Breakbeat Recommendations November 2015

Review: Paul Woolford's Special Request alias has proven to be his outlet for early 90's UK rave referencing nostalgia. He does it well, we must say, on this three EP series for XL. Merging the hallmarks of classic throwback sounds with the energy of modern techno much like German Rene Pavlowitz aka Shed. First track "Amnesia" sounds like a jungle track from '93/94 played on the wrong speed; using the typical Amen and Hoover sounds and slowing them down for usability by modern DJs. "Reset It" is more of the same albeit more of a nod to UK hardcore, complete but with an epic rewind to introduce a killer hands in the air piano and diva vocals. "Modern Warfare" lets a faint two step shuffle in the background give motion to a completely sick and evil sub-bass workout that's just got to be heard.

Review: Look out! Paul Woolford is back again under his Special Request guise for some more killer UK throwback sounds. This is the second in the Modern Warfare series issued by an XL Recordings that's taken a renewed interest in the underground. The Amen breakbeat, warbling sub-bassline and rewinds of "Take Me" accompany a pounding warehouse groove that will easily appease UK nostalgics as much as it would fans of Shed or the Zenker Brothers. "Damage" is one of the most brutal steppers you'll hear all year, simply put. You'll need to measure this one by the richter scale, hear it for yourself. Finally, Woolford pays proper homage to '94 on "Simulation" in true spirit for all the proper junglists keepin' it real today.

Review: The third in the Modern Warfare series of Paul Woolford's Special Request alias for killer UK throwback sounds. The smashing Amen breakbeat and acid bassline of "Tractor Beam" is unashamedly indebted to early nineties UK hardcore, what a homage. "Elegy" slows things down on this smooth deep jam with its garage rhythm and beautiful symphonies but still features the most violently ripping sub bass line. Finally, Woolford does it again just like he did with "Simulation" on EP2, paying proper homage to '94 on "Peak Dub" whose breakbeats smash about all over the shop complete with rewinds and sirens.

Review: Since establishing the illicit My Rules imprint earlier this year, New Yorker Justin Vangdervolgen has used it to deliver a mixture of sneaky edits, hush-hush remixes and sly, sample heavy original productions. "Sketch 2" is towards the rougher end of Vandervolgen's output, and sees the former !!! man laying down some seriously tough, twisted beats, jagged analogue motifs, bleeping melodies and mind-altering acid lines. It sounds like the sort of sweaty machine jam that will get dancefloors in a frenzy of flailing arms and legs. It has a kind of EBM-meets-techno feel, but at a house tempo. Either way, it's something of a breathless banger.