M-zine & Scepticz – Play EP [Blendits]

Rotterdam imprint Blendits has undoubtedly become one of the most dependable smaller D&B labels around over the past two years, playing host to varied and interesting productions from some of the best names in the underground scene. Their latest EP sees Belgian duo M-zine & Scepticz join the label roster and the results are a treat for anyone who’s a fan of chunky, detailed rollers.

Title track Play goes in heavy, with a satisfyingly thick bassline, sci-fi leads and stomping tech drums for a solid dancefloor workout. Singularity changes gears, stripping back the elements for a spooky, cerebral composition; this one is all in the drums and those faintly eerie pads.

Consonance pulls the classic bait and switch, lulling us into a false sense of security with what sounds like a lush liquid intro before dropping into a tough edged high-energy roller. The combination of heft and soul is reminiscent of some of Digital’s older work, and the results are equally impressive. Last but not least, we get gully again on the dark and dangerous sounds of Glimpsed.

Overall the Play EP presents four precise and deep yet utterly dancefloor-worthy slices of classic 2-step D&B business, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Check out the clips and hit up the Blendits bandcamp to buy the EP direct.

Handra – Forget EP [Addictive Behaviour]

Regular readers are probably already aware that we’re big fans of Addictive Behaviour; pretty much every release from the burgeoning London label has been a treat, and that tradition looks set to continue for some time based on their latest offering.

The Forget EP sees Polish duo Handra follow up the success of their previous releases for the label with two new tracks following their usual deep-leaning style. Forget kicks things off with another beautiful Tiiu-voxed roller, bringing together tough bass with soft piano and the Russian singer’s delightfully delicate strains. We’re suckers for a melancholy number here at Dojo HQ and this is up there with the best of them.

Arcane sees the energy levels rising as Mystic State join Handra in the studio for a gritty, vibe-full roller; simple but effective business as big splashy snares punctuate the growling bass under a layer of echoed rap vocals. Finally Ed:it rounds things off with a chunky remix of Far Away, swapping the deep halftime flex of the original with quirky but rolling drums and a more stripped back sound.

Once again the Addictive family are on top form! Check out the clips below and look for this on vinyl and digital right now…and if you can’t get enough Handra, go listen to their Showcase Mix for D&B Arena.

Escape EP [Blackhill Production]

We’re always thrilled to see smaller labels keeping the vinyl release alive so the news of Blackhill Productions first 12″ release put a big smile on our faces, doubly so when we heard the tunes gracing the wax!

Mexico-based producer Joakuim turns in two tough, moody rollers for the A side while label favourites Soundia and Plastiks each contribute a track for the flip; picking favourites here is tough but suffice to say if you like your D&B dark, techy and precise you won’t be disappointed at all!  Check out the clips below and hit up Bandcamp to grab the EP on vinyl or digital right now.

Revaux – Frostbite EP [Lifestyle]

We’ve been keeping an eye on Revaux for the last couple of years since hearing their releases for Slinkie Music and more recently Authentic, so naturally we were excited to hear their latest offerings for London’s Lifestyle Music!

The Frostbite EP keeps it punchy and concise, showcasing the Revaux sound across three new tracks. The material definitely keeps things dancefloor friendly but manages to retain a keen balance of atmosphere and melody alongside the rolling beats and bass heft; faceless throwaway fodder this is not. From the detailed punch of Head First through the deeper and more melodic Frostbite and out into the gut punching bass of Stand Off, Revaux are on fine form here!

It’s always a pleasure to hear dancefloor D&B with crisp sound design and at least a smidgen of soul, and that’s exactly what’s on offer here. Check out the clips below and hit up your favourite digital store to grab the EP now!

CIA 20 LP Sampler

CIA mark 20 years in the game with a massive new LP, and ahead of the main event there’s a cracking sampler just out featuring some top tracks from familiar label names.

DLR jumps in on the remix for Q Project’s anthemic Champion Sound, retaining the original’s distinctive synth hook but pairing it with an appropriately hefty selection of beats and bass for the current era of D&B. Sure fire dancefloor weapon!

Elsewhere Calibre delivers a characteristically smooth pinao-led roller in the form of Under Bars, and label dons Total Science throw down some fine break choppage on the dub-tinged Respect Due. There’s also a cheeky second remix of Champion Sound with DLR swapping out the beefy modern tech underpinnings of the 2016 remix for something a bit more jungle-y. Tasty stuff! Check out the clips below and hit up the CIA Bandcamp to grab this on vinyl or digital right now.

Classic Track: Zinc – Casino Royale

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It’s been a while since we found time for a Thursday classic track but it’s definitely long overdue, so with the sun shining here at Dojo HQ we’re digging in the DJ Zinc vaults for a look back at 2001 classic Casino Royale.

Featuring that signature Zinc rolling break and simple but effective garage-style bassline, this is just a big warm joyous slice of golden era D&B that might lack the complexity of newer tunes but nails the vibe perfectly. It’s a really recognisable number too and still a great choice for a feel-good set closer. We miss you Zinc…come back to D&B please!

DNB Dojo Mix Series 35: I Wannabe

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Ukrainian producer I Wannabe joins the Dojo ranks as he delivers the 35th instalment of our exclusive mix series! With releases on Formation, 22:22, Cymbalism and a host of other labels and collaborations with Sunchase among his work, this is a producer with a clear passion and talent for Drum & Bass.

His mix for DNB Dojo takes in everything from jazzy liquid rollers to deep halftime grit, with one eye kept firmly on the dancefloor. Uplifting, summery vibes; yes yes!

As usual you can check out the mix via Soundcloud below or head to YoutubeMixcloud, Hearthis.at or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.

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Kid Drama – Covering Ground EP [Exit]

The latest work from Kid Drama for Exit Records sees the man otherwise known as Jon Convex dipping his toes back into the more conventional D&B arena, kicking his new EP off with a distinctly Metalheadz-esque tech roller; super-crisp breaks and a simple array of dark bass stabs bring to mind classic tracks from the likes of Photek, and the groove is unarguably tight.

Appropriately for a release entitled Covering Ground the next track changes tack completely, bringing together glitchy, microfunk style percussion with shimmering melodies for a much more liquid-y number. Skeptical’s collaborative influence can definitely be heard in the drums while the IDM-style melodies of Convex’s excellent Mikarma project float above.

Up next comes Wasted Time, a track that could easily have been at home on the original run of Autonomic releases, playing with the halftime template and unusual synth sounds under a silky vocal from Alia Fresco. Last up, Consequence hops on board for the brooding, cinematic explorations of Shutter.

It’s great to hear Kid Drama collecting a relatively diverse array of material on this release and Exit is undoubtedly the perfect outlet for his aural excursions. Emotional and evocative as always; check out the clips below and hit up the Exit store to grab it on vinyl or digital from today.

DNB Dojo Mix Series 31: Reflektor

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Our latest mix comes from Canadian rising star Alex Reflektor. As one third of the Reflektor production trio his work has seen release for C Recordings with more beats due later this year on Black Tuna Recordings. As the group’s sole DJ Alex has flown the Reflektor flag in support of the likes of Metrik, Logistics, Drumsound & Bassline Smith and Cyantific.

For his Dojo mix Alex has chosen a fine selection of liquid rollers followed by a few techier numbers to close things out. Melodic numbers from the likes of BCee, LSB and Lenzman all feature in a smooth hour long ride. Tasty stuff!

As usual you can check out the mix via Soundcloud below or head to Mixcloud, Hearthis.at or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.

Icarus – Ride This Train (Ivy Lab Remix)
Treex – Can’t Go Home
LSB – The Hurting (Lenzman Remix)
Random Movement – We’ve Been Lost in Time (Talkin’)
Lenzman – Alright With Me (Alix Perez Remix)
BCee – Only You
BCee – Computer Brains
Limits – Fading Away (Sikey Remix)
LSB – Loop of Love
1991 – Sprites
Elliot Mac – Filter City
Flax – Blackball (Foreign Concept Remix)
LSB – It Finds You (feat. Tokyo Prose)
Dexcell – I Know (feat. Six Blade)
Benny L – Lava
Mindless – False Dub
Konichi – Those Days
Allied, Signal, Heamy – Omega Point
Signal – Moved On
Break – Gave Too Much (feat. Kyo)
DLR – Ask the Question (Instrumental)
DLR – Minds Eye (Instrumental)

DNB Dojo Mix Series 30: Flava

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Our latest mix comes from London underground radio veteran Flava! With nearly two decades experience behind the decks and some really promising recent forays into production alongside the likes of Digital and Horrific James, Flava is definitely one to watch this year.

For her Dojo mix Flava has put together a stomping selection featuring some classic rollers alongside fresh cuts from Digital’s new Synthesis LP and a few dubs for good measure. Wicked! For more info on Flava be sure to check out our interview here.

As usual you can check out the mix via Soundcloud below or head to Mixcloud, Hearthis.at or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.

Digital & Spirit vs. Flava & Dissect – Primal [Function]
Genotype – Big Man Tumps [Horizons]
Hibea – The Form [IM:LTD]
Digital, Flava & Horific James – Lava [Function]
Response – I Don’t Want To Go Outside [Commercial Suicide]
Digital & Villem – Sunbites [Metalheadz Dub]
Kantye – Toughbreaker [IM:LTD]
Foreign Concept & Bringa – Cemetery [Shogun]
Theory – Buckshot [444 Dub]
Flava, Digital & Dissect – The Test [Commercial Suicide Dub]
S.P.Y – Alone [Inneractive]
Flava & Digital – From The East [Commercial Suicide Dub]
Drumsound & Bassline Smith – Fire [Function]
Digital – Dirty Money (Amit & Outrage Remix) [Function]
Digital & Flava – Retard VIP [Function]
Digital, Spirit & Need For Mirrors – Infinity [Function]
Fracture & Neptune – The Limit [Astrophonica]