After a short break from releasing music’s finest format, TotalScience’sCIA imprint is back with four tracks from arguably drum and bass’ premier producer.
It’s always an exciting moment when new Calibre music becomes available to us all, and we’re delighted to be able to bring you four of his newest creations not just digitally, but also beautifully mastered, packaged up in a brand new CIA label sleeve, and pressed onto pristine black 140g vinyl.
Calibre showcases not only his versatility on the Dream Dubz EP, but also that sound that he’s known and loved for.
‘Another’ conveys his trademark sound albeit with a 2015 twist, whilst ‘Posh Boy’ sounds like it was made in anger, bringing forth a harder edged feel. ‘Dreamz Dub’ is one for the soundsystem crew, deep as you like but with serious weight to it. And rounding up the package is ‘Believe It’, which Calibre does in his truly inimitable style, a sublime roller packed with musicality and depth, everything he is known and loved for.
We’re extremely proud to release four tracks from a producer of his quality and reputation, and whether you decide to add this beautiful record to your collection, or the digital files to your hard drive, this music will stand the test of time regardless.
CIA Records is an imprint who has remained at the centre of drum & basses history, with esteemed producers Total Science creating it during the genre’s formative years in 1997.
The forthcoming EP on CIA, Field’s‘Intention Dub’, highlights the eclectic mix of artists who have joined the roster since its first release. Featuring a variety of collaborative producers, the six-track EP exemplifies the talented intricacies of Fields and his masterful song compositions. The names that run alongside Fields stand out within their own right, with underground stalwarts Mako, and McLeod, roller top dog Break, frequent partner Villem(who go under their pseudonym Mute) and Forren, who also makes an appearance. As a collective, they represent many of the artists who helped CIA build their impressive back catalogue.
Fields, Break, Villem & McLeod produce a heavyweight formula through‘Intention Dub’, an energetic roller which flips between its ingenious use of instrumentals and flicking bass stabs. Its beginning drum rolls create a formation of what’s to come from such a formidable outfit of artists, warming up the track for its full audio assault as it breaks.‘Takashi’ moves forward with the help of Forren, kicking into play amongst cackling snares and lunging kick drums. Following‘Takashi’ is‘Full Court Press’, drawing in the straight-cut production style and methodically chiselled compositions which make this EP such a stand out offering. The like of Fields’ and Mako’s‘Price of Imagination’ pushes you through thoroughly built channels with shifting under layers of hi-hats and shattering snare. Its bassline provides a throbbing undercurrent, which offers a weightier edge. Villem then joins Fields for their next collaboration‘Kryos’, which is stepped down but still states it presence with every clambering break.‘City Soul’ is an individual release from Fields focusing on the same percussive atmosphere and it streams throughout its mix. It sets a backdrop for early mornings and late night sets, drawing for the minimalistic style which has helped propel his career. One prevalent throughout his‘Intention Dub’ EP.
The package stands for what CIA deliver time after time; pivotal music releases which have remained of the highest standards for over two decades. And Fields has helped them achieve this yet again with another incredible EP.
a1. Fields, Break, Villem & Mcleod - Intention Dub
With an incredible back catalogue, C.I.A Records are a staple in D&B culture, having being responsible for some of the most iconic music to grace the scene. Emphasis on authenticity and quality control has resulted in flawless output revered upon dancefloors worldwide. Following the recent success of Riya's Hurt Heals EP, there's no holding back as C.I.A makes way for the third instalment in the Classified series, a 4 track killer combination featuring the heavyweight talents of Total Science, Villem, Critical Impact, Jakes and Arcatype.
The first track sees Villem step up to remix 'False Alarm' by Total Science, Quadrant & Iris. Flexing his technical prowess with this chest-shattering offering, Villem teases sonorous atmospherics around sharp percussive hits, building to a medley of full impact subsonic weight and aggressive drum patterns that cut right through the mix. For his debut appearance on the label, Critical Impact teams up with vocal powerhouse Jakes to deliver 'Geeks and Geez.' Critical Impact combines deep, rumbling subs and resonant mid tones which go hand-in-hand with Jakes' raw vocal energy and no-nonsense lyricism, making this a sure-fire dancefloor heavy hitter for the masses. For the third track, Total Science drop 'What I Need'; a beautifully crafted composition filled with tranquil pads and articulate rolling drums serving as a solid backbone. Reversed atmospherics and glistening pianos swell in and out of the track with a deep, warm sub to bring it all together. Finally, Arcatype's 'Cascade' is an immersive roller bursting with ethereal tones and snappy percussions, taking you on a journey of rolled out sub lines and mid-range stabs washed with subtle reverb and delay.
Classified V3 delivers an across-the-board, cutting-edge offering of their signature D&B blend. Combining the raw energy of 'False Alarm' and 'Geeks and Geez' alongside the deep overtones of 'What I Need' and 'Cascade' Classified V3 is solid proof that C.I.A are always at the top of their game, rolling strong since 1996 with no sign of turning back.
Total Science are back to grace their own imprint CIA Records, and this time they enlist the musical and technical prowess of fellow Bristol associates Hydro and War alongside themselves on The Reign EP.
Made up of four killer slabs of fast paced, moving and deep Drum & Bass, the influence of each party is immediately obvious in each track. Total Science are infamous for their breaks and rave influences that have often been present in their music since they first started releasing in the early 1990’s. Hydro has been releasing music since 2007, working with a slew of respected producers such as Break, DLR, FD and Halogenix amongst many others. He is infamous for his epic sample collection and the deep and deadly vibe that he brings to tracks. And the young French extraordinaire War has already shown he is a force to be reckoned with, consistently releasing music with a sublime depth and musicality that belies his age – and also a power and punch that consistently rips clubs to shreds.
The Reign EP brings the finest attributes of each of the parties to the table, and results in a well-rounded collection of music that offers something to a wide range of listeners. Whether you want to lock them into a groove, tear the roof off the club, or get them thinking about what will come next in this world, The Reign EP has it in spades.
Itʼs a well-known fact that Total Science are massive winners – or weiners, depending which sausage factory you bump into them at. And here with their brand new Turn Around EP, theyʼre now putting that into vinyl format with some of their nearest and dearest fellow victors.
Comprised of four killer cuts that combine a raft of their influences, the title track Turn Around takes you back to the early 90ʼs jungle sound. They combine once again with Symmetry label boss and all round drum and bass badman Break for Big Time Winners, summoning the ghost of rave past. The Music Master Calibre steps into the CIA fray once again to remix the beautiful TS classic Walk The Same Lines with Riya; and they also combine with fellow Bristol resident and technical wizard DLR on Too Close For Comfort, taking you down a deep rabbit hole.
Total Scienceʼs Turn Around EP signals their intent for 2017 – consider this your first warning!
a1. Total Science - Turn Around
a2. Total Science & Break - Big Time Winners
b1. Total Science feat. Riya - Walk The Same Lines (Calibre Remix)
CIAare very happy to once again welcome the infamous Flying Dutchman to the fold, Mr Nymfo! With his smooth n sexy ʻGame Of Loveʼ still ringing out loud on the CIA 20 LP, the notorious DJ and Producer returns for his fourth solo release with the camp, in the shape of his ʻStop Motion EPʼ.
Teaming up with Drum & Bass Number 1 vocalist Riyafor the EPʼs lead track, ʻSomething Tells Meʼis the perfect harmony of Nymfoʼs weighty yet nuanced beats and Riyaʼs song writing ability. Solid drums and heavy bass sit neatly alongside a sublime piano hook, and a beautiful performance from the vocalist makes for a peak time sing along track.
ʻBarflyʼand ʻStop Motionʼare possibly more classic slices of Nymfo production. The first invokes thoughts of late 90ʼs Bristol raves and rollers whilst summoning the spirit of James Brown and the second harks back to the Icicle & Nymfo classic ʻFrankie Mountainʼ and Digital & Spirit rave destroyers!
ʻBread& Butterʼcloses out the EP in once again more melodic style, Nymfo showing yet another string to his bow with an arppegiated synth line leading the track into classic late night rollers territory.
This year sees Total Science celebrate the 20th birthday of their CIA Records label. Known as a breeding ground for new and exciting producers, as well as a platform for bonafide legends of the scene to release their tracks, two decades down the line, the label continues to consistently release great music. To help celebrate this impressive landmark, Total Science will release the ʻCIA 20ʼ LP this summer.
A sampler drops first on 3rd June announcing the project in style. Three killer tracks come on vinyl, with a digital bonus wrapping up the package.
Q Projectʼs ʻChampion Soundʼ was one of the most important and iconic tracks of the early 90ʼs rave scene. The trackʼs hook is instantly recognisable and itʼs bassline consistently takes dancefloors apart. For the sampler itʼs given a 2016 update by one of Drum & Bassʼ most technically gifted and astute producers, DLR. Heʼs managed to maintain the essence of the track, while giving it a serious update. Since itʼs first airing on BBC Radio 1, the remix has taken the scene by storm and will be heard reverberating in clubs worldwide for months to come.
Calibre graces the label once again, with another trademark slice of musical goodness. ʻUnder Barsʼ is classic Calibre – rolling, harmonic, understated gracefulness, itʼs a track that shows exactly why he is one of the most respected producers in contemporary Drum & Bass.
Label owners Total Science also step up to the plate with ʻRespect Dueʼ. It showcases the trademark style the guys are so well known for, classic but tightly produced breaks, ravey bleeps and vocals, and yet another club and sound system punishing bassline.
CIA is back once again, this time with a seriously weighty EP contribution from Newcastleʼs finest, Chroma!
Having already supplied the label with two absolute gems in the form of ʻIntermissionʼand their ʻWoonga Remixʼ, we asked them back to come and blow the doors off once again, and theyʼve come and done it in style with their ʻOutline EPʼ. Formed of 3 tracks on vinyl and one digital exclusive, this one looks set to rip the dances apart.
Opening up with the title track ʻOutlineʼ, weʼre taken back to the legendary jungle years, with the track based around a break we all know and love. Catchy vocal edits, ear-bending mid basses and banging 808 subs tie it all together to make a track thatʼll take the ravers back to that Golden Age.
Next up is ʻHodrullʼ, most probably named after all of our favourite Emu loverʼs big boss. The tune has some serious big-boss-ness about it too, stepping out tight and heavy, maybe perfect for tuning your TV to.
ChromaʼsʻIntermissionʼwas a big tune. It got a lot of rotation when it first came out, and was a staple in many peopleʼs sets for a long time after. How to raise the bar on that? Get the one and only badman Break in to remix it! This one ensures dancefloor devestation and smashes it everytime.
2016 sees Total Science’s resplendent CIA label start the year with a bang with four seriously choice cuts from label associates both old and new on the brand spanking ‘ClassifiedV2’ EP.
Ed:It&Pennygiles’ ‘Set Theory’ made some serious waves when it dropped on the label in 2014. Its killer bassline had dance floors bouncing and so it was time to bring in the kings of DnB big bottom to give it a new twist for 2016 – Ulterior Motive. Known for their next level bass science, UM have come in and, without straying too far from the original idea, tightened and updated it. It may sound deep at home, but on a club system, this one goes off every time.
Next up is ‘Wanna B 3’, from ST Files & Response. ST first graced CIA all the way back in 2001 with ‘305’. His and Response’s collaboration here comes in the form of a deep and hypnotic Detroit tinged roller. A perfect track for rolling out in the mix, it’s the ideal tool for setting a vibe and getting the club locked in.
‘FoundA Reason Why’ from Total Science& FD lifts the mood back up. This is the friend’s first collaboration, and brings elements typical of each other’s tracks. A simple piano hook, catchy vocal and arrangement make this a great tune for the club. But it’s the epic breakdown in the middle that really takes the tune and listener to another level, building up till it’s guaranteed party time once again.
Villem& McLeod wrap up the EP with ‘Strange You’. A super tight halftime number, it’s flittering percussion and edits sit neatly alongside the morphing talking bassline after a smooth and cinematic intro. It draws the listener in with its softer elements and layered feel, but then sets the floor alight with it’s big sound and rolling beat.
a1. Ed:it & Pennygiles - Set Theory (Ulterior Motive Remix)
