Classic Track: Spor – Stoppit

Spor’s recent return to the D&B scene via a prodigy remix and his impending (and long promised) LP has prompted much reminiscence on his past glories, so we felt a Classic Track post was only fitting! Back when Lifted Music was riding high and Spor was a mainstay of the scene, Stoppit rocked clubs across the world with it’s minimal yet effective neurofunk stylings. Stopping short of the tearout madness of some other Spor material, there’s still more than enough punch from the drums and the instantly recognisable squelchy bassline to move a floor. Check it out below and hit up the Lifted store for a copy!

Classic Track: Data – Compassion

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]

Classic Track: Dillinja – Deep Deadly Subs (Remix)

It’s always nice to hear a classic getting a fresh lick of mastering paint, and that’s exactly what ‘headz have done for the second Razors Edge release. Dillinja’s Deep Deadly Subs (Remix) sounds just as fresh today as it did back in ’96, with crunchy breaks and that unmistakeable Dillinja bass layered under creepy atmospherics and a general layer of menace. You can grab the remaster exclusively at the ‘headz store for the next month alongside Peshay’s VIP of Goldie’s Jah, so go and grab yourself a slice of D&B history!

 

Classic Track: Break – Is This What You Want?

Break’s debut LP Symmetry was host to many treats, the most rinsed of which was undoubtedly Is This What You Want? Featuring that inimitable Break combination of crisp breaks, big scuzzy bass riffs and an incredibly catchy hook, this one still slays floors to this day. The subsequently released VIP mix also got plenty of attention but for me the original is elegant in it’s simplicity. You can still snag the album from Beatport so grab yourself a classic if you don’t already own a copy!

Classic Track: Breakage – Staggered Dub

Back in the early days of Critical Music and back when Breakage still made music at D&B tempo, Kasra’s then fledgling imprint offered up the veritable amen smasher that is Staggered Dub. Breaks that are tougher than aged leather, massive dub bass and that oh so memorable vocal snippet make this every bit as much of a weapon as it was ten years ago on release. Shake ya hips!

Classic Track: Total Science & S.P.Y – Gangsta

The recent release of Shogun’s 10 Years compilation reminded me of one of my favourite tracks from their back catalogue (and one of the most worn 12″s in my collection). 2010’s Gangsta is a straightforward roller, but one that bears the hallmarks of some of the best producers in the game. Proof that less is often more, this one has serious groove and an instantly identifiable break/bassline combo. Certified dancefloor killer!

Classic Track: Doc Scott – NHS (Total Science Remix)

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Today’s classic track is in itself a remix of a classic track, as we take a look at Total Science’s rerub of Doc Scott’s ’92 raver’s favourite NHS. Taking the crunchy breaks and memorable piano of the original but bringing the tempo up and adding some of that Total Science flavour, this one is pure summer fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHTYJbQWZss

Classic Track: Future Cut – Ghetto Style (Evol Intent Remix)

We’re digging in the hardware vaults once again for this week’s classic track and looking back to the golden era of hard as nails techstep. 10 years ago Evol Intent’s remix of Future Cut’s Ghetto Style saw release on Renegade Hardware’s Reloaded EP Part 1, and their rework absolutely knocks the track out of the park.

Rattling breakbeats, huge distorted bass hits and that trademark Evol Intent glitchwork along with a set of memorable hooks on the intro make this a firm favourite, and better still it got the remaster treatment as part of EI’s #TBT weekly giveaways! Check out the remaster below and grab yourself a free download from their Soundcloud.

Classic Track: Phace – Cold Champagne

We’re digging in the Neosignal vaults for today’s classic, back to 2008 and the label’s first release. Cold Champagne may not have the sheer dancefloor heft of some of Phace’s other work but the crisp sonic detailing, smooth atmospheric pads, precise beats and booming sub bass make it a more than worthy addition to any neurofunk head’s collection. Check it out below and head to the Neosignal store to grab a copy.

Classic Track: Mindscape & Jade – Unpleasant Surprise

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Today’s classic track comes from what some see as the golden era of tech/neuro D&B and harks back to a techno-influenced side of the sound which is seldom heard these days. Providing the flip to Black Sun Empire’s Crash Bunny, Mindscape & Jade’s Unpleasant Surprise builds things nicely with rolling breaks and an acid synth line before dropping into an absolutely tearing reese bassline in the second half the verse. This one is a sure-fire dancefloor slayer!