a1. Special Request - Codename Turbo Nutter a2. Source Direct - Vigilante b1. J. Majik - The Lost Tribe b2. Shackleton - Drawn and Quartered b3. Pinch & Trim - That Wasn't It c1. Daniel Avery - Whilst We've Got Metal In Our Blood c2. Mantra - Embers c3. B.Traits - Mameya d1. Groove Armada - Wesley Nightshade d2. UNKLE - Catch Me When I Fall (fabric Club Mix Fix)
a1. Rhythm For Reasons - The Smokers Rhythm a2. Babylon Timewarp - Durban Poison a3. The Terrorist - RK1 b1. DJ Dubplate - Tings A Go On b2. Leviticus - Burial b3. The Freaky - Time & Age c1. Trip One - Snowball remix c2. DJ Krome & Mr Time - Ganja Man c3. New Vision - Way Of Life d1. DJ Dubplate - Original Rubadubstyle d2. Hi Fi Power - Chill Out d3. Nu Jacks - House Sensation
Kid Drama returns to his label for the first time this year after the well received Ideal Form EP, he continues with his trademark infused mix of autonomic and 90s tech step to create the 2010 Again EP.
4 Tracks steeped in nostalgic yet forward thinking production. The title track, 2010 Again, sees Drama draw for the infamous ‘Instra:mental’ drums with metallic thumps and fizzing sub bass frequencies interlaced with occasional delicate glimmers of light.
Next up is Diazedaze, which will take you drifting off on a lazy day, sit back and just watch the world rush past you. This one will pull on the heart strings of any autonomic fan with its trademark keys and melodic chords.
Pivot is an 8 minute journey which goes against the current disposable, quick hit club style tunes of today. Drawn out like a long unfolding trip, which could quite easily be the lovechild of Matrix and Krust, the progessive bass stabs and zaps build without any breakdown over the span of the track. A hypnotic almost technolike offering.
The final track, Thoughtcast 7, again sees Drama shun conventional mixes as he pushes the drums to the back of the mix with a thin skeletal framework sitting on a subsonic 808 bed. Drama said his inspiration for the tune was drawn from a lot of Moving Shadow’s catalogue through the 90’s with his own unique twist.
All in all another cohesive and solid selection from the CNVX stable.
Adam ‘Adred’ Baker is an imperative part of the US drum & bass scene, providing a home for its fans amongst the cultural hub of New York City. Alongside his work as a promoter for ‘Natural Selection NYC’, he’s also dropped music on labels such as Metalheadz, Soul:R and 31 Recordings, proving that he’s as multi-faceted as they come. This is something which shines through on his LP ‘KIM’ set to be released on Goldie’s Metalheadz; named after his late father whose Fender Rhodes features prominently in much of Adred’s music and is a central part of his inspiration. The album is an introspective look at the producer’s history and one which will identify the elements which have made him both such a successful artist and drum & bass event host.
The Italian-born, London-based producer encapsulates the modern day Metalheadz sound across 4 sublime solo tracks, from the effortless fluidity of the title track to the raucous vibrations of 'Break The Rules'. There's a familiar tastefulness from start to finish, full of thrills, twists and turns but also very raw in nature, something HLZ continues to execute throughout his impressively growing discography.
You'd be forgiven for not realising this is Nymfo's first EP for Metalheadz considering he is one of the Netherlands' finest drum and bass exports boasting releases on some of the genre's most revered labels.
Opening with the title track 'Sting Blade', the EP hits hard in true Nymfo fashion, but as he's shown over the last decade and more he is perfectly capable of executing several styles, something exemplified as you journey deeper into the release. Fellow Dutchman and Berghain staple Martyn also features for a vigorous work out on 'What's Happening".
20 years on from meeting at the legendary Music House we're delighted to be welcoming Digital & Outrage as a duo to Metalheadz for the very first time.
Their debut Metalheadz Platinum 3-tracker is headed up by the long-coveted, dubbed out 'Kingdom' with a further 2 offerings in 'Reunion' and 'Diligence' exhibiting the duo's natural gift in building killer hooks and compelling basslines. An essential piece of 2020 drum and bass.
Kemistry & Storm’s DJ-Kicks will always be an extra special moment in the history of Drum & Bass and thanks to its enduring relevance and cult status it holds an important place in the DJ-Kicks archive.
It all began in the late 80s: KEMISTRY & STORM had had enough of their hometown in middle England and moved down to London. Until then, Birmingham-born Kemistry had spent most of her tender years studying as a make-up artist in Sheffield while Storm was studying radiology in Oxford. The pair discovered acid house in London, partied at illegal warehouse raves, and at the end of the 80s stumbled upon ‘Rage’, Fabio and Grooverider’s legendary and influential club night at Heaven, which can be legitimately dubbed as the origin of the entire Breakbeat/Jungle/Hardcore/Drum ‘n’ Bass movement. This is where they decided to dedicate their future entirely to music – as DJs.
They watched DJs at work in clubs, went and bought records and saved up for their first turntables. In 1990 they met the then unknown Goldie, dragged him along to ‘Rage’ and infected him with the Jungle/Breakbeat virus. Goldie, who at the time was living off his graffiti art (he was and remains one of Englands best taggers) decided to support them by putting up the money for a couple of Technics MKII in 1991. During the same year the trio started a radio show ‘Mack Three’ with pirate station Touchstone FM – every Sunday from 6-9 KEMISTRY & STORM mixed along to Goldie’s rapping, under the pseudonym of Mac Daddy G.
When KEMISTRY & STORM collaborated with Groove Connection, the agency run by Fabio and Grooverider, things soon started happening – suddenly they were no longer on the dance floor or next to the decks – they were actually DJing at them along with their heroes Ray Keith, Jumping Jack Frost and of course Fabio and Grooverider – a dream come true.
In 1994 Goldie founded the record label Metalheadz with Doc Scott, but signing with the major ffrr in the same year meant that he neglected his own label somewhat – with consequently poor record sales. KEMISTRY & STORM soon changed all that as they joined Metalheadz and immediately took over press, bookings and A&R duties. Thus the duo made a substantial contribution to the success of Hidden Agenda, Lemon D., Peshay and especially Photek. (For the last two years they’ve no longer been involved with the day to day running of the label, but still represent it with their ‘Sound of Metalheadz’ and as long-term resident DJs of the Meatlheadz nights in the Blue Note.)
Due to their talent, commitment and experience, KEMISTRY & STORM have recently been able to play in the league of DJs who ‘for quite some time now have been constantly reappearing in clubs where they are virtually a permanent fixture, always have a friendly word to say and know that it’s gonna be a good party, which is not just reflected by the state of your wallet the next morning’ (De-Bug). Since KEMISTRY & STORM’s existence lies at the cutting edge of Drum ‘n’ Bass they can clearly get their hands on the hottest dubplates and VIP mixes of the most official tracks, and ‘when they are put away in the record case, it can be really heart-wrenching, like the end of a beautiful friendship’ ( Jayne Storm)
The Who’s Who of British Drum ‘n’ Bass producers abounds on the forthcoming DJ Kicks, and with Goldie, Dom + Roland, Digital, DJ Die, Johnny L and J Majik, features old friends of KEMISTRY & STORM. Any trainspotter can see that with labels like Metalheadz, Full Cycle, XL, Test, Renegade Hardware or Formation, the duo work their way through a range of the most diverse styles, and make DJ Kicks an exciting testament to contemporary Breakbeat culture.
Montreal-based producer & DJ Slick Shoota brings us Function, his debut LP and first solo release on the Teklife imprint. A native of Norway known for his renowned Oslo club night Ball Em Up, he’s been a member of the elite crew since 2015, contributing tracks to the label’s compilations such as On Life Vol. 2 and VIP Trax. Using a unique palate that combines both traditional footwork drums and eclectic otherworld sonics, this album expands on the signature sound he’s been brewing during the course of his career, celebrating his longtime love of the Chicago soundscape, with a healthy helping of UK rave, jungle, and vibesfrom other fast paced club realms.
Slick starts the record off with Hovercraft, a big burly mutant rap beat riding a glowing titanic wave of jungle subbass, with vicious hi-hats stabbing through the mix. Desire Path follows with hysterical horns cruising along a stampede of erratic Chicago percussion. A glitchy, malfunctioning computer meets drumline stomps on See Me Flex, resulting in a psychotic, yet psychedelic sci-fi soundscape. Ultra-distorted hardcore kicks open up Jellyneck, dropping straight into adungeon of ghostly vocals and headlong toms. Warehouse 2K opens up the B-side with R&B chops and lasers floating on a charming cloud of pulsating pads. Mad doppler sirens loop around your head on Delahaze, as distant clangs and crashes fight an impatient,throbbing bassline. Classic rave atmospheres are met with Slick’s elegant sound design on MTL Hardcore, his ode to his adoptive city.
The album closes off with Special Tek, channeling the signature quirky drum sounds of the late DJ Rashad over a pounding,fast paced house beat, a wonderful nod to the Windy City and its influential sonic culture. Carving out his own sound from the legacies of Chicago, the UK, and other underground club hotspots, Slick Shoota has found his own recognizable voice within theserealms of dance music, and this LP serves as documentation of that solidified voice. Years of studying the masters and immersing himself with their work has clearly paid off, and he’s respectfully taking these sounds he loves in exciting new directions. Bridging gaps both historical and geographical, Function marks a pivotal point in his career, and is clear evidence that Slick Shoota is vital member of the legendary Teklife family.
* No Audio Available*
a1. Hovercraft a2. Desire Path a3. See Me Flex a4. Jellyneck b1. Warehouse 2K b2. Delahaze b3. MTL Hardcore b4. Special Tek
GLXY’s debut album Research & Development is the culmination of years of sonic enhancement and experimentation. A fusion of electronic elements and soulful soundscapes, the album marks the next chapter in the GLXY story.
Distant, cascading arpeggios over heart-like pulsations set the tone in ruminating intro ‘Hypothesis’, which seamlessly flows into title track ‘Research & Development’. As elements slowly combine, the track builds into an energetic rolling beat that’s unlike anything previously heard from the duo before. ‘Conclusions’ follows, featuring a soulful piano hook and wistful vocals from Irish talisman Steo. Rasping strings and techy percussion come together in introspective ‘Falling’, the cold, distant voices creating a particularly eerie atmosphere.
A short, modulating arpeggio prelude makes way for lead single ‘She Sings For Me’ featuring Manchester’s DRS. Melancholic chords and a rolling jungle beat merge with his deeply pensive vocals to create a match made in GLXY. Showcasing their moodier liquid sound, ‘Changed Forever’ features a captivating vocal hook and brooding synth stabs. ‘LP Track’ flips the script – a cameo appearance from Friction reminiscent of his past Radio 1 days leads into a boppy garage beat full of funk.
Submotion Orchestra’s frontwoman Ruby Wood is the star of the show in ‘Abstraction’, her sentimental vocals soar over GLXY’s trademark undulating bassline and airy atmospherics. Citing inspiration from garage, electro and breakbeat, ‘Crescent’ is a nod to the duo’s influences - Burial-esque percussion over building pads and warm bass. Canadian Anastasia lends her vocal talents on ‘It’s Not Love’, an analogue bassline interweaving in between a rippling synth motif and her contemplative lyrics.
The darkest undertaking on the album, ‘Fourth State’ showcases GLXY’s masterful technical ability in the studio. Their hallmark synth pads lead into a bouncing, modulating bassline that’s sure to light up a dancefloor. Playful breakbeat interlude ‘Rapture’ captures a moment from Shogun Audio’s epic 2017 Christmas party at Phonox, with the album concluding on ‘Anatomy’, a 6 minute journey from start to finish… watch out for that 2nd drop!
Lenzman & Dan Stezo: two friends from way back when, connecting through a mutual love of music. Recording mixtapes became a tradition that has spanned decades. Through the years the music industry changed, technology changed and life circumstances changed... but the mixtapes remain.
Now the two friends present their most ambitious project yet: a continuation of this tradition, but with an official seal. Consisting solely of The North Quarter music - including 9 exclusives. This is NQ State of Mind, Vol 1.
28 tracks mixed with Lenzman's seamless fow, backed with Dan Stezo's introspective lyrics. This is a journey through The North Quarter's varied catalogue featuring all the artists that made the label the respected entity it is today. The 9 exclusive tracks will be released on a 2x12” gatefold EP to accompany the mix project.
a1. Satl - All My Life ft Steo (Tokyo Prose Remix)
a2. Redeyes - Late Night Jam ft Tyler Daley (Lenzman Remix)
b1. Anile - Juno's Position
b2. Sam Binary - Surface Tension
c1. Submorphics - Daydreaming ft Big Brooklyn Red (Echo Brown Remix)
c2. Zero T & Unitsouled - Slightest Moment ft [ K S R ] (Remix)
Original 90’s D&B imprint Odysee continues to build its portfolio of releases with this second solo E.P. from label partner Andy Odysee. Once again remaining true to same ethos that the original Source Direct and Mirage releases on Odysee Recordings became known for; Andy explores different areas of the Drum & Bass genre and delivers a 12” that showcases both musical scope and stylistic versatility.
Blueprint is structured on a relentless, war-like Taiko drum. As the crisp drum work enters, the track starts to build its energy around a tapestry of haunting pads and abstract hits. The mood suddenly drops; a brief return to the emptiness of the intro, before the track lets loose with its ear-ripping synth bass descents and razor sharp breaks. If ever there was a track that ‘saved the best until last’ however, this is a strong contender!
As the track reaches the second drop, sweet female vocal ad-libs curl around the original elements, before unleashing the final stretch with its blistering fury of Amens.
In complete contrast, Broken Image is a modern day twist on the style of production that was seen on some of Source Direct’s Hokusai releases; reminiscent of tracks like Jade or Divine. From the very outset, this piece is a heart-breaker with its melancholy call & response between the two guitar and Rhodes motifs. Although the breaks & bass work are plenty tough enough for the dance floor, it is the kind of track that is packed with a level of detail & depth that will reveal something new on every fresh listening.
Exclusive to the vinyl release, the third track Low-Tech returns to one of the Odysee crew’s first loves; early 90’s Breakbeat Hardcore. From the punchy Techno stabs & Beltram-esque synths to the floating Warp Records-style pads & dreamy vocal ad-libs, this is packed to the nines with nostalgic references to a bygone era of illegal Warehouse parties. The strident framework feels more typically D&B, and yet the characteristic Odysee sounds are still present; the art very much in the detail!
Dutch DJ and producer Coco Bryce makes his anticipated return to Lobster Theremin with another stellar EP of breakbeat-heavy jungle goodness.
Hailing from Breda, Netherlands Coco Bryce is an artist who cemented his way into every vinyl lovers bag over the past few years, time and time again delivering killer records with his own unique take on jungle and breakbeat. Bryce’s sound blends classic jungle breaks with dreamy synth patterns and clever sampling creating a truly original signature take on the genre. At once old school yet so achingly fresh and exciting.
Reinforced Architect Immortal Minds makes his debuts on AKO with 2 beautiful soulful tracks that perfectly fit the AKO sound. Available on a fuchsia pink transparent vinyl.
An AKO favourite Specialist X returns to AKO10 after the debut release which kicked off the series. Comes with two amazing tracks that will not leave you disappointed.
"Demagrafiks; A new name for the scene but the people behind it are far from new, they both had an important role in the foundation of the jungle sound and the 2020 lockdown finally brought them together for the first time. Up steps M-Beat alongside Missing! Sam explains how this collaboration came about.
“Although we were both producing in the 90’s I had never met M-Beat before but of course it goes without saying that he was a huge inspiration for me back in the day! I was initially introduced to him last year by a mutual acquaintance, Steve, who used to work at Renk Records in the 90s golden era. Myself and M-Beat met up for lunch and it soon became apparent that we had similar perspectives on music past and present. ‘Soundman Riddim’ is our first collaboration, a contemporary jungle flavoured dnb roller but with nods to our roots.. hooky ragga lyrics, original 90s sample disc pad samples, chopped up breaks and even a cheeky chipmunk vocal - 93 motifs inna 2020 style! It’s great to have had the opportunity to work with a true jungle legend even though lock down meant it was all over Zoom and Whatsapp! Demagrafiks is a name for this project and won’t necessarily be used again so this is a super rare and sure to be collectors item for any M-Beat fan! We have also been working on some other projects together which we will be announcing in the future. For the flipside of our collab we wanted to showcase another rising star and somebody who is strongly influenced by the 90s rave sound. Step in Yazzus on remix duties! Part of the 6 Figure Gang who have been making huge waves in the scene, this was a very exciting remix and another opportunity to represent the 160 sound championed by Sherelle, another 6 Figure Gang member and others who are mashing up various styles of rave, jungle, footwork, juke and techno. Yazzus has taken the jungle roller original and twisted it into a hardcore rave monster with deep, bouncing kicks, jungle subs, gritty breaks and killer rave stabs. This is one of the old hardcore heads and new alike whether you were raving in ‘93 or drawing inspiration from it in the 2020’s Sam concludes."
a1. Demagrafiks - Soundman Riddim
b1. Demagrafiks - Soundman Riddim (Yazzus'Cute Face Remix)
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