Classic Track: Data – Compassion

Posted on 12th February 2015 by DNB Dojo

The recent release of an old Data track via Terabyte reminded me of some of the gems from his back catalogue, before his shift away from D&B and towards slower tempos via his Nick Modern alias. One of the best from the archives saw release on Metalheadz via the Genesis EP Pt 2; blending a haunting melody and vocal line with Nick’s talent for minimal drums, Compassion remains one of my favourite slices of deep, melancholy D&B. Check it out below and head to Juno to grab a copy.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nY-JmK96TM]

S.P.Y – BRSTL Hardcore EP [NEST]

Posted on 11th February 2015 by DNB Dojo

Hot on the heels of his well received Back To Basics double LP and a cracking essential mix for Radio 1, S.P.Y returns with a fresh new EP released collaboratively between Hospital Records and Skrillex’s NEST imprint. BRSTL Hardcore sees Carlos going in on four fresh new tracks with a techy edge that are more than primed for the dancefloor. Fans of the producer’s output will know what to expect; no surprises, but plenty to enjoy. Best of all it’s totally free – check out the clips below and grab yourself a free download via Soundcloud.

Seba – Inside Yourself / Berberian Sound [Secret Operations]

Posted on 11th February 2015 by DNB Dojo

Seba’s latest single sees him blending the sounds of deep house and techno with the tempo and rhythms of Drum & Bass. For once the description in the press release is actually pretty illuminating: “This is the type of sound that I listen to when I go out clubbing. The only difference is that the tempo is usually 125-130 BPM”. The stabs, pads and general atmosphere of Inside Yourself will certainly be familiar to anyone with an ear for techno production.

Berberian Sound moves things into spookier territory, with the synth lead and booming bass both lending the track a tense, ominous edge. As usual Seba’s ability to craft detailed, clever beats with one foot on the dancefloor and the other in some strange dimension remains unassailable. Check out the clips below and watch out for this one dropping on vinyl and digital from Feb 16th (though judging by the delays on the last Secret Operations release, this may slip).

Suboreal – Isis EP [Chaos Audio]

Posted on 10th February 2015 by DNB Dojo

Chaos Audio return with a dark, minimal EP from German producer Suboreal. Featuring super crisp production and plenty of bass heft, the tracks take in a wide range of tones. Isis features driving, kick heavy rhythms while Abide provides plodding, onimous soundscapes; out into the back half of the EP Resilience explores chunky half time beats while Torrent closes things out with skittering percussion set over more gritty, detailed atmospherics. Check out the clips below and watch out for this one dropping from Feb 23rd.

RQ – Shimmer / Traces [Blu Mar Ten Music]

Posted on 9th February 2015 by DNB Dojo

Blu Mar Ten Music kick of 2015 with a great new release from Kiwi producer RQ. Shimmer combines soft piano, deft atmospherics and interesting natural percussion for a sublime slice of melodic electronica; think Liquid meets Autonomic and you’re halfway there, though that lazy journalistic shorthand doesn’t really do the tune justice.

Traces provides a worthy flipside, harnessing the spirit of golden era GLR/Intelligent D&B with more lush synth work. The entire first half builds the suspense before the classic breaks kick in for the second half providing that ever vibrant contrast between soft, melodic elements and tough, distorted amens. Deeper beats as usual from the BMTM camp – check out the clips below and grab the release from your favourite digital outlet now!

Moa & Mooncat – It’s a Remix! [Anticlockwise]

Posted on 6th February 2015 by DNB Dojo

Spanish label Anticlockwise return with their seventh release, with Moa and Mooncat coming in on remix duties for each other’s tracks from the label’s first release. Both releases blend elements of neurofunk with dubwize and ragga D&B to create an interesting hybrid “neurodub” sound; not as savage as pure neuro, and not as happy as the sunshine drenched sounds of dubwize, the tunes tread a happy middle ground between the two. Moa’s mix of Dubscipline is the better of the two for me; check out the clips below and look out for these dropping at all good digital stores from Feb 8th.

Need For Mirrors – Verve [Warm Communications]

Posted on 4th February 2015 by DNB Dojo

The latest release on esteemed US imprint Warm Communications comes from the ever reliable Need For Mirrors. Verve sees the London-based producer deliver a stomping slab of dancefloor tech with both eyes firmly on the dancefloor; crunchy breaks evoke the spirit of the 90s techstep golden era and the bass riff here is a pure head-nodder.

Berners Street Dub dials the agro back a couple of notches, heading for deep, subby territory with more classic D&B sounds updated for the modern generation. Finally Blue Go Purple chops up more crunchy breaks for a dark, angular stepper that has the warmth and fuzz which only analogue gear can produce. If you’re looking for super-clean mixdowns this might not be for you; if you want genuine music with a vibe then this should hit the spot! Check out the clips below and look for this one on vinyl and digital from Feb 9th.

Mystic State – Lingua / Rainmaker [Blendits]

Posted on 3rd February 2015 by DNB Dojo

Dutch club night/label collective Blendits drop another pair of excellent beats for their seventh release, continuing the label’s excellent selection of deep yet still dancefloor worthy tunes. A-side Lingua sees the Mystic State boys teaming up with fellow production duo Monoscript for a driving, subby number with plenty of tasty percussive details and a dubby vocal hook. The flip sees the Mystics back to solo duties, blending jazzy licks with junglistic breaks for a big booming stepper. Check out the clips below and grab this one from your favourite digital outlet now!

TR Tactics – Mental Delusion EP [Citrus Recordings]

Posted on 1st February 2015 by DNB Dojo

Austrian D&B duo TR Tactics follow up their excellent recent work for Addictive Behaviour with a fresh new single for Citrus Recordings. Mental Delusion hits down hard with big squelchy bass riffs, while on the flip fellow Austrian producer Phentix joins the TR team for a punchy drum workout on Quest Of Mind. Check out the clips below and head to your favourite digital outlet to grab the release now!

Beta 2 & Zero T – Election [Metalheadz]

Posted on 31st January 2015 by DNB Dojo

The latest on ‘headz comes courtesy of Beta 2 & Zero T who serve up three crisp, grooving tracks for the Platinum imprint. Election provides a straight up slice of dancefloor tech with crisp breaks and a catchy bass riff, while The Edge strips things back for a tight stepper with an infectious melodic arpeggio and more grimey bassline business. Last but not least, What’s Wrong drops the tempo to 140 for a cheeky dubstep outing with tons of atmosphere. Check out the clips below and grab yourself a copy on vinyl or digital from the Metalheadz store now!

DNB Dojo

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