Okbron レコード& CD

Review: Simon Huxtable's Aural Imbalance project remains as productive as ever some 25 years on from the first releases, and now newer labels like Okbron are stepping up to carry his work after taking so much inspiration from his approach to atmospheric drum & bass. Despite Okbron's capacity for reissues it seems these two joints are new transmissions and they certainly have a sparkling finish which speaks to Huxtable's experience and precision in the studio, but there's also a gritty bite to the breaks and some rich depth to the synth work which ensures there's a generous dose of personality in these luxurious excursions into the deeper end of d&b.

Review: At this point Okbron is a byword for the best atmospheric d&b coming out these days and while they may have drawn people in with their archival and reissue offerings, they're just as vital for platforming new music. Response & Pliskin represent the best of Manchester's d&b scene, and they've delved into a particularly mellow sound world for this release. 'Soon Forgotten' is a dreamy, subtly haunting roller with a clean, crisp beat and fulsome subs you can just float on, while 'Mainstream' deals in more layered, evolving pad tones and diced up breaks without losing that light, airy feel you want from a proper atmospheric release.

Review: Okbron haven't slipped out any information about Theomega around this new release, but at this point the label's reputation is more than enough to draw you in for a listen. Curiosity will undoubtedly be piqued as soon as you hear 'Kaleidoscope' rolling out, but you'll be equally satisfied by how fresh it sounds. Somewhere past pure atmospheric chill and into dexterous backroom d&b, the programming is light as a feather and the mix is beautifully spacious, giving you ample room to marvel at all the angles from this hitherto unknown producer. 'Mystery Train' continues the trend on the B-side - even the flute samples are on point.