Once again we’ve been inundated with quality music in the Dojo inbox and despite the bonus extra day February has vanished before we could write it all up! Here’s some coverage of the best of the rest including new music from Alix Perez & Ivy Lab, Calibre, Hanover, SCAR, Bone and more…
Today’s classic track is a personal favourite from my vinyl collection, and an often overlooked gem from Calibre’s back catalogue. The B-side to the far more commonly heard Steptoe, Silence is a masterclass in the deep, rolling euphoria that Calibre is so well known for. Crisp breaks, warm bass and a simple but infectious set of chords combine to create an uplifting composition that works again and again. Check it out below and lose yourself in the melodies.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXm7AIzFAoQ]
Dominic Petrie delivers the third in our exclusive mix series with a tidy half hour mix of deep, forward thinking D&B. With releases on Fuzion, Lifestyle, Nerve and Sound Artillery and a residency at Edinburgh’s Xplicit clubnight, Dominic (previously known as Y2D) has been building quite a rep as both a producer and a DJ, as evidenced by this mix.
For the mix Dom has compiled a tasty 30 minute selection of deeper beats from the likes of Calibre, Mutt, Alix Perez and Burial. He’s even opened it up with a cheeky dub of his very own. Check it out below and grab a free download from MediaFire, or check it out on Mixcloud.
Dominic Petrie – Silver linings (Dub)
Anile – Another year (Med School)
Mutt – I used to (Fokuz)
Calibre – Key flix (Signature)
Alix Perez – Playing games (Shogun)
Calibre – Think on (Signature)
Blocks and Escher – Embers (Narratives)
Double O – Soul Warrior (Rupture)
Calibre – Sick of it all (Signature)
Penny Giles – Love come running free (Alignment)
Eveson – Found a groove (Liquid V)
Double O – Blackula (Rupture)
Burial – Near dark (Hyperdub)
The almost annual event that is a new album from the legendary Calibre is always a treat, and his 9th full length release keeps the quality high without falling into overly formulaic territory. Tracks like Think On, Key Flix and Simple Things provide the rolling, understated liquid we’ve come to know and love from the music man, while Cully Bridge explores slightly funkier territory with some interestingly treated vocal samples and Running adds a wee hint of samba with a great little guitar lick.
Elsewhere Sick Of It All explores moody, ethereal half-step, Keep Control superbly blends orchestral flourish with a tough, stepping beat and Wilderness sees an effortlessly soulful collaboration with vocalist Steo. Perhaps the most stand-out track on the album however comes in the form of Start Again, which sees Calibre teaming up with MC Chimpo to deliver a gritty, half stepping number that oozes atmosphere. Dark, oscillating bass, tight hats and deep, Mancunian tones; yes please!
Unfortunately only two previews of the album are up online so to hear the rest you’ll just have to buy yourself a copy from Surus, but trust me, you’ll not regret it.
Calibre has always been a quiet, enigmatic legend; he doesn’t play out regularly, nor does he often deal with the press, and he’s never bothered to maintain much of an online presence, preferring to let his tunes speak for themselves. Good for him then that they speak volumes, in a soothing, soulful tone of voice. Already held in immense esteem by most of the drum & bass community, his induction into the Fabriclive hall of fame merely cements the position he’s been occupying for well over a decade.
Those familiar with Calibre’s output will find few surprises but plenty to love on his mix for Fabric. Comprised mostly of his own tunes or remixes, the rest of the material comes from the likes of Lynx, dBridge and Marcus Intalex. The mix is an effortless journey through deep, soulful, melancholy drum & bass, and the selection is complemented by absolutely pitch perfect mixing from one tune to the next.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkmfomqodLs]
Fans of the deeper side of the genre shouldn’t hesitate to grab a copy of this when it hits the shelves on March 18th. I know I’ll be coming back to this one time and time again!
Photo courtesy of Jimmy Mould & Fabric