Back catalogue: Deep Dubstep

Review: The latest compilation album from COD3 QR is, as always, focused on eclecticism, open-mindedness, divergence and non-conformity, featuring the usual wide range of electronic music, all handpicked by Laurent Garnier and Scan X. The vinyl edition of this very latest edition of the compilation series - which was embarked upon in not long after the longstanding but mysterious label was revealed to be the fruits of the labours of this legendary duo, who had until then ran it incognito - comes as a condensed version of the digital, on which a terse seven tracks from the likes of Calibre, Seroplexx, Costello, Marcelus, Subground 3000, Lee Trax, Jim Rivers, Melatron and Ancient Artifact all appear. Though the label has set a high expectation with their admonition against "all expectations and all prejudices", they actually do extremely well to fulfil that aim. Most contributions here - from the steppy, sloppy 'Sump Dub to the just-plain-monstrous 'I Get My Kicks' - tend towards on the uncategorisable and unpigeonholeable, at least in terms of overtly boxed-in genre norms.

Review: Clearlight is a Belgian producer of deep and experimental dubstep, with the 'experimental' label shining especially brightly on this latest EP for DNO. Through rich construction of atmosphere and intricate percussion, Clearlight evokes early Deep Heads on the likes of 'Super Strong' and 'Heavy Feet', harking back to the original dubsteppers' emphasis on style and immersion. The B-sider 'Spinning Head' is a special highlight, minimal on the low-end while remaining no less impactful in its use of a 16th note, midrange wobble.

Review: Deep Medi releases are always a cause for excitement, so it comes as no surprise that some of their earliest output is now being given the reissue treatment, nearly 20 years on from the label's inception. 'Kalawanji' is the infamous debut release by London producer Kromestar, with vocals by Cessman, and first came out on Deep Medi in 2006. Now on a limited green vinyl edition, to contrast to the original black, 'Kalawanji' and 'Surgery' are as raucous a pair of tracks as ever, recalling the period in which growly wobbles were just about taking over.

Review: We've been saying for a hot minute that a dubstep reveal is due, if not already here - even though, as is the case with any revival, the purists will say the sound never went away. We would like to submit as supporting evidence this reissue of a stone cold classic split 12" from 2009 from serious dubstep heavyweights Loofah and Coki. It came on the pioneering Deep Mehdi Musik label and some 14 years on still has plenty of dark late night allure and killer low end wobble. Two definitive tracks that we can't wait to start hearing out again on loud systems.