Since his first Submorphics release on The North Quarter, the Detroit native has tenaciously developed his unique brand of lo-fi, deep drum & bass. With his new six-track EP ‘Verona Highway’, the Den Haag-based producer has created what he calls “a late night Detroit to Chicago road trip aesthetic”. Rooted in the underground, this project is an assemblage of techno, footwork and soulful house influences fused with his own signature earworm melodies, deep minor chords and the modern North Quarter drum & bass sound. The result is an EP that feels emotive and nostalgic while maintaining a modern atmosphere.
'Verona Highway’ marks the return of Submorphics to The North Quarter, just over a year after his critically acclaimed Newport Magnetic EP. Reminiscent of night time drives and peaceful after hours, the EP is a collection of warm, dreamy and sentimental music and is the ultimate soundtrack for serene summer nights.
Concrete Castle Dubs return with a double sided 10” rocket launcher from the legend that is Spikey Tee. Two heavy hitters on that ruffnek drum and bass tip, Badder Than Me and Bumbo Ras, coming on a frosted clear 10” vinyl.
Having been involved in the music industry since the early 90’s Spikey Tee is certainly no stranger to the game, not only on a production tip but vocally too. From being signed to Virgin as part of the groundbreaking crew The Sindecut, releasing and featuring on music with the likes of Bomb The Bass, Roots Manuva, Morcheeba, Sola Rosa, Mr Scruff, Jah Wobble and many more, releasing his own solo album on Tokyo Dawn in 2020, and bossing the decks as a dj around the globe too.
We’re very proud to have him deliver two sterling tracks for the label and bring the fire we like to represent neatly!
Kid Drama and DJ Trace are back, continuing their collaboration streak on CNVX. Sideways feels like it could have been plucked from a ‘98 catalogue of classics with its rumbling warm reese bass and electric stabs, a funk fuelled journey that reminds us to look back to move forward.
“Rage” is another throwback with classic Trace trademarks, breaks and bass fight over each other in this 2 step monster signalling to old warehouse raves and parties.
Available on limited vinyl and digital, this release shows how to write steppers with longevity.
Embodying the mutant nature of club music in the modern age, Cocktail Party Effect comes bowling into Sneaker Social Club with a taut, wiry sound which joins dots and melts barriers at will.
The brainchild of Charlie Baldwin, who previously recorded as Kasket, Cocktail Party Effect has been forged over the past six years through heavy bursts of sound design anchored by soundsystem dynamics veering between 140 and 160 tempo zones. From 2020’s self-titled LP on Tectonic to drops on Osiris, Cold, Transfigured Time and more, Baldwin’s deftly avoided allegiance to any specific scene and instead deployed shock-inducing gear for DJs with fortitude to test on their crowds.
On SNKRX010 the commitment to physicality is prevalent across all four tracks, veering from the deadly broken beat barbs and artful fills of ‘Racka’ to the splintered breakbeat rushes and stop-start aggravation of ‘C.A.T.C.R’. ‘Grims8’ is perhaps the purest manifestation of the Cocktail Party sound though, all monochrome rigour with the contrast turned way up, powered by steely, gleaming rhythmic impulses and writhing with dense layers of sonic matter. Watch out for the glutinous bass snarl of ‘58bethe7’ though, which slams in sideways with an unabashed rave instinct crushed through a post-modern production lens.
Baldwin may be operating on his own terms, but on this 12” he demonstrates versatility to match his originality, resulting in four inventive dance destroyers tooled to bridge between styles, sets and scenes.
The brand new album from LSB, returning to his very own Footnotes label for a self-titled 8 tracker.
'I find it hard to talk about my music, but the concept of this mini album was to strip my music back to the sounds i'm drawn to most. There's no attempt for a club banger, no obvious singles, no vocals just a collection of tunes that drift and are searching for something.
The music I love tends to have a common theme of melancholy, suspense and resolution and that's what i'm trying to achieve here' - LSB
This is a very collectable EP within the breakbeat/hardcore scene with copies changing hands in excess of £350.00. Written by London born Mixmaster Max whose first step into public life was that of a breakdancer in the early 80’s when he was just a kid with a crew called The Back Street Warriors, showcasing his talents at the infamous Covent Garden jams of the same era. He then got into DJing and scratching and entered the DMC Championships and is credited as the inventor of the Topsy Turvey – stacking turntables on top of each other for a DJ routine!
As like many DJ’s around the late 80’s in London he gravitated out of hip hop and into the rave culture and from here he started to perform at many events such as Fantazia, The Pirate Club, Turnmills and the Hacienda in Manchester as well as a residency on a Friday night alongside John Saunderson - the General Manager of DMC - at Camden Palace. From his club work he started to play on the London pirates Kool FM and Centreforce and on legal stations Peoples Choice and Avenues FM.
These tracks are precursors to the soon to blossom jungle scene and highlight Max’s musical history with his creative sample play. You won’t find much more authentic hardcore than this EP, which really highlights the sound of London back in 1993.
Newton aka Nick Newton aka Nick Rhythm Section. You know this EP is going to hit the spot when you have one of the original members of the first rave super group on production!
Originally released on Rhythm Section Recordings in 1992, this EP will be well known to many who use to got to the big raves of the early 90’s. Every track captures that moment of history, erupting into peak time rave anthems with hooks and riff that imprint into your brain!
The tracks go from the darker side of the scene into full on rave anthems for the hand sin the air crew. You know if it came out on RSR back in the day that it will tick every box and more.
Rhythm Section are still very much friends and still find time to go into the studio together. Watch out for more original material by the band coming out on Vinyl Fanatiks during 2022.
Third 12inch four tracker on Dubcore by Istari Lasterfahrer. This was supposed to dive deep into rub-a-dub basslines and comes out with a wide selection of styles. `A Way She Want` kicks in with dancehall selection breaks and ping-pong percussions. `Brain Tuning` follows a more rave stabbing path. `Keep It Real` stomping up juke and jungle riddims in a trance mantra and `Fuck The Computer` ends up the plate with some 150 bpm hardcore jungle.
THE HITMAN aka MARVELLOUS CAIN delivers his most sought after tracks on vinyl!
RETURN OF THE HITMAN collects together 16 of the most exclusive cuts from Marvellous Cain’s extensive back catalogue, all remastered and presented as a collectable vinyl box set package.
This album has been a long time coming, much of that time spent by Marvellous Cain digging through his studio to find original DAT recordings of his most in demand hits, in the process unearthing some exclusive, never before released gems!
This album kicks off with 2 versions of arguably his most notorious track Hitman, a certified jungle classic from 1994! For this compilation, Marvellous Cain has selected the version of Hitman previously only available on his debut Gun Talk LP back in 1995 (released on Suburban Base). He’s also treated us to the very long overdue, unreleased, DJ Stretch Dubplate VIP, originally produced in ’94, but never pressed to vinyl!
On the flip are two cuts from the infamous Lucky Spin imprint... Life Is Rollin & Miss Out. Both tracks were originally available as a very limited white label press, but never got a full release. This has been selling for £90 on reseller sites due to its scarcity.
Record 2 is again packed with rare music, with 3 of the 4 cuts being unreleased to date. The first track Will I See You? has traded hands for an incredible £500 on Discogs, we can see many buying Return Of The Hitman for this track alone!
Our 3rd slice of vinyl see’s Marvellous Cain teaming up for studio collaborations with original jungle don Bizzy B on Everyday Junglist, also with Libra for an unreleased alternative version of Nu Music discovered on the original session DAT from 1996.
The 4th and final slice of wax in this package introduces new remixes of a couple of classic tracks. CB4 has been reworked for 2022 by Marvellous Cain himself. Dubplate Style has a fresh ‘22 lick by D&B’s hardest working DJ Nicky Blackmarket alongside production partner FreezeUK who’s recently released on Ram Records sister label Prog:Ram!
We close out with two dubplate exclusives from 95 & 96 respectively, taken from Marvellous Cain’s personal arsenal of DJ ammunition, and now available for the first time to the record buying public.
A1. Marvellous Cain - Hitman (Gun Talk Album Only Version)
Heavy dubs on the way by producer trio Champion Sound from moscow. Dubcore Volume 22 is a diverse selection of different paced jungle tunes. Champion Sound released before on Through These Eyes Records, Defrostatica, Dub & Roll Records, Uncultured, Frozen Plates and Influential and now dropping four track on the dubcore series.
It's not often we say amazing, but there really are no other words for the response received for ESC & MINERAL's 'Satellite EP'!! The long-standing production duo has found a way of combining many different vibes into one stone cold EP and the results are stunning.
SATELLITE kicks off the proceedings with a sound that could have grown out from that certain basement on Hoxton Square. Fresh & updated to 2020s, this one’s for the original headz.
AURAL DESTINATION First surfacing on Loxy's seminal Applied Science Division mix late 2021, Mineral's atmospheric breakbeat is blended with a fat bassline - giving the track a classic end of the night vibe.
VORTEX A tech stepper from outer space, channeling the vibes of ‘97/’98.
PHASES OF CHARON Esc digs deep into the vaults of No U Turn & co. with a menacing dark workout.
Support from Mantra, Dead Man’s Chest, Loxy, Flight, J:Kenzo, Sun People, Jay Cunning, Basic Rhythm, LTJ Bukem, Gremlinz, Resound etc.; airplay on BBC, Rinse FM, SWU.FM; Metalheadz, Vision Podcasts & more Mastered by Fanu & cut for vinyl by Beau @ Ten Eight Seven
Opius returns after his appearance on TUNNEL005, with his first full EP on Time Tunnel Recordings. Do you like your tunes smashed with amens? Well this is the release for you. Opius is known for his tough, relentless sound. All 3 tracks do not fail to disappoint. Dancefloor smashers all round.
Turning one of the most turbulent times we’ve all experienced into the most creatively prolific chapters of his life, everything you hear on this beautiful and explorative debut album from Emba is the result of one of the biggest lockdown silver linings drum & bass has known so far…
The solo project of Dave Wilson, who was previously of the prolific but now-split act Dexcell, everything about the Emba project burns bright with unique circumstances. A well-versed producer, he’s been immersed in the music game for well over a decade but has always been part of a larger act that comprises other influences and viewpoints. Now, for the first time ever, he’s completely free to pursue his own ideas… And this album is the result.
Using his time away from the club, Emba immersed himself in beats, sculpting stunning grooves for a wide array of respected and hugely talented singers and MCs to pour their hearts and lay down some of their most delicate and revealing lyrics. DRS, Catching Cairo, KSR, Lucy Kitchen, Paper Dragon, Tempza, Ad-apt, Scott Haining, Philippa Hanna, L.I.T.A and Oktae all bring their best to this album, bringing life, voice and human soul to this extensive collection of compositions that come complete with collaborations with Spearhead boss BCee and rising talent Inigma.
Capturing a unique moment in time, the Emba album is a reflection of life for Wilson both post-Dexcell and during a period of lockdowns in which he moved house and became a father. On a much wider world level, he captures a moment for all of us as he gently balances musicianship with production weight to reflect where the most soulful sides of drum & bass are currently at when you’re working with some of the most talented vocalists and songwriters and you’re coming from a place of total exploration and passion for the craft. There’s plenty more to come, too. Emba is just warming up…
It’s been a time of poignant reflections and landmark moments for Spearhead bossman Steve Jefroy. Last year marked 20 years of his BCee alias while just last month he re-linked with Kubiks, the artist he launched his first ever label with and started this journey on.
Now time for another significant moment as the label unleashes its 200th Spearhead release. And BCee has the honours of curating it. Say hello to ‘TSC’.
The meaning of this triple-initial title will remain shrouded in secrecy for now. What matters is the music as BCee goes back to his roots and lays down four sublime sessions just in time for the summer. Taking a break from his signature vocal collaborations, ‘TSC’ is all about foundation flexing as he rolls out with the samples and digs deep on the vibes.
Timeless elevation music and tailored for deep mix pleasure, each cut sparkles with that dusty sun-kissed soul so many of us fell in love with drum & bass through. From the gentle ebbs and flows and hazy horn toots of the opener ‘TSC’ to the space funk flurries of the finale ‘If I Had To Die For Someone’, the whole EP rumbles and rolls with a classic funk flare that BCee first made his name with… Setting us up for another 200 Spearhead releases in the process.
Currently in the thick of her most hectic summer of shows so far, Lens has been firing up dancefloors and blazing our senses with her mixes for a few years… Now time for the all-important level-up as she drops her debut EP – ‘Marufo’.
Having teased us with her first release earlier this year – ‘Love The Way’ with Lally on her Hospital Mixtape – Lens zooms out to reveal a much wider spice cabinet. Named after her favourite chicken spot in The Algarve, Portugal; ‘Marufo’ showcases the same full flavour range as she does as a DJ, each cut reflecting a different side to the young Brighton artist’s energy, sound palette and influences. ‘Feels Like’ takes the lead with a contemporary, sunny-side jungle vibe. Twisting up RnB elements amid her breezy breaks, it sets the tone for a full spectrum slew that follows; ‘Give Me A Reason’ is a cosmic late-night vibe-out, ‘Marufo’ brings the piri-piri piquancy frequencies with supreme old school jungle choppiness while ‘Gun Point’ fires shots into the future, the high calibre bassline charge once again tapping into a powerful foundation sound that belies Lens’s young tenure.
Each track like a fresh new course in a banquet of spicy new-gen D&B; this will fill you up for the summer AND leave you wanting more. Don’t worry, Lens is already cooking the next batch. But like all the best meals, we’ll just have to wait…
Undesignated remixes is an expansive project containing 12 remixes of tracks from dgoHn’s iconic 2020 full-length by some choice artists from in and around the Love Love sphere. Remixes that take dgoHn’s unique razor-sharp original productions and send them through a loop and round the twist, some stripped down, some messed up, most but not all maintaining the speedier tempos that dgoHn likes to work around. The result is a collection of seriously futuristic electronic music with some stylistic leanings towards labels like braindance or drumfunk or jungle but completely genre-eluding as a whole, reshaped from the minerals of the original LP by some absolute dons of their craft.
Opening the album Equinox does a fantastic job highlighting the lushness of ‘Puppet’ layering sky-high sunshine pads before sliding into Meat Beat Manifesto’s heavy sci-fi acid dub version of ‘Daisy Takes Two’. A woozy remix of ‘Lucky Gonk’ by Macc & dgoHn marks the first new material from them as a duo since ’09 and Wisp also makes a rare appearance bringing his inimitable post-rephlexian vibes on an agonisingly wonderful, melody-heavy remix of 'Electryon'. Skee Mask’s choice of remixing ‘Robin’s Windmill’ turns the original into a bundle of writhing rhythms organically unfolding with swelling ambient tones. Homegrown heroes Rognvald & Scrase both opt for pumped up post-breakcore in unconventional time signatures while Djrum emphatically provides the LP’s dose of peak jungle choppage, tempering the drum breaks of ‘Ninnyhammer’ with a blistering amen. Also featured on the LP are crisp and beefy drum workouts courtesy of Coco Bryce and Forest Drive West, visceral and apocalyptic half-time bass from Activia Benz affiliated duo Quavis and virtuosic noir-jazz tearout from fellow East-Anglian Carl Brown.
*AUDIO TO FOLLOW*
a1. Puppet (Equinox Remix)
a2.Daisy Takes Two (Meat Beat Manifesto Dub Selection Remix)
b1. Stachybotrys (Coco Bryce Rework)
b2. Lucky Gonk (Macc & dgoHn Remix)
c1. Electryon (Wisp remix)
c2. Lucky Gonk (Forest Drive West Remix)
d1. Turnips Are OK (Rognvald Remix)
d2. Conty (Scrase Remix)
e1. Ninnyhammer (Djrum Remix)
e2. Robin's Windmill (Skee Mask Remix)
f1. AF0156984 (Quavis remix)
f2. Invisible Sandwich (Carl Brown's Pea & Mint Mix)
Wingz heads back to Overview once more for his next offering on the label with the 4 track 'Ethereal EP'. The 2 solo tunes are on the deeper, more emotional side of minimal, showcasing the breadth and range of Markus' music.
Rounding off the release see's a feature from Berlin based Submarine on the explosive 'Kernschmelze' and an incredibly special remix of the Overview anthem 'Sorrow' from French quadruplet Visages.
We welcome the unique talent of Italian producer Booca to Transmute, with his Cabala EP.
4 different slices of dnb with heavy jazz and electronica influences. Artwork and overall concept was crafted by Booca over the last year culminating in one of our most interesting releases to date.
New Zealand drum & bass titans The Upbeats have galvanized the global turbulence and turmoil during COVID to create their most explorative and emotionally heavy album to date "Not Forever". Featuring the likes of Fat Freddys Drop frontman Joe Dukie, Jordan Dennis, Levine Lale, Sylvee, Syrene Favero and US MC don Armanni Reign, "Not Forever" is unlike anything the duo has released before.
Written in a different way, approached from another perspective, created with a newfound love for the creative process and the scene at large; It's a whole new side to the duo who have continually pushed themselves and their sound into the unknown...
A1 The Upbeats - Not Forever
A2 The Upbeats - Realm
A3 The Upbeats feat. Sylvee - All We've Got
B1 The Upbeats - Goldrush
B2 The Upbeats - Theodore
B3 The Upbeats feat. Joe Dukie - Beams
C1 The Upbeats feat. Jordan Dennis & Levine Lale - Infinity
C2 The Upbeats feat. Sylvee - Divide
C3 The Upbeats - Bosscorp
D1 The Upbeats feat. Armanni Reign - Villains Cowl