Mystic State – Tactic Systems EP [Flexout Audio]

Mystic State are back with a really varied EP for Flexout Audio showcasing the duos ample talents. The vocal talents of Lucy Kitchen open the EP over the beautiful melodies and deep atmospheres of Slip Away, a track which feels more aimed at the armchair than the dancefloor. Gremlinz collab Don’t Start switches the tone, heading for darker territory with Megatron MC on the mic.

Far Cry continues that trend with more weighty halftime shenanigans that ooze dark atmosphere. Last but not least, Faded heads back to warmer and more musical territory, with a playful back beat, hypnotic melodies and a hint of dub. It’s great to hear the duo pushing the envelope in terms of what the 170 sound can encompass! Check out the clips below and look for this at all good digital stores from Mar 30th.

Mauoq – Aerosolid (Medika Rmx) / Free The Past VIP

Four years of silence have passed since Mauoq Music’s first release, but Mauoq has finally taken it upon himself to revive the imprint with two fresh new takes on the tracks from the first release. Medika turns in a fresh remix of Aerosolid while Mauoq revisits Free The Past for a new VIP. Both tracks deliver exactly the kind of deep, atmospheric halfstep the man has made his name delivering over the past few years; no surprises, but plenty to enjoy. Check out the clips below and grab this one from Bandcamp now, with full release following from Feb 20th.

G.H.O.S.T – Syrup EP [Goldman Records]

G.H.O.S.T’s latest beats on their own Goldman Records imprint were a pleasant surprise when they fell into the Dojo inbox, and it’s safe to say I’ll be keeping an eye on these guys in future. The Syrup EP features a tasty selection; the title track providing a deep, subby slice of atmospheric liquid to open the salvo, with soft pads and crisp breaks giving the tune definition and character.

On the flip things get a hefty switchup, with Swinger exploring glitchy, hip-hop infused territory at halftime tempo and Pecker providing a skittering hyper-syncopated drum workout. Last but by no means least Endless Blue heads back in a more fluid direction, taking it’s cues from the classic drumfunk and intelligent D&B of yesteryear. Vinyl fans can grab the EP on wax from Bandcamp and the digital versions should be available at all good digital stores from December 1st.

Ghast – The Drake Equation EP [Free Love Digi]

Free Love Digi bring us yet another essential release, cementing the label’s reputation for cutting edge 170BPM sounds. Nootropics opens the salvo on Ghast’s latest work, showing a clever progression from the raging tech of the drop into the mellower and more atmospheric tones of the second half of the track. Retrovertigo sees this atmosphere flowing onwards into glitchy, half-time drums and deep, rich synth leads and atmospheres.

The Drake Equation brings the tone to a darker place again, with creepy synths and frenetic, jungle-infused drums clattering away as the tune drives along. Last but not least Vice Versa brings together twisted jazz licks, eastern vocal cut ups and a slouching, hip-hop-ish beat for the EP’s most “far out” track. Truly innovative stuff. Check out the clips below and grab this from your favourite digital store from December 1st.

Sabre – Yoga [Plasma Collaborative]

Melbourne’s Plasma Collaborative imprint return after a fairly lengthy hiatus with their second release, keeping the quality high and the beats innovative. A-side Yoga sees Sabre exploring the hip-hopy halftime sound with creepy bleeped up melodies and dark, grimey bass. Plenty of swagger on this one!

The flip comes from Cruel Culture & Keosz, who serve up a weird slice of atmospheric D&B characterised by a hectic and unconventional beat pattern and a fairly busy mix of musical elements. The title of Threat certainly captures the frantic, dangerous vibe of the tune. Check out the clips below and look for this one right now at all good digital stores.

Low Profile – Distance Awareness [Reserve Audio]

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As regular readers may have noticed we always love getting sent something unexpected, and the Distance Awareness LP provided a pleasant surprise when it fell into our mailbox recently.

Fans of the deeper and more atmospheric end of D&B and it’s crossover with other forms of electronica will definitely enjoy this one, as the Prague based duo take us a journey spanning ten tracks and taking in influence from dub, hip-hop, minimal D&B and beyond. Favourable comparisons with Kryptic Minds’ dubstep outings and the sort of half-time beats coming out of the Samurai Music stable spring to mind, but that’s not to say this is mere copycatting; there’s plenty of originality to be found here.

Ultimately the music is always best left to speak for itself, so check out the tracks below and grab the LP from Bandcamp now!

Clarity – Hell’s Gate [Samurai Music]

Samurai warm us up for the impending release of Clarity’s debut LP with a 3 track EP featuring the man’s deep, dark riddims. Hell’s Gate sees T Man take the mic for a gloomy stepper imbued with an appropriately confrontational vocal, while Engineering brings on board regular partner in crime Overlook for an exercise in atmosphere and percussion precision. The bongo rolls and rumbling sub give this a really hypnotic vibe.

Last but by no means least, Hours delivers more ominous, tribal rhythms, with reverb-drenched pads and echoing gongs washing over crisp hats and an insistent kick/snare line. Check out the clips below and head over to the Samurai Store to grab the release on vinyl or digital.

If you want more from Clarity look no further than the latest episode of the Samurai Music podcast where you’ll find an hour long mix showcasing tracks from the EP alongside other selections from the experimental end of the 170 spectrum.

Horo Vision [Samurai Horo]

Samurai make an unusual break from their vinyl releases to bring us a retrospective digital release of the previously vinyl-only Horo series. In order to stay true to the series (and presumably avoid angering the vinyl collectors who’ve spent a significant amount of cash collecting the original releases), the new digital compilation only features one track from each of the 12″s; the rest will remain vinyl exclusives.

As fans of the label’s output will expect, the tracks on show are deep, dark and experimental, pushing the boundaries of what D&B is or should be. ASC’s contributions prove varied and excellent as usual, bringing together lush deep-techno and ambient influences with his unusual percussive elements. Other highlights come from Synkro’s Kiyoko alias on the lush downtempo ambience of Track 3 and from Clarity & Overlook on the ominous and angular Rohypnol. Honestly though picking favourites is tough; every track on here is more than worthy of your time and attention.

The limited edition CD being offered has already sold out, but you can still snap up the digital bundle direct from the brand new Samurai web store. Check out the clips below and grab the release now.

Brand New World LP [Nurtured Beatz]

Nurtured Beatz have been carving a nice little niche for themselves since the label’s inception in 2013 and their 5th release sees them upping the ante with a 15 track Various Artists LP featuring up and coming producers alongside scene stalwarts like Genotype, all turning in deep dark 170BPM business.

Highlights come in the form of the kick heavy drum lines of Kolectiv & Incognito’s Circle Of Sound, the gloomy half-time atmosphere of Mystic State’s Street Talk and the menacing distorted snares and 90s techstep vibe of Paragon’s Detractors. Check out all the LPs tracks below and grab a copy from your favourite digital outlet now!

Dabs – Stentah / Half Truth [Horizons Music]

Dabs brings another pair of innovative beats to the ever busy Horizons Music roster. Stentah sees MC Kwality step up on vocal duties, providing a ragga style toast to a distinctly dub and dancehall influenced riddim. Hints of jungle peak through the unusual drum arrangements, keeping the energy D&B while refusing to drop into an obvious rolling break.

Half Truth brings HLZ and Need for Mirrors into the mix for a deep, melancholic roller. Crisp, insistent high hats and hefty sub provides the backbone of the tune, with a liberal sprinkling of piano and strings giving the beat character and soul.

Head over to the Horizons store to grab this on vinyl or digital now.