Classic Track: Mouly & Lucida – Chilled

While I had some difficulty choosing which Mouly and Lucida tune to select for this week’s classic track, I ultimately let the vibes guide me. The smooth glide through the cool cosmos that is Chilled ended up being my choice, but don’t let that in any way discourage you from giving the amazing Inertia a listen as well; both are equally quintessential examples of the Intelligent Drum & Bass sound that has aged like a fine wine.

Who could deny this 1995 charmer from the top-quality Timeless Recordings label? Serene synth chords underlaid with a soft, gritty texture invite the listener, followed by alluring vocal fills and snappy drums. Strings that sing as well as percussive pops melt into this blissful blast from the past. The song’s second half carries a catchy Rhodes improv that speaks to Mouly and Lucida’s skill in capturing unique sonic portraits. The overall mix here is brilliant – Chilled is an ethereal piece that sounds as if it were wrapped in silk.

Written by Luke Kessler

Premiere: GY96 – 2 Chevrons

That vintage jungle sound on today’s premiere as GY96 drops a brand new release. Vintage synths and outboard gear power a tune which sounds exactly that – vintage. Check it out and hit up Bandcamp to grab a copy right now.

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DNB Dojo Podcast #41 – Mar 2020

In these uncertain and slightly surreal times we could all use some distractions, and with that in mind Hex is back with a fresh selection of D&B. New cuts inside from VRUM, Data 3, Nickbee, Lux, Special Victims, InsideInfo and many more, plus a brand new track from Hex himself.

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.

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Premiere: MAE917 – Hex

MAE917 lands in our premiere spotlight with a track that some of you may recognise from Dojo Podcast #40. Deep tech vibes with loads of detail…look for this coming to Strictly Deep DNB very soon!

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Premiere: Simstah – 2020

Another top notch release from re:st in our premiere spotlight today with Swiss producer Simstah at the controls. Intricate halftime drum patterns and brooding basslines on this one…wicked tune. Watch out for the vinyl coming April 10th at all good wax boutiques…

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Classic Track: Parallax – Watercolours

In times of hardship such as what we’re currently seeing in the world, a respite, an escape, is sorely needed. Today we dig deep to find a 1997 Drum & Bass gem by Parallax that can offer a breath of fresh air. This delightfully mellow A-Side comes from the archives of Urban Flavour Records, the brainchild of Tricksta, that would eventually evolve into Nu-Directions – a label that featured notable artists including ASC, Need for Mirrors, and BCee, among others.

Watercolours paints a picture of rich tones filled with pleasing, even pensive, auras. Gentle stabs punctuate phrases that emanate vibrant, ambient acuity. This song glides about with an elegant air, aided by tasteful piano and synth runs. A pure bassline and smart breaks congeal into a jazzy groove that breathes a dynamic spirit into the track. And that switch-up in the latter half? A stroke of genius. A much needed escape, indeed!

Written by Luke Kessler

Premiere: Forbidden Society – Dreamcatcher

Crunching bass textures on a dark and minimal new cut from Forbidden Society! Taken from his forthcoming Liminal Point LP, this one strips things back to the bone, with stark drum rhythms punctuated by sharp breakbeat assaults, powered along by groaning bass howls. Watch out for the album coming April 16th…

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Premiere: Unreal Project – PTSD

Unreal Project lands on Nurtured Beatz with an epic new slab of tech-edged goodness…PTSD invokes the spirit of classic early 2000s neuro from the likes of BSE and Jade; dancefloor chops and trancy synth pads. Look for this coming to digital stores from Mar 27th…

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