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: 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: Koherent make a powerful return to Overview with their latest EP, Grunge. This marks their first full EP release since 2022, and the duo doesn't hold back, delivering a hard-hitting project that reaffirms their place in the drum & bass scene. Collaborations with liquid maestros GLXY on 'Darling Sky' and label favourite Azotix on the widely supported 'Gutter' add a fresh dynamic to the EP. Fresh from a New Zealand and Australia tour, Koherent's second label appearance of the year showcases their continued momentum, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

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: Australian bass collective Echo Chamber get busy with this supreme VA featuring a range of talented friends old and new. LQ takes the lead with the sublime 'Way Down' that bubbles and flexes in two system-primed forms: the spacious heavyweight Dubkasm mix and LQ and MSHCode's own breakbeat-heavier shakedown. Flip for more LQ goodies as he links up with Kloke for the fittingly titled groove-up 'Computer Bubblers' while Duburban and Galvatron finish the EP with the furious drum funk up 'Let Off The Music'. The only echo here is the reload.

Review: Aaron J's Sure Thing kicks on towards its tenth release with a superb new 12" packed with fresh techno jams. Myriad different mods, grooves and tempos are on offer here starting with the puling rhythmic depths of Vardae's 'Pahlevan' then moving on to Kick21's 'Bright Interface', a dark and haunting low-end wobbler. Atavic's 'Subconscious' is a heady one with ambient cosmic pads over deeply hurried, supple rhythms then while Tammo Hesselink & DYL combine to mesmeric effect on the carefully curated broken beat brilliance of 'Accent Award.' A forward-thinking EP for sure.