Marcus Intalex EP [Sun & Bass]

Posted on 30th April 2018 by DNB Dojo

The tragic and sudden loss of Marcus Intalex last year came as a huge shock to many within the scene; given his deep roots, friendly demeanour and constant presence in D&B he had the air of a father or grandfather figure, and he left a huge hole not easily filled.

Thankfully his presence lives on via a slew of posthumous releases, the latest of which has just arrived via Sun & Bass Recordings; a fitting home given his regular appearances and recent curator’s role at the festival.

The tracks on show here are vintage Intalex; Deep Stepper blends the influence of house and techno in its grooving lead with a steady D&B backbeat, while Ninety One goes deep and dark on a Metalheadz-esque combination of static snares and groaning bassline.

The standout track for us here at Dojo HQ though is Roller 170; doing exactly what it says on the tin, this is a slick liquid roller with a beautiful progression and tons of that inimitable Marcus character. We only wish he were still around to roll it out at Sun & Bass…rest in peace Marcus.

Check out the clips below and then head over here to grab the EP on vinyl or digital right now.

RIP Marcus Intalex

Posted on 29th May 2017 by DNB Dojo

We’re incredibly sad to have to bring you the news that Marcus Kaye, better known to D&B fans as Marcus Intalex, passed away yesterday. Marcus was a true legend of the scene, whether producing D&B under the Intalex moniker, producing techno as Trevino or flying the flag at Soul:r, his much respected imprint and the home of LSB, DRS and Calibre to name only a few. Our thoughts are with his family at this exceptionally difficult time.

It seems only right to remember Marcus through his music, so here are a few of our favourites from over the years. Rest in peace Marcus…you will be missed.

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MDZ.02 2017 Re-Mastered [Metalheadz]

Posted on 10th April 2017 by Layla Marino

In 2015, the legendary DnB label Metalheadz embarked on a project to re-master and re-release all of its classic tunes from the 90s and beyond. This was presumably done for DJs, to give high-quality downloads of early-era songs to those who have updated their equipment but not their tastes.

What it has effectively done on top of that, however, is to expose younger generations of ravers to the wonders of the Metalheadz archives, as well as to producers and sub-genres which, if not forgotten, were buried in the record crates of first-and-second-generation junglists and D&B heads. Now even the grumpiest vinyl-loving old school heads can listen to a crisp, clean WAV of Marcus Intalex’s My Soul on their computers if they so choose.

The most recent release from the “Re-Mastered” project is of 2002’s MDZ.02. Just released on Friday, this 11-track retrospective contains classics from the likes of Klute, Teebee, Loxy & Ink and a special Usual Suspects track called Tribute, an homage to the influential D&B MC Kendo, who’d recently passed at the time the track was released.

2002 was an interesting transitional time for drum and bass. Beats became much faster, samples started to be influenced by hip hop, R&B and rave, and jungle and drum and bass structures started to merge in ways that many felt were unthinkable. Metalheadz was right on the forefront of this change and its surrounding controversy, riding the crest to emerge as the well-established and cutting-edge label it is today.

MDZ.02 2017 isn’t up on Discogs yet, but it can be purchased in a number of formats on the Metalheadz website and clips can be streamed on Soundcloud.

Written by Layla Marino

Blog: (Dropping) Weird Science
Twitter/IG: @dropweirdsci

Marcus Intalex – Four:fit 8 [Soul:R]

Posted on 26th June 2016 by DNB Dojo

The four track EP has a fine heritage in drum & bass, and with good reason. While everyone loves a solid two track single, the EP format allows for the exploration of a theme, either by a single artist or a like-minded collective. It doesn’t carry the pressure of an album, but it provides a great platform for creative expression across an easily digestible four-course musical meal.

While the heritage of these EPs very much lies in the distant vinyl heyday of the scene, the format has nonetheless carried through to the digital era and its appeal proves undiminished by the digital format. Enter Soul:R, and their hugely enjoyable Four:fit series, which now delivers its eighth volume courtesy of label chieftain Marcus Intalex.

With a host of strong entries to the series from the likes of Calibre, Seba and Skeptical there was a high bar to meet here, but the ever reliable Intalex has turned in a solid selection more than worthy of the existing legacy. From the deep halftime growlings of Mixed Bag, through the stark, moody Step Forward and into rowdy amen smasher (and Dojo highlight) Jupiter, this is vintage Marcus through and through, and the EP closer sees Lynx hop on board for a fantastic roller on Stingray.

Once again Soul:R are at the top of the game when it comes to deep but still dancefloor worthy D&B. Check out the tracks below and hit up their Bandcamp store to grab a copy on vinyl or digital right now!

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DRS – The Puppeteer / Emergency [Soul:R]

Posted on 12th January 2015 by DNB Dojo

Soul:R warm up for the impending arrival of DRS’s sophomore LP (following up 2012’s rather excellent I Don’t Usually Like MCs But…) with a new single showcasing the first of the album’s wares. Jubei provides production on dancefloor stomper The Puppeteer on the A-side while Marcus Intalex brings the dubby vibes on Emergency on the flip. Check out the tracks below and grab them exclusively from the Soul:R Bandcamp now; full release following from Jan 19th.

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Future Beats – The Album [31 Recordings]

Posted on 12th December 2014 by DNB Dojo

The relaunch of Doc Scott’s 31 Recordings imprint has been the cause for much celebration across the scene, and the label’s output has been absolutely stellar. Rounding off 2014 in style, they’ve unveiled a massive 24 track compilation featuring artists from across the D&B spectrum, and frankly pretty much all of it is excellent.

The huge selection takes in half-time beats from Sinistarr and Ital Tek, future jungle from Moresounds, liquid rollers from Bungle and Calibre, rowdy techstep from SCAR and plenty more besides. Special mentions have to go out to the broody, militant syncopations of House of Lanterns’ Take Control, the ethereal atmospherics of Hidden Turn’s Dream of Tron and the bleepy, atmospheric vibes of Gremlinz Forlorn, but honestly the whole LP is of such a high standard that picking favourites is pretty tough. Check out clips of all the tracks below and head over to the 31 Recordings store to preorder the compilation on vinyl or digital now – the release drops on December 15th.

Sun & Bass 2013 Review – Part 2

Posted on 17th September 2013 by DNB Dojo

Our review of Sun & Bass continues with coverage of the second half of the week. Check out part one here if you missed it, otherwise read on…

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Marcus Intalex – Riots / Hell 2 Pay [Metalheadz]

Posted on 2nd June 2013 by DNB Dojo

Intalex and Metalheadz…two names that have been so long established in the scene coming together can seldom mean anything other than good things. Riots on the A-side left me a bit cold but Hell 2 Pay over on the flip is the business…taking things straight back to the late 90s and the sounds of Photek, this tune is all about the tight break and the distinctive old school stabs.

Check it out below and grab it from your favourite store, out now!

Bungle – Astral Travel / Aura [Soul:R]

Posted on 15th January 2013 by DNB Dojo

Marcus Intalex‘s much esteemed Soul:R imprint had an excellent 2012 and it seems that 2013 is gonna be no different. To open up the release schedule they’ve got a stunning release from Brazilian producer Bungle, and one which Intalex himself has described as ‘the best Soul:R 12″ there has been for a long time’. For once the fine words of Flava Flav are wrong – believe the hype!

Astral Travel on the A side is a beautiful understated roller than brings to mind Calibre’s best work, with simple, warm synth lines and a crisp, clean break combining to almost ethereal effect. Aura on the flip keeps things deep but changes pace slightly with an ever so slightly angular beat pattern, but again combined with superb uplifting synth leads and piano to create something simple and elegant.

Check out the tunes below and watch out for the release on Jan 21st!

Phil Tangent – Restitution [Soul:R]

Posted on 15th December 2012 by DNB Dojo

Soul:R have had a brilliant year and are aiming to round it off in style with their last few singles, one of which comes from the very talented Phil Tangent. Phil delivers deep vibes throughout, from the ethereal synths and rolling breakbeats of Restitution on the A side to the slightly grittier vibes of Squaring The Circle on the flip, featuring a cheeky vocal sample of none other than Bjork!

Look out for this one dropping December 10th on Soul:R.

DNB Dojo

Drum & Bass News and Reviews

Tag Archives: Marcus Intalex