Back catalogue: Drum And Bass

Review: In characteristically fast and loose fashion, the June 2024 split release between Burial and Kode9 finally hears a 12" version only the following November, which also compounds the London label's habit of timing new Burial releases with misty year-end Brumaires. 'Phoneglow' and 'Eyes Go Blank' are complementary cracklestep and aggro jungle-juke numbers; both get at the wistful chills and phantom pocket vibrations endemic to the modern urban lifestyle, these being sensations that mask much deeper, dare-not-go-there collective emotions. Burial's A-sider is as tender as ever, typically stilted between neurotic beat-switches and fizzing breakdowns. But this time, the more beat-driven moments dart between haunted, charity shop haul Christmas compilation garage vibes, and hollowly hallowed, filtered Eurorave, continuing Burial's recent penchant for sweetness below the sonic silt. Kode9's is a much tankier yet tricksier tune, traversing glossolalic masc vocals, warring tuned Reeses, and gamey ringtone clatters.

Review: Kalocain's debut vinyl release is a haunting trip through sound and science and is underpinned by some seriously weighty bass. The title track bridges ancestral echoes and present-day rhythms, while 'W.N.G.' unveils cryptic mysteries from a forgotten past. 'Ivermectin' crafts surreal molecular melodies that look to "decipher the enigma of sonic DNA." Remixes by Normal 4, Patricia Kokett, and Jacques Satre twist each original into new and bizarre realms. Evaldas Bubinas aka Hermandrowning, adds eerie artwork that fuses sound and visuals into an uncanny harmony to close out a high-concept, high-class package.

Review: Warsaw producer Kampinos delivers a knockout trio of tunes for GAMM here that collide soulful drum & bass with deep musical roots. The standout opener is 'Good Looking Pepe,' which flips Pepe Bradock's seminal house love-in 'Deep Burnt' into a lush, jazzy roller a la LTJ Bukem. On the B-side, 'Joi' explodes with gospel fervour and raw amen breaks to make for an irresistible jungle anthem built for dancefloor uplift. Rounding things off, Kampinos offers a rich, emotive refix of Little Simz's 'See You Glow' which is both warm and intense. This is rather unexpected yet effective outing for GAMM with a fine mix of soul and roughness.

Review: Warsaw underground favourite Kampinos emerges onto the wider stage here with two standout jungle and drum & bass infused reworks. The A-side features 'Golden Eggs,' a reimagining of Tenor Saw's classic that comes infected with 90s jungle vibes, heavy amen drums and massive bass drops that will rattle yer bass bins. On the B-side, 'Menino De Outro Mundo' blends the Brazilian sounds of Caetano Veloso with samba rhythms and rolling drum & bass beats for a nice fresh fusion. This is an inventive, cross-genre 7" that honours the roots while pushing forward.

Review: After a wild Hyperdub stopoff shared with Tim Reaper, Kloke (Andy Donnelly) now goes solo. Described as a case of "jungle vitality" by the releasing label, this is an artist playing Mindgames: 'Supernatural' and 'Rorschach' ascribe silkiness and scratchiness to the drum & bass shellout shape respectively, proving the breadth of this guy's sound. An essential emphasis on memory is invoked, with its yearning cry poking through skeletal mixes, and otherwise oppressive sci-fi sound design. 'All Worlds' is the closing experiment, where water-falling, melodi-cascades sizzle over and about pocket-sized, but still huge beat-punches.

Review: It's the anthem that just keeps on giving. Tim Reaper & Kloke's shattered break sensation 'Foundation' dropped five years ago, it still slays dances to this day and is one of the best drum tracks you can hurl into a mix for instant riotous results. Countless collabs later, the pair return to VIP the track up in their own way. Reaper keeps those drums intact and goes extra on the atmos and pressure whole Kloke eases up on the pressure entirely with a fresh set of pads and a re-chop of the breaks. Both totally revitalise the timeless track that didn't even need update in the first place. Cop this!

Review: KRaeK steps onto Flexout's main label with a striking debut EP, collaborating with Ukrainian artist NickBee. Their music emerged from an intense creative connection forged in the chaos of war. NickBee's contributions, crafted amid the turbulence of his homeland, give each track a visceral weight, charged with survival, anger and flickers of hope. This EP stands as a raw, uncompromising expression of friendship and resilience, capturing an experience that transcends beats and basslines. It's a sobering reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and a show of solidarity with those still enduring.

Review: To Sweet Sensi Records come Krugah with a wicked turn of techstep, ragga jungle and drumfunk. The Brooklyn producer breaks brash ground on this latest 12", squashing mountains of freq-y sound below liminal, scraping drum toppers. Opener 'Tonne Weight' truly does weight a tonne for this very reason; our weighing scales barely make it out alive for the ensuing audio assault that is 'Wickedness Increase', which samples the raggamuffin ragings of an old clash tape of god-knows origin. 'Nuh Sound Curse' brings nitrate echoes to the same ragga sample, layering breaks-matics and three-note dreamoid melodies, while 'Off Di Scene (Dance)' bestows a bubbling experiment, by far the oddest but coolest of the lot.

Review: The R Whites label is back with a fifth self-titled new various artists EP and it finds Law collaborating with a range of fresh talents on four standout jungle cuts. First up it is with Kola Nut on 'Lost Time' which is all high-speed hits and drunken percussive sounds and soulful pads. Then comes a Krugah Blue Power Strain mix of 'Symptoms of Love' which is kinetic and textured, with serene pads softening the toughness of the drums. Law & DJ Sofa then get all harmonious and liquid on the brilliantly deft but devastating 'More Bells' before Law & Haste shut down with the soulful vocals and lovely piano chords of 'Give Me.'

Review: Silent Force are d&b classicists who always bring the quality with their timeless sounds. And that very much continues to be the case with this first release for the new year. It's a collab between Opal's and Kimbr that opens with 'Alive', a breakbeat lead banger with looping drums and raw snares. 'Undergrowth' is a silky number with a menacing late-night feel in the groaning pads and tense drums. 'Demon Poetry' brings some darker vibes with a prying, distorted, menacing bassline and 'Keep Things Balanced' is another well-controlled, potent drum & bass workout with jungle influences and a dystopian energy to it.