14 days

Review: Formation Records take us all the way back to 1991 here with this limited edition transparent vinyl repress of the very first release they ever put out. It was the start of an epic ride and it kicks off kicks off a new series of retrospective releases to make the label's 30th anniversary celebrations. This sizzling six track EP has it all - hardcore, piano laced jungle with super sweet soul samples, rave collisions that are dark and dirty with devastating bass and techno-tinged drum workouts that leave you feeling utterly breathless. Our pick is the pure rush of joy and euphoria that is 'Straight From The Heart' with its mega pianos and unbridled vocal energy.

Review: Following the heavyweight Transit 2 compendium comes another essential couplet from Ant-TC1's Dispatch brand. "We'll See" sees DLR team up with the matchless Break. One of D&B's most venerated producers, he nails everything he touches - including this richly textured stepper which offers something new on every listen. DLR goes solo for "Tugboat" on the B; straight up in-your-face steppery with serious attention to detail on the bass, it's got every bit of power its name suggests. Get tugging....

Review: Fokuz return with another blink-and-miss limited white label. Fully anonymous, due to the nature of the sample, here we're taken right back to a thrilling time in pop as the swooning chords, twinkling synths and famous falsetto of 'Human Nature' are given the d&b treatment. Faithful to the original but given a turbo-charged twist (and a VIP rub), it's one of those end of night hug-it-out jams you've been yearning to play all lockdown. Grab this quicker than you can say Shamone.

Review: Timeless is Goldie's most iconic and enduring album. In 2021, it is now an unreliable 25 years old. As well as it getting its own standalone reissue, the most famous single from it also gets a re-release alongside some big remixes from key contemporary players. The 2020 Remaster kicks off and immediately sends shivers down your spine. Binary State then go for a dark, twisted, deep version, DBridge's Sonic Nostalgia mix is a real stepper with a menacing bassline and he closing cut is a lush and lounge-y [Re:Jazz] that is pure perfection.

Review: After its recent appearance on Hospital Records' 25th anniversary compilation, Makoto's superb D&B cover of Al Hudson & The Soul Partners' 1978 disco classic, 'Spread Love', has been released as a single. It's well worth picking up, specifically for the A-side 'Full Length Mix', which ekes out the life-affirming, mood enhancing pleasure by another minute or so. It's a terrific version - as is the original mix, which you can find on the flip - and features British soul man Pete Simpson, backed by a big group of backing singers, belting out the loved-up lyrics atop swooping disco strings, warm synth sounds, booming bass and skittish D&B beats. Bonus cut 'Contact' is worth a listen to, featuring as it does floaty ambient intros, aggressive post-jungle beats, wavy vocal samples and some seriously bowel-bothering sub-bass.

Review: Destination Finland: Resound returns to Straight Up Breakbeat with three proper punishers and a remix. 'Hidden' takes the lead and sets the scene with its pulsating technoid bassline and super-chiselled 45 King rim shot breaks. It's backed by 'Sapiens' which nods towards the late 90s Virus sound but with added 21st century tension and paranoia and 'Monomial' which brings down the intensity with a deep introspective vibe and a purring harmonic bassline. For added heftiness check fellow Finland artist ESC's remix of 'Deus'. The original, created under Resound's experimental alias, was already a pulsating piece of urgency. Now with added breakage and sudden twists, it's even more hectic. Massiveness as always from both Resound and Straight Up Breakbeat. .

Review: Polish soul man Satl comes correct with this beautiful vinyl edition of this summer's 'Bedroom Producer With A Dream' EP on Lenzman's North Quarter imprint. Featuring the likes of DRS, T.R.A.C and Tokyo Prose, across four tracks we're treated to Satl's deepest and most subtle sides ranging from the trembling piano touches and gentle ebbs and flows of 'Hazards' to the jazzier, smokier tones of 'Limin'. Sweet dreams are made of these.