After 4 succesful EPs for Lobster Theremin and Sneaker Social Club, Chavinski releases his first 12" on Myor, fusing '92 style rave ethics with early noughties garage vibes.
Following a stellar run of jungle and breakbeat-oriented releases including the foundational Foul Play Origins set and the visionary proto-retro styles of X-Altera, Sneaker Social Club welcome a true master of drum science.
As Paradox and Alaska, Dev Pandya has been setting standards and breaking new ground in breakbeat hardcore, jungle and drum & bass since the dawn of the culture. He was right there at the start of Moving Shadow, has graced seminal labels like Reinforced, Good Looking and Metalheadz and steered his own Paradox Music, Esoteric and Arctic Music as vessels for a huge body of work. Still toting his Amiga for live gigs and putting out bonus 12”s loaded with samples for producers, Pandya’s passionate commitment to the culture is evident in everything he does. Nowhere does that shine through more than in his needlepoint flair for break editing and drum programming – the calling card of the Paradox sound.
It’s a huge honour to host two original Paradox tracks on Sneaker. We’re treated to full-fat Paradox percussion alchemy on “Octa4” as he teases out the intensity around a salvo of dancehall toasting samples, trickling each progressive layer of rhythm into the mix with the patience and poise of a true master. “Proceed” leans on dub techno atmospherics and a taut funk break that occasionally cuts loose into a ride-splashing fill, but once again the message here is one of heads-down restraint. Across both tracks the emphasis is on the fine print – each composed drum hit and subtle shift of FX – while riding deep in a masterfully constructed groove. Proof, if ever it were needed, why Pandya is the king of understated D&B excellence.
Lost City Archives is back with a massive 4 track EP from Japan’s own Stones Taro. Delivering a trifecta of quality Garage, Breaks and Jungle, certain to peak the interest of any serious underground aficionado.
UK-based Corticyte returns with EFAX008 on Art-E-Fax, a characteristically eclectic 4-tracker laden with heady bass and raw frequencies. Opener ‘Integrate 2 v5 (126 BPM)’ hits hard with a dark pulse, whilst ‘Waveguide (107 BPM)’ taps out mutant ambient soundscapes. For the B-side, ‘Horn (126 BPM)’s tripped out breakbeats and glaring horns are pure rave madness, whilst closer ‘Final Drop (128 BPM)’ will bring a fogged-out euphoria to any set. Corticyte harnesses his trippy production skills with this bold multi-layered cut.
Following his Red Pyramid EP, L.F.T. returns to Mechatronica with fearless visions, Nils Fock on vocals and a cold-blooded Dollkraut remix on the flip. Hand-numbered, hand-stamped, no repress.
Amongst his many great achievements, Mani Festo once held the highly acclaimed position of being the only other artist on WNCL to actually reside in West Norwood. Before leaving, he at least gifted us with a most excellent EP to add to his already rock steady discography of battle weapons. Forget what you think you know about Mani Festo and prepare to disengage...
Coming from the end of time and moving towards the future ... A '93 original gets dusted down from the Cassette Library shelves, backed with remixes from the leading lights of the UK underground - Skin Teeth, Mani Festo and Denham Audio.
a1. West Norwood Cassette Library - Out of My Head (Original 93 Mix)
a2. West Norwood Cassette Library - Out of My Head (Skin Teeth Remix)
b1. West Norwood Cassette Library - Out of My Head (Mani Festo Remix)
b2. West Norwood Cassette Library - Out of My Head (Denham Audio Remix)
This track selection follows Ben’s Nightwork EP, released with YAM records in April. The title track ft Joe Armon Jones was selected by Mary Ann Hobbs on 6 music, and was praised by various selectors in the scene including Benji B, Moxie, Wajeed and many more. The south Londoner is not new to applying his distinctive sound to different genres, with this release ranging from Breaks to UK Garage to Acid House. Club music with no thrills. Simple and to the point. Ben's music has often led to the more ‘musical’ or ‘jazzy’ side to dance music. With past features with the likes of Nubya Garcia, Joe Armon Jones, as well as writing credits on Oscar Jerome's Gravitate which features on his album Breathe Deep.
However, don’t expect any jazzy collaborations on this one. There is a conscious sense of no bullshit energy throughout this release. With tracks leaning more towards the sounds of Mr G as opposed to Ben’s more (as he puts) ‘Spotify friendly’ sound. ONE YEAR DANCE is a homage to relationships ending, and clubs closing.
With AP 001 we present four fully licensed and re-mastered tracks taken from DJ Stefan egger’s early output on the Sound Station catalogue. While the B-side contains two almost unknown mid-tempo bangers, the B-Side pays attention to Stefan’s more spiritual and world-inspired productions.
Banoffee Pies Records 15th Original Series release comes from Cassius Select. Canadian born producer Lavurn Lee, now residing in his home city of Hong Kong, drops his latest solo EP "Heavyweight". His unique style and selective output has drawn our attention for some time. This release does exactly what it says on the tin. With previous appearances on the likes of Matthew Herbert's Accidental JNR., Hypercolour and more, he has maintained a primary focus on rhythmic structures, alienated textures and eerie vocalisations that flaunt a strong influence and appreciation for UK techno, Hip Hop, Garage, and all things Broken Beat.
The release kicks off with "Born To Defence", a mood setter scattered with punchy drum rolls and wild toms that set the tone for a harmonic palette across the 4 tracks. The A2 "Honda Civic" displays a tougher edge using a hybrid of sound. Pulsing late night business - Hatchback style. "Sicko Groove" gets the B side off the ground with a chest rattling, Grime inspired club track, sliding further up the weight divisions before things close off with "Guia Circuit", a more techy low end tool with notable energy shifts. BP015 sustains stripped back but relentless percussion throughout. "The Original Circuit Training Soundtrack". Love BP x
COEO are back on Toy Tonics! After uninterrupted touring around the globe, followed by a short creative break the guys come back with an even stronger sound. With the new EP they go more underground again. Its addressed to the clubs and night owls out there, who turn night into day and won't stop dancing!
The sound is based on classic house patterns and includes a lot of cool saxophones, big piano stabs & rhythmic piano solos. They even go tribal, use arpeggios and switch into breakbeat heaven. The four Originals are a great next step in the COEO evolution. The unique warm, catchy atmosphere of the tracks can create that special COEO euphoria which made them a lot of fans. From Moodymann to Disclosure, Mall Grab to Kenny Dope, the list is long.
It’s fantastic to see how popular they became over the last couple of years. The last COEO vinyl sold over 2500 copies and some of their tracks have millions of Spotify plays. It’s DJ FOOD. Pure bliss!