Drum & Bass Recommendations February 2012

Review: Andy C's long running Ram Records imprint drops the fifth edition of their excellent Dimensions series - and the first since 2009 - further showcasing the fact there is still a wealth of talent and ideas in the drum & bass arena. This double drop of wax gets off to a blinder thanks to "Headlock" the contribution from newcomer Rene LaVice which contains deftly combines touches of classic D&B with his own contemporary production nuances. Hospital regular Cyantific continues his flirtation with Ram on the superb "Infinity" which is a masterclass in peak time drops and rolling beats. On the second twelve June Miller and the mysteriously monikered Secret Handshake Club bring something different to Ram with "64 Thousand Dollar Habit" which veers between emo rock and brutal, unrelenting D&B with abandon - proceedings veer back towards more traditional Ram fare on the sci fi roller "EV's Dead" from Wikaman & RV.

Review: Those of a particular vintage will remember well the jump up sounds of Mickey Finn and Aphrodite which found particular favour with Mary Anne Hobbs in the early days of her Breezeblock show. Released in 1996, "Bad Ass" was perhaps the most ubiquitous track from the duo and its dragged all the way into the 21st Century thanks to this pair of remixes from perennial red liners Slum Dogz and Serial Killaz. As you'd expect when Doctor P is involved, the Slum Dogz effort is caked in epicness, successfully balancing their own distinct production touches with elements of the original. The Serial Killaz effort takes an industrial approach with equally screw face inducing results.

Review: Madrid based Black Reflections Records come forth with their debut physical release, and it's a bit of a coup with Good Looking and Liquid V stalwart Furney at the buttons for two slices of supreme deep Drum & Bass. Lead track "Highway 101" is flushed with the kind of atmospheric flourishes that will get fans of liquid rollers excited; however there is a nicely dark and dirty element to the production thanks to the bristling sub bass and tough drums. Flipside and these disparate elements jar with even more thrilling results - the opening few moments of sweeping calm don't really prepare you for the drop into rippling percussion and gut punching bass which soon arrives!