible to techno dancefloors. Dubbed and spacious, smattered with crashing remnants of breakbeats and scorching synth sonics - it's a fine way to round things off!

* Since our inception back in 2007 we've had eyes for Sully (it's no secret) and now in 2016 he delivers a plate of austere but bass heavy Black Acre wrongness. Departing from recent Junglist output Sully delivers a distinctly futurist and spacious collection of bangers. Vamp - is a 6 in the morning drama piece which explodes into Juked-out binary code rinser. Arco - features a pure military Grime skank with fizzing synths hectic percussive switch ups and Roger Corman's laser cannon. Bronze - returns to seeming familiar places as the tempos is ratcheted up and we take and eastern junglist detour full of mystery and deft drum programming

HIGHLIGHTS:

* DJ Support from Mumdance, Altered Natives, Akkord, Christian Martin, Rob Smith/Smith & Mighty, Tensnake, Amy Becker, Annie Nightingale, My Nu Leng, Phaeleh, Monki/1xtra, Mathew Herbert, Hodge, DJ Orgasmic/Origami Sound... + many more.

Know V.A. - For the last years the two Amsterdam based producers have solidified their position in the Dutch scene. The two host a cutting edge experimental party in Amsterdam called HOAX. They've been invited to support the Warp & Lucky Meshowcases two years in a row during ADE as well as the R&S label nights. In their monthly radio show at Red Light Radio they showcase their latest discoveries. The name Know V.A. can be seen as a call for people to keep looking for new angles in music. Trying not to be confined and limited by genres. Something that is retraceable in the development of their productions.

Influenced by the Los Angeles beats scene as well as the ever changing UK sound.

Their own music can be described as spacious, with strong percussive details constantly contrasting the sluggish low-end

Clusters - Producer duo Know V.A. returns to Lowriders Recordings for their second release Clusters. Since their first EP O Horizon the guys have been growing in their production to a more mature and daring sound.

Kicking off the new Dazzle vinyl only series, the duo set out to create tracks that would fit the exclusivity of a limited printed vinyl.

After several studio sessions in November 2015 the producer duo presents Clusters.Determined to push their own boundaries musically, they used a different approach in comparison to their prior releases. The three tracks originated from a sample/synth pack, specially designed for this EP. The Clusters EP should be seen as one track, solely divided by the track names. The release implies a dark and gritty experience, but excluding any aggressiveness.

Clusters EP already got some early support from Mssngno, Ryan Hemsworth, Mumdance, Ivy Lab, DJ Shadow, Noisia, Om Unit, Desto and others.

This release contains dancefloor orientated bass music.

* An artist with minimal online presence and who keeps himself to himself, Commodo is one of an increasingly rare few who make waves through the strength of their music alone. He builds bass-focussed beats with soul and substance that never perpetuate a formula, distancing himself from contemporaries with ingenious sampling and sound design influenced by his long-time affinity with the vibrancy of hiphop. Regardless of whether it's the tough, dread-pressurised bassweight of his dancefloor-leaning productions or the tonally rich and immersive qualities of his more cerebral work, his scrupulous studio techniques are evidenced by the resounding freshness and longevity of his tracks both new and old. His inherently unique and accomplished production style earned him recognition right from the outset of his ascendancy and garnered early attention from a host of key figures within the dubstep community, finding a natural home for his music at the bastion of low frequency excellence, Deep Medi Musik.

* Having already accumulated a gem-laden discography, there is undoubtedly much more to come from Commodo, who is set to release his debut artist album on Black Acre in April 2016. It's shaping up to be an exciting future for a guy who will continue to challenge himself musically, explore new BPMs and aesthetics, innovate and cement his reputation as one of the UK underground's best-regarded producers.

* Commodo's inherently unique and accomplished production style has earned him recognition right from the outset of his ascendancy, garnering attention from a host of key figures within the electronic community. Set It Straight' features Croydon's fast-rising rapper-beatmaker Rocks FOE, and like Commodo's Jme-featuring hit Shift', is an instant underground anthem. Commodo blends Madlib-style hip-hop beats with the fierce spirit of grime. The addition of Rocks' straight-talking charisma and energetic flow transitions Set It Straight' into an uptempo head-banger.

CLASSIC GRIME ALBUM RE-ISSUE !!

* WIRE - review (November issue) "Eskimo Vocal still sounds like Grime's definitive statement...it's a masterpiece, and there's many more here, 'Bounce', 'Roll Deep Regular', 'I Will Not Lose'. Laying the foundations for Grime, these tracks are still unsurpassed. Roll Deep strung together some of the most exciting music of the preceding decade - Jungle, two-step Garage, and the grainy cinematic hiphop of Wu-Tang - and then pared everything down to the essentials necessary for brittle rushes of collective energy."

* Pitchfork Best Reissue 8.5/10 'Roll Deep not only run the roads, they paved them'

* 4/5 in Uncut 'dazzlimg innovation and pop simplicity are combined'

* Mixmag (Wiley 'Eskimo') 4/5 'Undoubtedly one of the most inventive pieces of Grime ever, and one which laid the foundations for what was to come over a decade. Essential'

**RWD - ALBUM OF THE MONTH - 4/5 review (November issue) "A grime classic... and instant purchase... on what is essentially the grime scene's first greatest hits compilation, there are many reminders of why, along with N.A.S.T.Y Crew, Roll deep were the forefathers of the sound."

* 7/10 in Clash 'Distilling the pavement philosophies of British grime crew Roll Deep into nineteen fiercely intoxicating
tracks, the career-spanning 'Street Anthems' is a savvy and uncompromising affair

* 3/5 in DJ mag 'the vocal interplay is still solid and their sound still fresh'

* 8.5/10 in Fact magazine 'the best Roll Deep full length by miles.

* It opens with three of the best vocal grime tracks of all time: the previously unreleased vocal of Wiley's 'Eskimo' instrumental and posse cuts 'When I'm Ere' and 'Roll Deep Regular'. The level of innovation on the production of these three tracks is spectacular: 'Eskimo' is early grime's most seminal track made up of basic percussion, creeping pads and Wiley's Eski' bass sound that would become his trademark, and the other two are Danny Weed tracks centered around gypsy accordion and a camera flash. If you want to know what people mean when they describe grime
as brilliant minimalism, listen to these three tracks - it should go without saying that the MCing matches the production round for round

* ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL BEST OF COMPILATION FROM THE LEGENDARY ROLL DEEP, PACKED WITH THEIR TOP 20 HITS 'SHAKE A LEG' AND 'AVENUE' PLUS UNRELEASED EARLY TRACKS AND ESSENTIALS TAKEN FROM EACH OF THEIR THREE ALBUMS *

* Known as the forefathers of grime, and legends in the uk underground music scene, Roll Deep have set their place in history.

* Starting in 2001, a group of friend from East London were about to change the game forever. Debut album 'In at the Deep End' sold 98,000 copies in 2005, and the group have gone on to have 2 top 20 hits as well as a string of tours around the world.

* Having being responsible for changing the uk underground scene, the guys have released 2 further albums, and a barrage of solo projects. Former member Dizzee Rascal, and Wiley being the most successful uk mc's of all time. This Cd is a compilation of ALL time classic tracks from Roll deep, including previously unreleased material from the
earlier vintage Roll deep catalogue and tracks from all of the first three albums. One not to be missed.

Dreader UK pressure from Bristol via London on PAN affiliate Beneath's Mistry label, coined for his peers and like-minded bass cadets. The label's 4th drop is Laksa's first, framing the ruggedest UK house sounds with red-eyed night vision. 'Draw For The' strides over the A-side with drunken master style; all sloshing subs and roiling drums inna cold and brittle echo chamber style.
B-side, 'Baded' drops the tempo a few notches but brings up the celsius at the same time, finding a woozy sub-tropical swagger in its hard surfaces and synthetic bird calls, whilst 'Touchdown' forges a killer sort of bleep techno mutation hingeing on roving subs synched with sub-aquatic cowbells and body-scanning pads to counter the EP's icier aspects. Early support from Ben UFO, Pearson Sound, Bill Kouligas, Lee Gamble, and Zenker Brothers

An unforeseen nod to the past, present and future of grime music, Rinse's latest EP brings together three artists each operating within completely different spheres across six tracks of abstract, future-facing grime. It sees Maniac, one of the genre's early kingpin beatmakers, make his long-awaited return to releasing proper by joining forces with Maxsta - himself an MC with plenty to prove following his breakthrough anthem 'East London Is Back' in 2011 - and mystery element, Tri-Angle Records producer Boothroyd, on the '100 Problems' EP.Although an unlikely combination on the surface, their time in the studio has bore more than just impressive results - this is an EP that challenges as much as it dazzles. On opener '100 Problems', Maniac's influence is felt first as sci-fi zaps and pulses fizz around a grizzly, low-end beat while Maxsta attacks every bar, the bit firmly back between his teeth. Second track 'No Retreat' sees Boothroyd come to the fore with his wildly off-beat, atmospheric haze and staggered, cosmic FX allowing Maxsta's lyricism the space needed to take centre stage, while 'Green Light' seems to bridge the gap between the two producers' vividly disparate styles. The colloquially themed 'Mare Street Dick Head' - a reference to the street in Hackney, East London - is effectively beat-less, working a minimalist template to the extreme that again allows Maxsta to impress with deeper, sorrowful lyricism, while 'Hood Pharmacist' sees the MC up the tempo over jittery and fractured weightlessness. Final track 'Local Spitter' sees the trio flip the script for a final time, with Maxsta's words cutting through swirling, HD melodies, glossy textures and a thick-edged bass lean. 

'Evaporate' is the first issue from Rabit's highly promising Halcyon Veil label, and also the exceptional solo debut from 21 year old s.w. Londoner, Myth. Infectiously emotive and nimbly weightless, it rotates seven slick grime and 2-step instrumentals including the instantly recognisable version of his and Rabit's flip of Ciara's 'Backseat Love', which is currently still under heavy rotation from Rinse FM. Its seven tracks were salvaged from a series of cheap, dying computers over the last two years and could be considered perfectly symptomatic of where grime is at right now - still succinctly FWD, but steeped in nostalgia for its formative era; which is perhaps understandable as he's been writing beats since he was 10-13 after hearing grime on mobile phones at school circa 2000's. It's all as sharp cut, raw and moody as anything from Zomby or Visionist, but with a unique, salty streak of emotion running thru its skeletal structures, at its most potent in the majestic 'Lonely' or the iridescent 2-step twinkle of 'Phoenix', whilst the tensile tendons of 'Evaporate', or the Apple-style Funky drums of 'Seven' grip the 'floor properly.

'18 Cool Obscure Vinyl Rarities From Belgium's Golden Past!'

Edition of 500 copies on splashing 2 coloured vinyl, in luxury full colour cover with many pictures and 2-sided info sheet.

Adapt to surroundings. Escape one clear definition. Work in multiple contexts. Fluctuate like the perfect blend. Serve several purposes. For Signal Life's seventh EP and a relaunch of the label, we are off our socks to present FANG LILIES. Who the fuck is Fang Lilies Built for multiple purposes, dance floor hybrids to use the term, the four songs on Fang Lilies' first Chameleon Crystals EP approach modern genre-bender dance music from various angles. Futuristic as fuck, a chameleon crystal is a biomimetic innovation in which the surface of an object can be made to adapt to its surroundings by switching the arrangement of multifaceted crystals. The forward looking reference in the name of Fang Lilies' freshman EP sets the tone for both Fang Lilies as a project (art imitates science that imitates life) and for this first part of the two-part release (second part is set to come out as Signal Life #10). What it sounds like The overall sound, characterized by pulverized synths from the grime world, drum machine rhythms predating your predominant Dirty South sound banks, and strobe seizure syncopations, adapts to its surroundings. The lean-coated synths of the lead track Echelon flow seamlessly into both the liquid ambiences of Atmospheric Oceans, the fringe techno drive of BK Stomp and the Memphis x London mesh of Color Crop. Music and more. Like all Signal Life releases, Chameleon Crystals vol. 1 is curated as an audiovisual whole, packed in an imposing color sleeve shot by Finnish fashion photographer Mikko Ryhänen, creative directed by Matti Pentikäinen (Twwth). In addition to the record, the package also includes a video for Echelon directed and produced by awarded director Taito Kawata of Cocoa, and set for release September 1st, 2015. Series business. Signal Life releases music in curated series' of five EP's, each built with a strong audiovisual concept. The ongoing second series, #6 - #10, will be completed and exhibited together in a gallery context early 2016.

A year in the making, Lionheart is the fearless new record from Crazylegs' smiling assassin Ziro - the first artist to release on our label way back in 2012, a meticulous producer revered among his peers, now confidently pushing forward with a sound like nobody else. Pooling an array of influences ranging from early days selling drum & bass in a record store in his hometown, formative production forays into dubstep and finding his groove in techno, a growing interest in rap and grime have pulled his beatmaking into an alien place in the last couple of years. Coupled with a longstanding knack for intense atmospherics and ice-cold synth lines, you end up with perhaps the most striking record we've ever put out. This is where Ziro embodies the essence of Crazylegs - a drive to experiment and an ambition to deliver the unexpected. Title track Lionheart sets out the mission statement in no uncertain terms - a breathless six and a half minutes of thunderous, fractured drums and shimmering trance riffs. Strafe brings Belfast madman Bloom into the fray, trademark hydraulic percussion creating a wonderful hybrid. London City Warlord Riko Dan spits a bag of violence on Dun Talk, a move into more straightforward rap beat territory. Distance provides a moment of blissful calm before Rapture closes the record with its grimiest workout. Lionheart is the sound of an incredibly talented producer marking out his territory - cinematic but still primed to pummel dancefloors. It arrives October 30th on digital and a 12' picture sleeve vinyl edition shortly after.

* Ipman's debut release for Tectonic steps in hard with two excellent cuts for the dancefloor, "Regicide" hitting in at 140bpm, while "Ghostrunner" takes it's pace at 128bpm. Following on from releases on imprints including Osiris and Tectonic's sister label Cold Recordings, Ipman demonstrates his ability to seamlessly fuse sounds, textures and moods - from jungle to techno and everything in between. The results are clear - high impact dancefloor energy delivered in a well-measured fashion: intricate rhythms and textures dance around thunderous subs and powerful sonic rushes.

* 'Regicide' repackages the mid-1990s jungle experience into 140bpm breakbeat science for 2015. Atmospherics and pads build in tension throughout the intro, a distorted reese bass being summoned from the depths emerges over crashing breaks, chopped and rearranged, effected and dynamic. An irresistible energy is delivered on the drop that will get any raver on their feet - and moving hard! "That's why we killed the king". Wheel and come again - long live the king!

* 'Ghostrunner' originally featured, in an earlier incarnation, on the Pinch B2B Mumdance mix of last Summer and now appears here in full, refined glory! Building from a murky swamp of moodiness, hissing fx and buzzing anxiety - an intoxicating swirl of arpeggios drift into consciousness, leading up to the drop. Rolling snares prime you for a sonic pounding, delivered with a rasping bass throb - technoid in its form, organic in its movement. Dubby, techno-y, broken beats swirl around your head - soothing and dementing in balanced measure.

Grime-Pionier Logan Sama schüttelt für Fabric ein spektakuläres DJ-Set aus dem Ärmel, bei dem 66(!) MCs - Koryphäen wie Future-Stars - ihre exklusiven Accapella-Vocals über 24 souverän gemixte, brandneue, unveröffentlichte Instrumentals von Größen wie Wiley, Preditah oder Jme legen. Ein weiteres Novum für Fabric: neben dem CD Format erscheint erstmals auch eine auf 500 Stück weltweit limitierte 4xLP mit allen 24 Instrumentals in ungekürzten Versionen.

* Tectonic is proud to announce this double header of a plate, featuring 2 big rhythms that have been tearing up dances across the globe - in heavy rotation by the few DJs holding the tracks.

* Pinch & Mumdance caught ears and attention with last year's "Turbo Mitzi" and now too with the VIP version, titled the "Double Barrelled Mitzi". Referencing both the late 90s E of choice and it's even rushier counterpart, this full-throttle version, guaranteed to get your heart racing and your palms clammy. Big reactions on every play.

* Flip for the colder, darker Pinch version of Mumdance & Logos' anthem 'Legion' which sees the reese-laced beast move into harder, even heavier territory. Pounding kicks drive the rhythm, occasionally breaking up to near collapse before reforming and pushing forward with even more momentum. Claps circle and reverse around that reese bass, fully charged with dark energy.

Recorded Live in Slovenia on March 30th 2013 this double CD release captures John laying down an intense peak time set spread over 2 cd`s, Featuring 27 tracks of techno and tech house including the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Booka Shade, Boys Noize, Josh Wink, Len Faki, Deetron and Pig&Dan to name a few.

Rinse are proud to present the debut full-length album by London producer Faze Miyake, released on 2nd October.

Four years since the firey swagger of his debut single 'Take Off' and its follow-up Second Six exploded onto dancefloors, Faze Miyake is a definitive and thrilling realisation of his signature sound. A sharp, vividly rendered club record, it casts his characteristic sonic traits in shocking hi-def, with disorienting hi-hat whirls and string stabs steeped in ever-present, body-shuddering sub-bass - a dazzling, dreamlike vision of 21st century sound system music.

Peace, Love & Music is the result of Swindle's experiences touring globally over the past two years. Constantly meeting other talented musicians and seeing new places helped naturally form an album that brings together friends and family from across the world together for the first time. This is the first single from the forthcoming album toasting the Grime roots in London with JME, and saluting Swindle's love and respect for Glasgow and Mungo's Hifi alongside Flowdan. It also serves as a homecoming of sorts for Swindle back on Butterz, the label he has been part of since its inception in 2010. Today they hold a prestigious Fabric club residency in London, and are one of the premier brands in UK underground music. Peace, Love & Music is the first LP to be released on Butterz, a landmark release for the. Musically he continues on the jazzy path that his records on Brownswood and Deep Medi put him on the map for, but expands on the live instrumentation, the tempos and the breath of talent featured. Swindle has brought together as many people as possible that share the same ethos, and that is spreading a positive message through music.

Endgame is the self titled debut EP form the London based producer and DJ. A regular on NTS with his show 'Precious Metals', Endgame has been developing an uncompromising sound that resists categorisation and definition.

Born out of club culture, he is pursuing acceleration and experimentation in dance music. Utilising a disparate sound palette, that references kizomba, grime, reggaeton, drill and dancehall, finding a commonality in their rawness and energy.

Emerging from a renegade scene in South London, that includes Lexxi, Kamixlo, Uli-k and Blaze Kidd, Endgame seeks to reinvent the club soundscape, pulling apart the conventions of tempo, time signature, and genre."

Rinse are proud to present the debut full-length album by London producer Faze Miyake, released on 2nd October.

Four years since the firey swagger of his debut single 'Take Off' and its follow-up Second Six exploded onto dancefloors, Faze Miyake is a definitive and thrilling realisation of his signature sound. A sharp, vividly rendered club record, it casts his characteristic sonic traits in shocking hi-def, with disorienting hi-hat whirls and string stabs steeped in ever-present, body-shuddering sub-bass - a dazzling, dreamlike vision of 21st century sound system music.
1 - The Nest feat. Little Simz
2 - Burciaga
3 - Ice Cold feat. Inga Copeland
4 - Ocean Drive
5- Below Me feat. Sasha Go Hard
6 - Firefly
7 - None Of That Stuff feat. Family Tree
8 - Fusion
9 - Snow Leopard
10 - What U Say feat. Izzy Brooks
11 - Yung Sneyga

300 ONLY

Dark0, an artist well-versed in the art of producing grand and cinematic, melody-laced beats, debuts for Rinse with both acclaim and crucially, momentum. First fully recognised by his self-released 'ZERO' mixtape and a sparkling debut for Visionist's vital Lost Codes imprint back in 2014, his work is a testament to focused, self-fulfilling vision and the contexts within which he hopes it be judged.

Although the music still fits best within the blurry, ever-changing world of instrumental grime, his approach to sampling, melody, texture and composition set him apart from his contemporaries. In short, he's an artist operating firmly in his own space.


'Solace' itself, a five track ode to a multitude of themes - beauty, heartbreak, love, anguish - is a gorgeous introduction to his producer mindset. Melodies shimmer, pitched-up vocals glisten and 808 licks add power and bite in a shiny, picture-book world of an EP. The dreamy, thugged-out heartache on lush opener 'Abrasion' is a nod to tracks like the cult 'Sweet Boy Pose, while the thinly-veiled bounce and playful melodies on 'Fuchsia' are attune to richer, more measured sound design - the sort that could comfortably provide a foil for the next generation of US rappers.


The markedly robust 'Spiral' sees Dark0 make a fleeting return to his grime-centric roots with gritty kicks and razor sharp claps offset by a succession of sweet, swirling melodies in a marriage of rough and smooth, while the stunning, buoyant calm of 'The Past' draws Solace to a close in a fitting, self-reflective mood. There is also room for US rap producer starlet Suicideyear to turn a dark, sorcerous hand to 'Abrasion', reversing the melodies and flipping the bassline to prove just how fluid and multi-contextual Dark0's sound really is.

black 7inch in stamped heavy cardboard bag

Local Action are proud to present White Magick, a six-track EP by Deadboy that represents his longest and most complete release to date.

Deadboy is an innovator. His 2009 and 2010 singles 'U Cheated' and 'If U Want Me' predicted exactly where UK dance music would go after dubstep, though unlike a lot of the acts that followed in his slipstream, Deadboy's music was never polite, andbassline house, dancehall and grime were as big influences as the r'n'b, pop and garage sensibilities that he combined so effectively. His vinyl-only single 'Fireworks' remains a high point for that era of UK club music, with Drake singing the track's praises on radio.

Future EPs like Blaquewerk and Here saw Deadboy continue to apply his unique approach to club music, but on White Magick, he lets in influences from outside the club in ways that he hasn't before: the influence of new age and ambient music is obvious from the opening notes of 'White Moon Garden', while 'Copwar' and 'Sad Sniper' are the two grimiest tracks that he's released yet. 'Inner Palace', meanwhile, is a reminder that six years on from 'U Cheated', there's still no one combining experimental club music and pop hooks like Deadboy.