Review: Four cuts of timeless hardcore jungle from respected and rising Aussie break butcher 12 Bit Jungle Out There. Hugging you like it's 92 but booting you like it's 2032, each track is littered with edits, twists, turns and superb stretches. From the ragga-fronted bubbler 'Dutty Gunman' to the rave-echoed 'Desire & Love', there's a hearty party spirit that's so good for those choppy, blast-em-up mixes. Trust us, he's has been squeezing his Octamed super hard for this one!
Review: A new artist emerges here on Valencia-based label HC Records as Andrey Orenstein, a multidisciplinary musician and member of the alternative rock band Tequilajazz, makes a bold mark. He has explored various solo projects, including the IDM and breaks of Amor Entrave and acid house of Do You Like Trains? but as 50DIX, he presents a blend of Chicago footwork, UK bass, funk, jazz, and acid elements, all at high-energy BPMs. 'If U Want 2' is a perfect mix of frenzied drums but soothing pads, 'Foolz' is all about the pinging bass and 'Ice Feels Keen' is more blissed out and sun kissed. It's a colourful collection of highly impactful sounds.
Review: There's lots to get your teeth stuck into on this new and blistering collection of electro from Adepta Editions. And don't let the title fool you - it's not all accessible summer festival fare, in fact none of it is. It is all head down and serious tackle. 7053M4R14's '4 N3W HUM4N' is a driving, dark, visceral sound with raw breakbeats powering through the cosmos. Rec_Overflow offers a moment to catch your breath with some slower, dubby rhythms on 'Pocket Dial' and Pauk explores twitchy future synths capes and post-human transmissions on 'Shiawasena Fukushu'. Promising/Youngster shuts down with a sense of optimism and hope with the airy melodies and slithering electro drum patterns of 'Arbey.'
Review: NY breakbeat craftsman 88 Katanas gets explorative on Silent Force with four outstanding jungle adventures. The brilliantly titled 'The Standard Of The Archipelago' ignites the EP with a brisk drumfunk type of flavour that's comparable to Seba. From there we move inland to brutalist terrains... 'Radiant Energy' is a halftime march through thick swamps and woodland, and 'Bit Rot' takes us onto elevated fields where the air is fresher but the ground is very slippery underfoot. 'Subconscious Emotions', meanwhile, takes us back to a much calmer shore where a good looking ship awaits for voyage home.
Review: Agonis' debut album Neutropia receives a well-earned remix treatment here. Originally released in 2021, the album showcased Agonis' evolution beyond deep, hypnotic techno by incorporating half-paced drum & bass, rolling amen breaks, trip-hop and futuristic techno. Neutropia Remixed broadens this palette further with four distinctive reworks. Carrier slows 'Thermo' into a half-time rhythmic masterpiece, Christina Vantzou crafts a mesmerising drone trip, upsammy injects shimmering dynamics into 'Algoflash' and Felix K transforms 'Pyrchid' into an intricate drum workout.
Review: Last spotted raising hell and taking names with Jon 1st on Defrostatica, Arcane (who is also known as one half of the more mainstream-sounding d&b act Kleu) goes full nelson on the breaks with these two choppy choppy bangers on Foxy Jangle. Both cuts focussing on the drums, subs, samples and FX, these are fully timeless trips and sculpted strictly for the heads. Great for losing yourself inside at 3am and even better to mix. Just like concrete.
Review: After a brief pause to allow their frankly huge 36-track VA compilation to sit and breathe a while, Motive Hunter Audio is back at the sharp end of the jungle scene with this new EP from the brilliant ARKYN. It's a lovely slab of grey wax that revives a blend of hardcore jungle techno that is not for the faint of heart and comes with a tasteful homage to this subgenre's roots. Packed with piano stabs and 4x4 kicks, the EP delivers controlled mayhem that is perfect for the club as collaborations with SYNTAX, DJ B, and ARKYN's alter-ego DJ TUF all bring depth and hints of early Dutch rave influences.
Review: Mindgames' dedication to capturing the golden era of jungle while incorporating modern production techniques aligns seamlessly with ASC's unique style. In these two EPs, the maestro blends the vast soundscapes of his Spatial releases with the raw energy of his 2020 jungle trilogy for Samurai Music. From the driving beats of 'Shadow Of The Beast' to the smooth, deep stepping vibe of 'Phaaze' and the expansive sounds of 'Cells Interlinked,' ASC demonstrates his deep jungle expertise once more. 'Snowblind' is a gem that pays homage to Photek's space jazz, while 'Flux' features a mesmerising groove wrapped around an infectious bassline. What an EP.
Review: Hyaku marks the 100th vinyl release for Samurai Music, so shout out to the crew for staying dedicated to the format. It also celebrates nearly 17 years of dedication to quality music and timeless design and, for this milestone, the label has assembled producers who epitomise the current Samurai sound. Each track offers a unique take on that from the crunchy breakbeats of ACS to the relentless energy of Sam KDC's 'Mutilate.' Together, these contributions form a diverse collection that highlights the artistry and innovation of this talented crew while also reflecting the journey Samurai has been on for all these years. Here's to many more.
Review: Simon Huxtable's Aural Imbalance is one of drum & bass's most cultured projects. It's a pretty prolific one too, with great new music coming on a steady basis on labels like his own Spatial and Okrbon. It is the former he returns to now with a lush translucent blue vinyl 12", Retrospective Feelings. 'Blue Sky' is a deft mix of ambient cosmic synth work and meticulous drum patterns that suspends you in mid-air. 'Starburst' douses you in dazzling light and 'Frozen Tears' is deeper, tighter, more melancholic. 'Moonlit Clouds' is the classy closer which again pairs a lightness of rhythm and melody into something heavenly.
A Soft Mist Production - "Upside Down Rainbows" (5:01)
Dr Sud - "Zaffiro" (Jazz cut) (3:59)
DatSIM - "Influx" (4:40)
The Rabbit Hole - "Tail Groove" (4:27)
Review: No matter your particular preference in the deep house world, this various artists' outing from Q1E2 Recordings is sure to have something for you. Mike Riveria & Marco Ohboy, for example, tap into an early sound on 'Euphoria' with its big, brash piano stabs and whistles, while A Soft Mist Production keeps it all cuddly and deep with languid chords draped over gentle drums on 'Upside Down Rainbows.' DatSIM brings in some space-tech vibes for a deft rhythm and neon infused sound on 'Influx' and The Rabbit Hole's 'Tail Groove' has a mad double bass sound jumping about beneath frantic jungle breaks.
Review: Basic Rhythm indeed nails plenty of foundational elements on this wild two-track jungle outing on Artikal. A-side jam 'Corner Crew' has tough breakbeats and a synth loop that sounds like it is getting batted backwards and forwards on a ping pong table while drilling bass keeps things moving. On the reverse is 'Driller' (with Friske) which is another intense barrage of steely metallic styles and rugged jungle breaks with warehouse grit and grime and the distant sound of automation as well as filtered vocal sounds. It's dark, dirty, and ready to blow up your spot.
Review: Originally released in 2023, old friends Basic Rhythm and Tim Reaper collide for this double A delight. Both artists take a side... Basic Rhythm strips things right back to its gurgling basics with just a gritty bassline and spaced out percussion on 'Gargantua' before Tim comes in and adds a whole swathe of breaks and energy for a more beefed up version. 'Selectors Convention' takes over the B; a big trippy wormhole that devours everything in its path, it's a full-on psychedelic jungle trip... That gets even more delightful with the VIP. What a reissue.
Review: Back to 93! Two OG pioneers are deep in the lab, cooking up the future - Bizzy B and DJ Zinc. These are two of many blueprints from such a turbulent, primordial era in jungle history. 'Dex Flex' is a sci-fi movie epic in the form of a song... The eerie intro, dramatic militant breaks and the wide screen way it rolls out and develops are powerfully ambitious. We're unsure if it ever actually came out or not, too. 'Getting Down' did come out, however. But not under this title. Due to Zinc being signed with another label, it came out as Bizzy's 'Break Of Dawn'. Still breaking things up to this day, it's a bubbler that never quits. What a flashback.
Review: A bittersweet release... Laffin Buddah and Parallax link up to reissue last year's rave treasure trove 'Palomas' and help raise money for the family of The Bridge Project member Stuart Heath who sadly passed away this year. The original rave energy and crucial 4x4 stompage of 'Palomas' is matched by a brand new cut penned by the other half of the project Lee Shilton named 'Tune For Stu'. A firing, darkwave tear-up with all the blasts, shreds and twists Stu would have demanded himself, it's a fitting epitaph to a man sorely missed. Show some support!
Review: Dyce and Acen aka The Brothers Grimm have many classics in their oeuvre and this is one of them. While their earlier and groundbreaking cut ' Exodus' gained immediate fame upon its release, this gem steadily earned its legendary status over time. A seminal piece of early '90s jungle, it showcases the duo's innovative approach to pushing the genre's boundaries and paving the way for future jungle productions. With its forward-thinking sound and raw energy, these gems take you right back to the jungle heyday and are sure to continue to captivate the club.
Review: Get ready for a wholesome spread as Coco Bryce makes his debut on the cult BXL Underground and feeds us our supper this eve. First up a little liquid refreshment in the form of 'Bubble Tea'. Zesty, punchy and reviving; this 'Soca Tek' vibe is laced with a dizzy array percussion all hitting in harmony or counterpoint. Pure natural energy. Need to line your stomach? Chow down on the techno flavoured 'Tiger Bread'. Rich in all your favourite 4x4 vitamins, this one stamps so hard you might just lose your appetite.
Review: Chase & Status and Stormzy coming together was always going to be huge. One rules the charts, the other the clubs, and between them they cooked up a massive single that got heard everywhere all summer long, including a special live performance of it in Ushuaia Ibiza. Now you can own it on a slab of vinyl that has been cut nice and loud, which is perfect for the tune - the bass is devastating, the bars from Stormzy are hard, the energy is dark and unrelenting and it's the perfect sort of jungle cross over sound that will continue to be heard everywhere well into 2025.
Review: Everyone's talking and no-one is listening... Unless Chatta B is chewing your ear off with his militant breaks - because then we're all ears over here. Unleashing the ghosts of 93 with big sacks of sheesh and oh my gosh, each of these cuts hits hard with the neck-snap breaks and big hooky samples. 'Watch Out' sets the scene with energy, 'Real Badman Sound' goes full-on rudeboy, 'The Exit' is a big sing-along moment while 'Easy Take It Easy' sends us off into the sunset with mixed sentiments... The vocals are like a sweet rum punch while those rattling breaks on the rhythm are more like a tum punch. Talk to us.
Chris Coco - "Yawa Ze Asfos" (instrumental) (4:02)
Jake Slazenger - "168B" (3:47)
Global Goon - "Untitled" (4:39)
Ruckus (4:47)
Jodey Kendrik - "Thanx" (5:56)
Gavin Masih - "Unknown Track 1" (6:55)
Monika Subrtova - "Alata" (7:08)
Review: Furthur Electronix's first two Furthur Journeys Into compilations tune plenty of heads and shift plenty of copies. The third one keeps the quality levels high with more explorations around the periphery of underground electronics. Chris Coco opens with a soothing synth sound before Jake Slazenger brings crystalline synths and abstract modulations to the mid-tempo '168B.' There is more pace and twisted acid energy to Global Goon's untitled contribution and then old school jungle comes to the fore on the super stylish and atmospheric Gavin Masih cut. Monika Subrtova's 'Alata' is a serene and widescreen ambient synthscape that brings things to a suitably poignant close.
Review: Comfort Zone is a producer to watch this year and we present to you Exhibit A, this new EP on Future Retro. He previously appeared on this label on Meeting Of The Minds Vol. 5, and also collaborated with the label boss Tim Reaper on music for Banoffee Pies. This solo outing kicks off with 'Tunnel Vision' which brings real synth beauty and deep cosmic feels to a lithe and soulful minimal rhythm stacked with masterful sound designs and crispy snares. 'Snake Stealer' has more plunging bass and contrasting lightness in the wispy melodies, then Reaper adds his own remix of 'Tune Vision' which is much more brash and in your face. Closer 'Tilted' is another super stylish and jazzy number with nimble bass and lively breaks.
Review: This new one from Cyberlife might be rooted in techno but it is closer day a much wider world of sounds. The opener for instance rides on a nice loopy minimal rhythm you might find the likes of Batu or Pev' crafting. It comes with a lovely and dubby low end and then 'Endless Waiting' gets a little more light, with sci-fi sound effects fizzing about the mix as a dystopian automated groove takes you onwards with a hint of ancient tribal ritual to it. 'Reflexive Perspective' brings the sort of synths you'd find in some IDM over cavernous low ends and sombre, sustained chords and 'Backpropagation' shuts down with a watery and languid rhythm full of celestial depth.
Dead Man's Chest - "Living Real" (Artificial Red remix) (5:41)
L Own X Response - "Rumination Cycles" (7:59)
Eusebeia - "Affinity" (5:44)
Esc - "Hot Hands" (7:11)
Review: Dead Man's Chest is about to unleash all kinds of breakbeat mayhem with the third volume of Western Lore's Blunted Breaks series and here's a little taster of the full flavour experience to expect. Artificial Red kicks off with a hazy-but-heavy remix of DMC's 'Living Real' before L Own & Response's 'Rumination Cycles' enshrouds us with rasping tendrils of acid and loose live drum breaks. Flip for two more breath-taking moments in (blunted) breakcraft as Eusebeia captures that early Good Looking magic on 'Affinity' and ESC closes the EP with the powerful, cobweb blast celebration of hardcore's influence on 'Hot Hands'. Get blunted!
Review: Alex Eveson aka Dead Man's Chest is the man behind the Bristol-based Western Lore label, which is a trusted source of some mad cap jungle. The man himself is back with more such sounds here, starting with the impassioned vocal cries and soulful pad work of 'How U Wanna Do This Baby?'. The vibes keep flowing when 'U Don't Know Me' drops with some old school piano energy and unrelenting amen breaks. It's controlled chaos with great filter work building the tension and 'How U Wanna (Jungle edit)' shuts down with hyper speed drums and devastating snare work while the angelic vocal tones soar.
Review: On a mission to "make d&b great again", Finland's Straight Up Breakbeat pass through once more with the second of three EPs formed to showcase modern junglism. Kicking off, 'Mystery Machines' sees Glastonbury's Dead Mans Chest slam down some deadly amen choppage reinforced by haunting vocal FX and paranoid drones. Aeon Four & FFF's 'Look Inside' is a jungle-tekno roller, served with chunky hardcore style amens and a side of warm old-skool pads. Keeping the mid-90s vibe alive, the tripped out 'Green Fields Forever ' from Fanu - which drops hot on the heels of his greatly received remaster of Source Direct's 'Stars' - delivers airtight amen trickery, weaving synth washes and blissful dubby basslines. Esc & Mineral round things off with 'Photosynthesis', a pensive stepper highlighting cut-up breaks waltzing with cheeky synth nudges and a wide, rugged bassline. If the pioneers had buried some beefed-up tracks in a time-capsule to inspire future generations, they would probably sound a lot like 'States of Art II'.
Review: Exclusive! Over Shadow unleash these two super-hot rarities from around 93/94. Both big tunes on dubplate at the time, especially 'Close Your Eyes' which was a big tune in Fabio's early Speed sets, they finally see the vinyl light of day after all these years. 'Close Your Eyes' is a beautiful atmospheric whirlwind while 'Destroyer VIP' lived up to its name. Still sounding heavier than a helicopter over 30 years later.
Review: Reissue! Future Retro's 2023 wallop session from Professor Turbo himself Dev/Null get a repress and you'll have to be speedy to cop it. Grounded in more of the breakcore-type circles, 'Deep Love and 'The Cut' are slightly slower than his usual fare, but they sound just as furious and heavy as you'd expect. 'Deep Love' is a big hurricane of tune while 'This Cut' is more techno than it is jungle. Complete with remixes from Sonar's Ghost and Dwarde, this is a veritable rave volcano.
Review: Silent Force go deep with their latest 12" from London's Dissect. There's a spacious Photekian charm to 'Otonashi' with each drum hit rumbling and shimmering with clarity. Watch out for those pads, too. Massive Attack fans definitely won't miss them. Meanwhile on the B we get even deeper with the dubby, halftime vibes of 'Mind Reading'. Listen as the drum hits space out even further and marvel at yet another lush paddy chord sequence waft into the mix. For the heads. Be thankful for everything you've got.
Review: Strap in for another blistering ride thanks to the Sonic Force crew who has tapped up Dissect and Abstract Illusion for a series of new tunes and remixes of one another. 'Tengoku' (Dissect's Heaven mix) is first up with some thrilling breaks that float just above the dance floor amidst nice lush pads. Dissect's 'Cosmos' then rides a lurching beat with more raw percussion and Abstract Illusion's 'Tengoku' ups the ante with crashing snares and hi-hats, plenty of turbulent rhythms and planning basslines. Dissect shuts down with 'Black Hole' which is a darker stepper with a menace undercarriage that might make it the best cut of the lot.
Review: It's a Finland thing! One of jungle music's finest new-generation representers, DJ Sofa returns to ODJ Dizzy's Straight Up Breakbeat with two understated, cold as ice work-outs. 'Love Hurts' gets you all mushy in the cardios thanks to some dreamy harmonies before those Amens come crashing in and flipping the joint. 'T4T' keeps the authentic feels flowing but in more of a jazzy kind of way. Think 'Casino Royale' but played in a disco deep under the sea and surrounded by bongos as far as the eye can see. Sofa ain't lying down on the job! Serious class.
Review: Destination Finland: Straight Up Breakbeat roll their sleeves up for this almighty VA from some of the most respected jungle crafters you could possibly shake a dubplate at. Local legend Sofa links with Rupture Queen Mantra for the opening cut 'The Tunnel'. Dark and tense, it sets the scene for some utterly fantastic moments. Long time pals Basic Rhythm & Tim Reaper get silly with 'Target Lock', Blood Trust gets militant with 'RLLR 24' while Jesta finishes with a little blue-faced bust-up 'Liquor Snurf'. Sup sup!!
Review: OG rave producer DJ Terrace was half of the Hyper Crew with DJ Roughcut way back in the early 90s and it's clear he's never lost his touch as he continues to develop make his comeback moves on Kniteforce. As you'd expect, this whole EP is loaded with unruly breakbeat charm with big smiley samples. Highlights include the oceanic breaks and the pitched up vocal swing of 'Final Goodbye' and the snarling, hoover-blazed finale 'Toxic Rider' but the whole EP bangs like it's 30 years old if it's a day. Bumping.
Review: More dark arts from the man and his machine; Dom & Roland tears 2025 a new one with four powerful drum & bass compositions. Provocative and unapologetic, 'Under The Spell' snaps the firmest of wands and does so for the best part of 10 minutes. A real hypnotic showdown. 'Re-Resistance' meanwhile takes us into much more industrial, abstract territories in a way that you might imagine Krust or Amit might. 'I'm Here To Stay' is a much more placid, spacious affair laced with lush pads and a smouldering vocal that induces euphoria at 50 paces. Complete with a tearing remix of 'The Storm', it's another essential 12" from one of d&b's most consistent artists.
Review: The Tequila Grooves label drops its first vinyl release here and it comes in the form of serval remixes of Dos Buratinos's Control U. 'Control U' (Ant To Be remix) channels 90s Future Sound of London and jazzy broken beats and jungle before the extended mix brings languid rubbery rhythms under colourful synths. Things get all steamy, deep and seductive with the romantic sax tones of the LPO Deep & Sensitive remix. Last of all, the LPO dub remix takes all the energy out of it and layers in pensive chords and free flowing jazz melodies.
Review: Cold Diggin' kick off a new series here that is designed to acquaint you with the talents of 'The Dude Ya Love To Hate. We can't find out much information about he, or she, or them, but can only assume more is to come given this 7" has its own catalogue naming convention. This first limited one-off pressing comes on one-sided black vinyl with a silk screen print. 'I Like Your Stye' is raw and irresistible jungle, library and funk fusion from front to back. A great one to cop, and a great new artist to keep tabs on for sure.
Review: It never rains but it pours for fans of Etch at the moment, with not only an extensive long player set to drop on Sneaker Social Club in November 2024, but also this four tracker on that other much loved and consistently wonderful label Ilian Tape. His work is stepped in the textures of jungle, drum & bass, grime, dubstep and bass but rarely enslaved by their limitations. Admittedly, the final of the four tracks here, 'Clockwork Romance', vaguely resembles a late 90s techstep workout, with a hint of junglist roughneck-ness, but the other offerings are very much their own beasts, from the clattering turntablist-constructed beat of 'Jack's Design' to the gnarly, scratchy groove of 'Asami' - imagine Basic Channel and Burial jamming - and the breezy, sunny-sounding opener 'Liz's Track'. Eclectic, individual and bursting with rich flavours.
Review: Founded by Coventry rave pioneer Neil Trix back in 1992, alongside Gavin Watton, FBD Project were right in the thick of that neon coloured explosion betwixt jungle, rave and hardcore at the time. Rampant on the techno but just big on the emotionals, they caught the right balance between euphoria and energy, especially on these three untitled tracks. Nameless 32 years ago and nameless now, each of these tracks hits the dance with the right balance of mischief, tension and futurism. For badboy DJs.
Review: Since 2017, KOKOKO! have been trailblazing Kinshasa's sonic revolution while earning global acclaim for their unique sound and vibrant performances. Recognised as the best live band by AIF, they've been featured on NPR Tiny Desk, Boiler Room, and major festivals like SXSW and Pitchfork. Their debut album, Fongola, received rave reviews, and now they are back with another album that is unlike much else you will have heard. BUTU, which is inspired by Kinshasa's vibrant nightlife, has been proceeded by the lead single 'Mokili.' The album has further cues taken from Kinshasa, Kwaito, and 90s dance music and channels the band's hometown's frenetic energy with a sense of social activism into a powerful statement.
Review: Forest On Stasys takes the plunge here and launches a new label, Aura Sonora, which debuts with a hugely limited and high-quality new 12" from the boss. The imprint will be "a platform designed for sound experimentation" and the first missive backs that up with a great blend of drum & bass, half-time and techno. 'Magnetismo' is a prickly opener with slippery rhythms underpinned by bold bass. 'Domo' is a darker sound with menacing low ends and prickly percussive patterns while 'Sideral' is another late-night prowler with low sling sounds, eerie atmospheres and a real sense of futurism. A great start to life for Aura Sonora.
Review: The mission-statement-and-artist-name Gabber Dub Project, from Germany, take on a bold undertaking. Doing exactly what is said on the tin, this six track explosion dispatches every possible topological contortion of what could be meant by "gabber dub", traversing transient styles from UK hardcore and hardstyle in the process. LXC, Zimmertime and Hurra Hurra offer terrifyingly shouty, jackhammering remixes checking off moods of militancy and warmongery, with 'Dubbersaet' sounding especially propagandistic, described as a "maximum amen workout", shortly before side B both hastens the pace and buries the vibe in shockingly six-foot-deep soil.
Review: FABRICLIVE's artist-focused label continues to shine with a new gem from rising star Kiana Li aka Gyrofield. The tracks 'Akin' and 'Mother' are rooted in drum & bass and deliver a fresh, detailed sound that captures both atmospheric and melodic vibes. First up, 'Akin' offers balmy breakbeats and celestial propulsion, while 'Mother' combines big vocals, precise low-end brilliance and a twisted mix of techno. Reflecting on her work in accompanying notes, Gyrofield describes these tracks as free-spirited and transportive and they really do embody a journey of self-expression. Having been released on Critical and Noisia's Vision, gyrofield's music continues to cut through.
Review: Hong-Kong-born, Bristol-based Gyrofield aka Kiana Li is as diverse as they are prolific. They have proven that with a great NTS series and a great line of DIY electronic productions that explore glitch, dubstep, drum & bass and ambient techno. 'These Heavens' is a 12" on XL that builds on that early work across some fittingly refreshing and experimental sounds that go right for the heart of the dancefloor. 'Vega' is an electric opener, 'Occam's Razor' fizzes with dystopian energy and 'Lagrange' is a soulful, melody-laced stepper while 'Cold Cases' shuts down with a cacophony of percussive noise and busted synth lines.
Review: Dark Knite renegade Hannibal Selector returns with a broad bounty of militant steppery. 'What A Shame' is a gritty tech step number that's reminiscent of Dom & Roland around the 'Cant Punish Me' era. 'End Of All' meanwhile is more a whole warehouse of chainsaws being let off at the same time, then sped up by some type of dark d&b sorcery. Finally 'Necrodancer' closes on more of a sinister bone rattler flex. Hard, acidic but still bouncy. What an EP.
Review: Deep Jungle has always dealt in sounds that hark back to the golden era of the mid 90s, whether they are carefully chosen reissues, forgotten rarities or new releases. This time it is bossman Harmony who steps out with his version of things starting with the epic 'Now Massive' which is a hefty amen number with ragga vocals and love retro Reese bass. Flo over this one and you will find 'Ohh Baby' which although is decidedly more laid back, the heavy rolling breaks never let up and keep you moving physically and emotionally. Two more essential and timeless sounds from this jungle powerhouse.
Review: Deep Jungle bossman Harmony gets busy once again and it's a tale of two bangers. 'Hold It' goes in with the swagger and a hardcore energy. There's a big drive to the breakdown where everything melts into bliss. Need something deep for the weekend? Get your listening gear around 'Star Chaser'. Twinkling flutes, shimming synths, gentle vocal textures. Think Seba and you're in the right cosmos.
Review: Pow! Here's that quadruple espresso shot you wanted to kickstart your 2025 with. High energy, full tension drummage from Deep Jungle bossman Harmony, each of these cuts is guaranteed to wake you up. 'You Got' smacks hard with heavy hitting break wallops and classic vocal samples, 'You Got It hits with more rolling intensity and more iconic vocal textures while 'Transit' is more of a steppy, Krust-flavoured bumper. Keep it moving.
Review: Casper Hastings is neither a ghost nor from Hastings. He is an electronic innovator from Ireland who has built up a fine catalogue on the likes of TXTRL and Sticky Ground. He is back on the Yin Yang label here with another high class assault that draws on electro, jungle and techno. Opener 'Tangerine Meme' sets the scene with crisp drum programming and snappy drum breaks underpinned by warped acid. 'Reaper' is as menacing as the title suggests with more direct, punchy electro and Peder Mannerfelt flips it into a surging wall of techno. 'Ruthless Romance's a devastating edge of breaks-driven jungle and 'Good Medicine' has bleeping synths over wobbly low ends and caustic drum funk.
Review: Reinforced legends Underground Software and the Immortal Minds have been digging in their DAT tape archives and turned out some previously unreleased tunes which now make their way to this heavyweight 12" n ALO Major Defence. 'No Stopping' opens up with a dark and dystopian jungle sound that is dense with whirring snares and drilling basslines as the choppy amen motor on, while 'Moves You' is a beautiful roller with blissed out synths and a sense of d&b serenity.
Review: Java steps up as the Redskin label surges on through double figures with a new EP, Nightfall, that covers a stylish range of jungle sounds. 'Brockout' has ld school signifiers like the ragga vocal and clipped vocal yelps, but some super smooth and silky pads and a serene sense of cosmic energy. '16 Stripes' is another collision of those different worlds - deep space ambience and more warehouse-ready jungle styles complete with some nice sci-fi bleeps. Closer 'Fi Di Girls Dem' shuts down with some nice crisp breakbeats and soulful vocal touches to ignite any party.
Review: Spatial is the connoisseur d&b label run by Simon Huxtable aka Aural Imbalance and as well as dropping a new EP from the boss himself this month, JLM Productions also steps up with a fine limited edition purple slab of brilliance. These sounds are more textural and dense than the boss's, with 'Permeate' plunging on heavy drum breaks, while 'Orogeny' is a busy one with crashing hits and more sub-bass drilling down low. 'Subsidence' douses you in widescreen cinematic pads while the drums flutter about the field and 'Lamminar Flow' brings things to a close with a more bright melodic touch and cruising grooves.
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