Colossus lands in our premiere spotlight today with a slick VIP remix of K2T’s The Tranquillity of Being With The Self. Retaining the heroic melodies of the original but playing with the rhythm via halftime segments and amen workouts, this is a wicked spin that retains the vibe but adds a little extra spice. Watch out for the release coming March 12th at digital stores!
When three labels from three countries join forces for a new series of releases you know you’re in for something special. Enter T3K, Sine Function and Hanzom, as they unite for the Encounter series. With three labels collaborating on the release it seems appropriate that the music itself is also a collaborative venture – Evolved sees four producers from Brussels pooling their talents, and thus far the results have been impressive, not least their recent EP for Delta9 Recordings.
On this release the Evolved gang are flexing their creative muscles to create some finely sharpened, futuristic D&B cuts. The influence of the harder-edged neurofunk sound is audible here in the sound design and percussion but the overall aesthetic is one of restraint; detailed atmospheres have largely been prioritised over brutalising basslines.
The result is three detailed, enthralling tracks taking in different styles; Brainless delivers a dark and ominous roller, while Intuition goes deeper, serving up futuristic android soul against sharpened percussive presence. The Cure rounds things out with a menacing halftime swagger, keeping the atmosphere but adding a hint of hip-hop swing.
Overall this is a powerful statement of intent and some of the most interesting music we’ve heard so far this year, combining technicality with soul and depth. We look forward to hearing more from Evolved and more from Encounter…in the meantime Encounter 001 is available right now via digital stores and streaming.
When I found this tune some years ago, one could say I was under hypnosis of groove; Machinist, by the short-lived Treo, carries one of the most vibrant and dynamic basslines I’ve heard in Neurofunk. Despite its 2012 release, which I’m a little loathe to identify as a classic predicated simply upon its recency, it will always remain a classic in my mind.
This Syndrome Audio slapper carries a groove so infectious that one is easily compelled to bop along with it. The dirty bassline and hefty drums are so fluidly intermeshed in a way that feels natural, belying a style that screams “tech”. The arrangement is refined, with quick synth stabs providing further rhythmic appeal, against backdrops of harmonic tones that gracefully fade in and out of the mix.
Amid a sea of amazing Neurofunk tunes past and present, Machinist is a stand-out classic.
Written by Luke Kessler
Old school tech roller vibes on this one as we scoop a premiere from Minor Forms’ new release on CIA! Fans of classic Virus Recordings and the 90s Wormhole era will definitely appreciate this one…watch out for the EP coming Feb 26th exclusively at Beatport.
Atmospheric 170 vibrations from HEFT on today’s premiere as he lands on Onset Audio with a release that blurs the boundary between autonomic D&B and ambient electronica. Ultra deep! Watch out for this coming March 5th…
Dojo boss Hex is back with new music this month for Quentin Hiatus’s Free Love Digi imprint, and we’ve got the premiere today for Vats of Acid. Living up to its title this one is all acid synth leads, set over a stomping halftime beat and meaty bassline, with a hint of trap in those hat rolls. Watch out for this one exclusively at Beatport & Bandcamp Feb 26th; all other stores follow two weeks later.
It’s that time once again; Hex is back on the Dojo decks with a fistful of new beats from GEST, Phonograph, Zero T, Radiax, Loxy & Resound, Sleepnet and many more, plus unreleased music from Joakuim and a new track from Hex’s forthcoming EP on Free Love Digi. Check it out!
As always you can check out the podcast via Soundcloud below or head to Youtube or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.
Based in Galway, Ireland, Rua Sound have been operating for just under five years, but in that relatively short period they’ve already established themselves as purveyors of some of the most exciting sounds in the 170 sphere. The main label plays host to the melting pot of sounds crossing grime, dub, jungle and D&B while sister-imprint Foxy Jangle sprang up to provide more “straight up” jungle outings.
Quality control has been their hallmark on both fronts, with just 11 releases on the main label and 6 more Jangle 12″s, but the results speak for themselves; all killer, no filler. Read on for five of our faves…
Phonograph returns to Hyperactivity Music for the fourth volume of their Polychrome VA LP series, and returns to our premiere spotlight! Cementing his trademark style for combining tough basslines with melodic elements, Feel So High treads the line between liquid and techstep…delicious, rolling vibes. Look for the LP at digital stores from Feb 26th!
Xenon continues his run of essential techstep releases with a new EP for P Lab Recordings, and we’ve got the exclusive on title track Dissolved In Disorder! Crunchy beats and an earworming acid lead characterise a tune steeped in classic rave and old school D&B influences. Hit up Bandcamp now to pre-order ahead of the release on Feb 19th!