Back catalogue: Drum And Bass

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: Three new undiscovered species from sound taxonomist Eusebeia, spotted deep in the heart of the jungle. Described as "mind massages", Eusebeia leans further into his preferred mode: sculpted highs and caresser sound design. Sparking up the proceedings with pre-release single 'Zenith', we reach vicarious peaks of untrammelled 808 and sprightly sub-aqua pads. Emphasis shifts between cute, gamified pluck melodies and deeper persuasions, proving that surface and depth persist in necessary dialogue with one another.

Review: UK up-and-comers Eusebeia and Aisatsaana team up for an incredibly deep, bass-conscious, nigh sonar-systemic new drum & bass EP, 'Transnformation'. Few artists in this circuit dare to delve quite so abyssal; if anyone's ever seen the nuclear subnautical sci-fi thriller The Deep, one will know just how risky, how odds-bucking the attempt to plunge the deepest of the ocean's depths truly is. Clearly, only the best sonic submersible wearables will have cutted the mustard in aid of salvaging the jetsam-makings of this thriller; frankly, we're blown away by the ear for layering and bass heard on this EP, whether on the snareless impacts, shock-absorptions and depth-charges of 'Shed A Light' or the dim but angelic underwater intellibreaks lodestar that is 'Wayfinder'.

Review: 'Born With It' by Mungo's Hi Fi, featuring Aziza Jaye, Gardna, and Eva Lazarus, is a high-energy anthem blending UK Garage and 90s rave vibes with a powerful dose of Drum n Bass. Aziza Jaye's searing vocals, Gardna's dynamic delivery, and Eva Lazarus's fierce dancehall attitude create an explosive party track. On Side-2 'Back in the Dayz', adds nostalgia with a deft rap over rave-infused breaks, sure to evoke memories of old-school rave scenes. This 2024 12" vinyl, eco-friendly and pressed in Scotland, includes unreleased instrumental versions and a dub mix of 'Back in the Dayz', making it essential for summer festivals, clubs and sound system parties.

Review: Silent Force Records unleash a brand new series SFR Titans and its down to the mighty giant Sicknote to launch it. Naturally he tears the series a new one before it's even started. 'Craw' takes the lead as Sicky links with old mate and long-time collaborator Escher for some tense, emotional volatility. For 'Lates' on the B-side old Notey chops goes solo and takes us proper darkside. Think 'Angel Fell'-era Dilli with a slice of old Digital and you're in the right armshouse. Titanic.

Review: Etch returns with a seismic new release, diving deep into sonic world-building that spans dubstep, jungle, garage and hip-hop influences. On Scream of the Butterfly, Etch assembles an eclectic cast to explore darker shades of club music, starting with the thunderous low-end on the opening track, which signals this album as more than just club fodder. J-Shadow's footwork flair on 'Star Fallen' and Lee Scott's unmistakable flow on 'Not Surprised' add to the atmosphere, while E.M.M.A's ambient touch on 'Stepford Lives' creates an eerie midpoint. Each track veers from intense bass to atmospheric experimentation, making this a masterclass in evolving bass music.