Hex drops the latest guest mix for well established Russian podcast Vykhod Sily this month, going in deep on a selection of beats spanning decade old classics right up to brand new cuts. Crossing styles from techstep to liquid to halftime and experimental material, the mix also includes a handful of Marcus Intalex tunes as a small tribute to the passing of a legend…RIP.
Check out the mix below via Soundcloud or head to Mixcloud or hearthis.at. You can also find it on our iTunes Podcast feed.
We’re back with another exclusive from one of our favourite stateside producers as we drop a premiere of Mark Kloud’s newest work for Sublimate Records! Angel’s Arc goes deep, carving out the atmosphere on the intro before dropping into a weighty halftime groove; heavy kicks, sharp snares and gully bass a plenty on this head-nodding riddim. Look for this one dropping July 29th at all good digital stores.
The LP format; still a lofty goal for many D&B producers, and not a project to be embarked upon lightly. Making the transition from single and EP releases into a coherent body of work across an entire album is a quite a feat, and perhaps it’s for this reason that Soul Intent’s debut full length is only surfacing now, ten years into a healthy career.
Thankfully that decade honing his skills both in the studio and the DJ booth has left Alex more than equipped to create Delusions of Grandeur. As anyone familiar with his recent work would expect, the album has a huge range; it basically plays like a love letter to all the facets of drum & bass, or at least as many of them as Alex has had time to explore. Melancholy liquid rollers are represented in force, with a smattering of dancefloor smashers, some spacey halftime and a hint of jungle.
The string that joins the tracks together is definitely soul; apt given the production moniker in question. Even harder tracks like Test Fire and Cry For You bring character and emotion to the table, with analogue sensibilities and clever use of vocals giving the tracks depth and character. While more than punchy enough to compete, this album is the antithesis of the hyper-clean, slightly sterile production that dominates some corners of the scene.
Overall the album succeeds admirably in delivering ten tracks of emotionally charged yet dancefloor worthy D&B, and while not necessarily pushing the envelope it makes for a hugely enjoyable and genuine listen. Check out the clips below and hit up the Lossless Bandcamp to grab the album direct from the source.
We’ve been a big fan of Oliver Yorke’s releases over the last few years so we’re exceptionally pleased to be able to present an exclusive from his latest release for Silent Dust’s None60 imprint! Wanderer brings Yorke’s knack for eclectic sound design and detailed composition back to the table in an evolving take on gritty halftime. Heavy hitting beats and bass on the stark intro contrast with soft, spacey melodies which come to the fore as the tune progresses, and the result is a characteristically enveloping tune. One to lose yourself in…look for this very soon via the None60 Bandcamp store.
Deep liquid business on today’s premiere as French duo SYK land on new Bristol label A R Records! While the EP showcases a variety of tones including more gritty tech-driven beats, Fatality is a calibre-esque soft roller with melancholy piano and an ease of spirit; more Sunday afternoon pints than Saturday night rave-out. Check it out below and look for the EP at all good digital stores from June 9th.
Hex returns with another big selection of D&B from the Dojo inbox this month including new material from Quentin Hiatus, Amoss, Ulterior Motive, PRTCL, Soul Intent, Current Value and many more.
You know the drill by now…check out the podcast via Soundcloud below or head to Youtube or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.
Delta9 keep things dark and minimal on today’s premiere as we present a brand new cut from US producer Ryan Rossi aka Conspired Within. Halftime beats, sparse atmospheres and gloomy soundscapes characterise this one; moody business! Watch out for this one dropping June 23rd at all good digital stores.
News that Current Value would be dropping an EP on Doc Scott’s much revered 31 Recordings imprint came as something of a surprise. For all that 31 has showcased dancefloor tunes over the years as well as deeper fare, they’ve certainly never been known for the abrasive, hyper-technical sounds which have characterised most of Mr Value’s recent output.
Perhaps it is to be expected then that the Scalar EP sees Current Value showcasing his softer side, though that’s not to say he’s betrayed his roots and put out an EP of liquid groovers. The tracks on show here almost sound like CV remixes of deep rollers; the trademark precision percussion is there, and there’s certainly some bassline grit, but there are also lush pads, and a general air of reservation. If the average Current Value tune is up at 11 on the energy scale, these ones weigh in more in the 6-7 range.
The resulting aesthetic makes for some of the most interesting material the German producer has come out with in recent times, with more emphasis on contrasting sonic elements and interesting grooves. The atmospherics in particular are top notch, particularly on EP highlights Bigger Picture and Reconsider. Here’s hoping Current Value decides to give us more of these delicate compositions in future! The Scalar EP drops May 5th; hit up the 31 Store to grab it on vinyl or digital.
Another brand new exclusive for you today from UK liquid producer Low:r who lands on Terra Firma with cracking melodic roller Harmonize It. Playful chimes, warm bass vibrations and tight breaks make for an exuberant production worthy of both the living room and the club. Nice! Watch out for this coming on the Terra Firma Vol. 1 EP; Beatport exclusive from May 8th with full release following on the 22nd.
Ultra deep vibes on our latest premiere as Ignore lands on Sinuous Records with a soft slice of halftime D&B. Melancholy piano and ethereal pads on the intro give way to a sparse beat and weighty sub pressure, with a selection of intricate hats adding flavour as the kick line drives the track along. Hypnotic stuff. Look out for this one dropping Monday 1st May at all good digital stores!