"Just Valance being Valance, I'm no underground glitch legend or pioneer as I never cared for a title, just an individual who puts sounds together and embraces the outcome whether it's light or dark. Capturing emotions from complex patterns. I don't betray myself. Not for status. Not for power. Not for money. Not to fit into a stereotype. Not to look a certain way. Not for approval as patience and sacrifice is required to build anything.
Some aspects of the world are getting uglier every day and every ray of hope is vital to tilt the balance." - Valance Drakes
A1 Valance Drakes - Grown Weary Of Their Kindness
A2 Valance Drakes - Awaken Old Memories From Their Slumber
A3 Valance Drakes - Angels Can Still Feel Fear
A4 Valance Drakes - Those That Tell You Winning Lies
B1 Valance Drakes - The Man Who Trade Obediences For A Title
B2 Valance Drakes - Behaviour Never Stand Still
B3 Valance Drakes - In The Nest Of Complex Questions
“To make authentic Jungle you’ve got to get the breaks right sonically and LMajor does that without effort. Something in the tone of his drums really spoke to me and I knew im- mediately I wanted a record for Astrophonica. Authentic UKG is also all in the drums and it turns out he can do those too. Throw in some killer hooks and riffs and it’s the perfect combination - full of vibe and character” - Fracture
Can’t Do It’ is raw dance floor Jungle in a drawn out and journey like fashion. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. Incredibly fun to mix - can you do it?
‘Spinnin’ is all blissed out UKG with dizzying chord stabs and vocal ticks. Wait for the irre- sistible walking bass line to take you by the arm and go for a stroll.
The drums in ’Feelin’ are so in the pocket that there’s no space for your wallet and keys so forget them and just bubble. Heavy sub bass will have the rest of your jeans flapping.
‘Hush’ closes the EP on a high with trademark LMajor breaks and drawn out arrangement. No need to rush this one, just tune out to the rhodes and Think break workout before the lashing and metallic Amen ramps up the excitement. Shhh, just listen.
"Artificial Intelligence has been a fascinating area for me since 2017, and Cypher is a body of my work, an album, that draws heavily on it for inspiration. I tried to combine classical elements and modern techniques as much as possible when creating it, so that it has both a sense of the familiar and the new. I created the artwork by programming a GAN algorithm using face-transfer concept in combination with a street-art dataset from Istanbul."
‘still slipping vol.1’ is the debut full length project from Joy Orbison. Fans of Joy O’s DJ sets and radio shows will already be aware of his diverse tastes and inspirations, represented here through a roll call of delicately curated, mainly UK, collaborators that include Herron, James Massiah, Bathe, Léa Sen, Goya Gumbani and TYSON. Just as important are the voices of Joy Orbison's family - mum, dad, sister Sarah, uncle Frankie, uncle Keith (recently departed), auntie Helen and cousins Lola and Mia, as well as Leighann, who was the first person to introduce him to drum and bass and garage as a kid and stars on the mixtape’s cover art. They appear throughout the record via a series of voice notes, his only contact with his family during this year of worldwide lockdown and an intimate, vicarious glimpse into the personal world of an artist who has generally side-stepped the public gaze.
Slick jungle, low-slung broken beat and even a deep house banger, 'Interlocked' assembles 8 tracks of some of the purest old-school vibes by a veteran of the scene under a brand new alias for a frustrated and precarious (post)-lockdown summer. Tapping the drama and energy of the largely pre-generic party days of '91-94 - a halcyon time of transition in which Drumskull himself, as a life-long skater otherwise stoked on the the raw energy of 80s skate video soundtracks - to Black Flag, JFA, Minor Threat, Stupids et al, to Primus, Gang Starr and Meat Beat Manifesto, made the passage into syncopated machine funk, to sub bass, time-stretched breaks and automated beat production.
Physically drumming in a couple of skate punk bands in the early 90s, exposure to hardcore and early jungle tapes in '93 by DJ Dimension and DJ Rob (Leeds Orbit, UK), amongst countless others, inspired an archetypal move to sell his drum kit so as to land a set of Technics 1210s. Spinning techno and jungle on the local free party scene and clubs as part of a DJ collective from '94-96, crafting early tunes on Amiga ProTracker software, and shortly after running club nights in mid-90s London with Mo' Wax and Ninja Tune artists, Drumskull expresses the eclecticism of the era across 8 big tracks of previously unreleased material. Evoking all the energy and excitement of being involved in those early years of dance culture, 'Interlocked' powerfully yet playfully connects then to now, reveling in a sense of timelessness, mutation and hybridity.
Album photography by Amir Zaki from his book with legendary Skateboarder Tony Hawk and author Peter Zellner 'California Concrete: A Landscape of Skateparks (2019). Graffiti lettering by original UK stylemaster and beatmaker REQ TDK.
Pressed on Ltd (300) 10” vinyl and housed in a black disco featuring a unique metallic sticker design. Portugal’s 3WA lands on the UK’s long running Boka Records label. 3WA will be an artist familiar to some having released on other notable labels such as Crucial Recordings, Foundation Audio and Earth & Stone. On Boka’s 53rd vinyl release he drops two heavyweight tracks taking on a deep sea theme, with “SEA WITCH” and “WHALE”. This is deep, heavy dubstep just how we like it, with the atmosphere and swagger reminiscent of early DMZ titles. Enjoy!
Chris Hanna has been at the forefront of Irish electronic music for over eight years, first through his work under Unknown with fellow Irish artist Gemma Dunleavy and now as the formidable Carlton Doom. The Belfast based producer has built a reputation as one of the most forward thinking, genre-merging artists on the island, combining his love for techno, breaks and garage into a growing palette of sonic decompression. Now the Belfast hit-man steps up with another exploration of deconstructed techno, screw-face bass and otherwise unknown substances not fit for human consumption.
Opener ‘Binmen Of The Apocalypse’ features a heavy drum-work perfect for peak-time and the type of bassline that lights a fire under any dance-floor; while ‘E-Machine’ adds swing with it’s killer low-end, bouncing between tenacious beats and choppy vocoder samples. Wrapping up the A-side is ‘I Am the Creator’ a signature Carlton Doom track with it’s weighty kick-drums and uncompromising structure, bulldozing it’s way through your speakers.
On the flip ‘Insects and Jelly’ and ‘Scatterbrain’ share the same DNA; both seeping with personality and a total disregard for the rules; as the EP then comes to a close with a high-velocity ‘I Am The Creator’ remix by one of Manchester’s finest - Interplanetary Criminal.
A1. Binmen of the Apocalypse
A2. E Machine
A3. I Am The Creator
B1. Insects in the Jelly
B2. Scatterbrain
B3. I Am The Creator (Interplanetary Criminal Remix)
With this EP James Bangura has definitely taken me to another place musically. It certainly is the deepest record on any of the Holding Hands labels and yet I was so drawn to the tracks. Something about the weight of the sub just called to me and then shot me off into an imaginary club space. I could feel myself swaying with my eyes closed in a dark space with enormous subs and it felt right.
There is a real dream like quality to this collection and at the same time there is level of bite just beneath the surface. You listen and float but at the same time there is a sense of unease that comes from the off-kilter rhythms and sounds that appear from time to time.
They may not be the straight to the face hair raisers that you might expect from a release that I’m involved in but you will find that if you take them to the right space they will definitely have the power to create impact and moments of insight.
OK enough of my blather. Go and listen to the damn things yourself and decide if you like them, rather than trying to work it out from reading a bloody press release you weirdos.
All four tracks are produced and sculpted for the club. They want big sound systems and dark rooms.
Close your eyes, hold hands and experience transcendental space flight...
4 more quarters, 4 more contrasting expressions of global bass music culture: Barefoot sound originator and G-stone Afrofuturist Stereotyp teams-up powerfully with Malaysian rap legend Arabyrd on 'KEK', delivering a massive dose of Malay shudder trap that does not relent in either its growling bass attack or husky lyrical humour. Next up, the crisp and clean mid-90s DnB vibes of Bristolian producer K-65 ups the energy and tempo with the steadily rolling rinse-out of 'In My Mind', lightening the mood momentarily prior to the first cut on the B-side, with which we descend once more into the increasingly familiar Badman-isms of Low End Activist, who opts for a mutant strain of hardcore UKG on this outing, all scuffed swing and first light maneuvers. Finally though, it's all about the transparency of the groove, with the lush closing tune by Sentinel 793 emanating masses of UK Bruk style and charm, delivering another solid, low-slung workout from this hardworking and charismatic producer. Confined to quarters or not, get these 4 new sound pieces for the meantime, downtime, time being etc... as you like, want or need.
Following releases on 777 Recordings, Low Income Squad, as well as his own Nasty Enterprises imprint, Nasty King Kurl sets his sights to Queensland’s finest for the energetic and head-turning ‘Weak Lips’ EP.
Taking inspiration from Breaks, UK Garage, Electro and beyond, Nasty King Kurl combines this myriad of influences with a skill for crafting character-filled yet devastatingly effective dancefloor cuts, striking a careful balance between club functionality and enjoyable at-home listening.
A-side opener ‘All I Want’ sees chopped breaks and vocals permeating monstrous low end, leading into title cut ‘Weak Lips’, which lays soft Rhodes chords under G-funk whistles and crunchy percussion. On the flip, ‘Low Carb Bitches’ brings cheeky hip hop vocals under squelching bass and freestyle-esque scratches and chops, before closing track ‘Make Tech House Great Again’ carries warped samples, dense percussion and swirling FX to round out the release.
London artist, producer, DJ, label head and leader of a new generation high-speed ravers, Sherelle announces her eagerly-awaited debut EP, 160 Down The A406. Known for her work as a pioneering, high-octane DJ, the EP is the first time Sherelle has officially released her own productions.
For us at 1985 Music, our Various Artists series are extremely important to us. It not only provides a great platform to celebrate music from a wide range of artists, it enables us to promote both veterans and newcomers in the scene, and to introduce them as part of our extended family.
We have had great success with our first series of VA releases called Edition, for which there were 3 parts. This year, we present our next Various Artists release, and it is named Atlas. This LP features both established artists and newcomers to the scene, as well as label staples and label newcomers. Atlas features Deft, Visages, Drone, Nymfo, Monty, Alix Perez, Echo Brown, Foreign Concept, Headland, Sfaire, DRS, Nymfo and of course, Eprom. Atlas is a journey through numerous styles and tempos, showcasing a group of the most talented artists in bass music today.
After two various released on Discolored Field’s « Hornstars » and on Comic Sans Records « Pr. Raoult Secret Weapons », UNGENEROUS is the debut four-track EP of the live-music project with PPC (Ramses and Gablab).
The two friends begin their musical excursions at the end of 2019 as they initially want to "pouet pouet" with various materials. There is no emphasis on compositions but rather the structures that alternate between techno, uk breaks and dancehall.
The outcome of UNGENEROUS came after a residency at the end of summer 2020. They have a desire to remain close to live music. To do so, they make use of only little elements and just loud sounds. They recorded a batch of improvisations on the Hornstar Soundsystem (built by Roloil and Ramses in march 2020).
The music then beholds the specific sound of the Hornstar : a physical and distinctive layered sound characterized by scoop, mid, top and horn.
In this occurrence, PPC offers their specific cross-sound electronics combining clipped dancehall, footwork riddims, heartbreaking drill and grime wave.
Celebrating an incredible 10 years in radio, Jamz Supernova has kicked off the year with a plethora ofcareer firsts and accolades, including being DJ Mag’s March cover star, marking her sensational debut on the iconic BBC Essential Mix last month, joining BBC 6 Music as a new Saturday host alongside her regular BBC 1Xtra slot and this week also announcing her first foray into podcasting with her ‘DIY Handbook’ launching 24th May. A truly talented, multi-faceted creative, Jamz also continues to champion new and emerging artists worldwide on her platform and label Future Bounce, now in its third year. Today [20th May 2021], she reveals the nextstep for the label, dropping the debut compilation and vinyl release Future Bounce Club Series Volume 1 and announcing a huge showcase of future sounds at the forthcoming Future Bounce day and night party, taking place in East London’s Night Tales on July 17th.
In 2020, Jamz Supernova's label Future Bounce turned its focus to the club with a year-long series of hi-octane club releases from artists whose productions have long been a staple in Jamz' DJ sets. Rounding out the series, eleven choice cuts make up the label’s debut compilation, and first-ever vinyl release -Future Bounce Club Series Volume 1 -a genre-defying celebration of global and diasporic club sounds for which Jamz has become an internationally recognised champion. Available now on digital streaming platforms and available to pre-order on vinyl, the compilation is a showcase of the Future Bounce ethos -beautiful, forward-thinking music from across the globe. It is a testament to Jamz’ discerning ear that sets her apart from the crowd as a DJ, radio-host, label-head, curator and tastemaker.
Featuring both established and emerging underground artists, the compilation’s A-Side features recently released jungle and jazz-inspired banger ‘Going In’ from Sam Interface, 2020’s acclaimed sensual party track ‘B2B’ from British-Ghanaian polymath KG and Jersey club queen Uniiqu3, UK Funky stalwart Hagan’s ‘Right Here’, plus tracks from Lorenzo BITW, Timma T, WheelUP. On the flip, Side B features the dark percussive ‘Cattiva II’ from Italy-born, London-based DJ/producer Giulia Tess, UK Funky smash ‘Dominate’ from South London’s inimitable Bamz, ‘Fak’ uSos’ from LR Groove and ‘afrorave’ pioneer Toya Delazy, plus tracks from Drumheller and Rose Bonica.
a1. Sam Interface -Going In
a2. Lorenzo BITW -Basta (Feat. MC Yallah & Swordman Kitala)
The second EP being released in the wake of the recent Extended mixtape, Social Distancing showcases Modeselektor’s talent for bridging the gap between hip-hop and the rave. The title track reunites the Berlin duo with Flohio, who first appeared on their 2018 single Wealth. Social Distancing is the end result, and while the swaggering cut could easily carry an EP on its own, Modeselektor have decided to up the ante by inviting a talented crew of friends and colleagues to put their own spin on the track.
Brainfeeder affiliate Little Snake transforms Social Distancing with his corroded beats and playful sound design, while looking closer to home in Berlin, Modeselektor tapped frequent partners in crime (and Spandau natives) FJAAK, who cooked up a rowdy bass-techno hybrid.
Like all good hip-hop EPs, Social Distancing comes with an acapella version of the title track, but here, Flohio’s rhymes have been maniacally stretched, smashed and warped by veteran producer Richard Devine. Rounding out the record is Social Engineering, a sleazy, static-laced techno reimagining of Social Distancing. It’s a lot of fun, which makes sense, because even after all these years in the music game, having a good time is still Modeselektor’s primary m.o.
A1. Social Distancing feat. Flohio A2. Social Distancing feat. Flohio (Little Snake Remix) B1. Social Distancing feat. Flohio (FJAAK Remix) B2. Social Engineering feat. Flohio (Ad Lip Edit) B3. Social Distancing feat. Flohio (Richard Devine A Cappella Edit)
XK025 sees a fresh label debut in the form of Cloudsteppers - a collaboration between Toronto based artists Ciel and Dan Only. Born out of an impromptu jam session at Dan Only's NDG 208 Studio in late 2019, the pair quickly hit it off. Ciel brought her trusty Korg ESX-1 sampler, and alongside Dan Only's arsenal of vintage synths and samplers, they quickly wrote the first two cuts of what would eventually turn into the first Cloudsteppers EP. After getting great feedback from playing them on tour and sharing with friends, the pair wrote the last two cuts when lockdown restrictions loosened during the summer of 2020.
Both artists are instinctively melodically-inclined producers, so for this release they tried to focus more of their attention on the drums and fx, while limiting the amount of melodic parts in each track. Working within those parameters resulted in what is now their debut EP.
Title track, “The Limit”, is a huge undulating cut of 160bpm energy - it shimmies effortlessly between skittish jungle, breakbeat and techno rhythms, centred around a tripped out sample of Manchester’s finest physicist, Brian Cox. “Slinky Bork” brings a distinctly UK Tech House flavour reminiscent of Housey Doingz, Get Fucked and others of the Wiggle/Euka House era - underpinned by a solid 4x4, subtle rhythms and spacey atmospherics abound.
On the flip, “Diva Loops”goes in hard with a pounding kick, warbling bass and some massive clattering drums before breaking out into a playful melodic refrain. Closing things out, “Trigger Happy” is another functional 4x4 club cut full of skippy tech styles and punchy rhythms. A dreamy melody floats along into a tension building crescendo, complete with massive reese-ish bassline. Big!
Bourassa Records hosts PROCK's expert in broken sounds. An electronic wizard based in Lodz, he has been patiently cultivating his skills for many years, where back in the days he was familiar with the hip hop flavour. He made his debut with the EP 'Cosmic Lover' in the Røkt Laks project, released in 2016 by POGO House Records. Then the beat-making sneaker went towards UK Garage and 2Step. It can be said that he is fresh blood in the Polish field of electronic music.
The upcoming EP 'Champ Sound' is a strong material full of UKG sounds, it pays tribute to the old school garage vibes, enriched with characteristic vocals and moogy baselines for this genre. On the B-side you can expect great remixes from Polish homies such as PENERA & Private Press. The record is to be released at the turn of summer holidays. It will be available in two formats, as a 12” vinyl and a digital version.
![Valance Drakes - A Patternless & Endless Soul [180g Smokey 12" Vinyl]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/yuku016_{width}x.jpg?v=1627478037)
![LMajor - Can’t Do It ft Fracture [1 Copy Per Customer]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/apha025_{width}x.jpg?v=1627472254)
![Granul - Cypher [2 x Grey Marbled 180g 12"]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/yuku017_{width}x.jpg?v=1627398941)
![Window Kid - Boozy [Green 12" Vinyl]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/pondlife012_{width}x.jpg?v=1627383658)
![Joy Orbison - still slipping vol. 1 [LP]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/XL1188LP_{width}x.jpg?v=1627043229)
![Drumskull - Interlocked [2 x 12"] - Unearthed Sounds](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/sr083_{width}x.jpg?v=1626957478)
![3WA - SEA WITCH / WHALE [Ltd 10" Vinyl] - Unearthed Sounds](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/boka053_{width}x.jpg?v=1626957359)
![Sabasonik - Ninetree EP [Zine Included] - Unearthed Sounds](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/terra002a_{width}x.jpg?v=1626957572)
![Various Artists - Atlas 1 [3x12" Vinyl LP] - Unearthed Sounds](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/onef034_{width}x.jpg?v=1623327635)
![PPC - Ungenerous [Clear 12" Vinyl] - Unearthed Sounds](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/ddr003_{width}x.jpg?v=1623327603)
![Various Artists - Future Club Series: Vol 1 [LP] - Unearthed Sounds](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/fb012_{width}x.jpg?v=1622720032)
