After over five years since we've released the first chapter, we are nearly ready to drop "Steppin' Forward" 2, which will be our final release of 2019. This time the compilation includes 16 previously unreleased tracks from 27 artists and will be out on the 29th of November across 3x12" vinyl and digital.
a1. Baodub ft. Jahvorem - Heavy
a2. D-Operation Drop - Lockdown
b1. Dubbing Sun & Blue Hill ft. Kali Green - Filtering Lies
b2. Halcyonic & G Roots Meets Digid ft. Vale - Enchanted Dub
b3. JahYu - Empowerment
c1. Lapo - Legalize VIP
c2. iSt3p - Steamroller
d1. Blind Prophet - Righteous Stepper
d2. WuduB!? & Irieginal Nutty Tree ft. Ras Tinny - Give Thanks
Arguably the Netherlands’ most prominent grime artist, JLSXND7RS’ name is synonymous with some of the most iconic productions around, with a vast back catalogue including collaborations with Wiley, Footsie, Rocks FOE and Discarda. For the debut vinyl release on his fledgling label, Dark Knight, he’s brought out a long-awaited fan favourite alongside two gargantuan reimaginations.
From its brassy opening notes, “ Marching” is instantly recognisable – a minimal, yet menacing instrumental which has enjoyed countless plays from esteemed DJs including Slimzee and Sir Spyro since it first surfaced on the airwaves in 2016. It also comes with Mala’s seal of approval; the Digital Mystikz legend has cut the track to dubplate for use in his sets.
On side B1, dubstep royalty Caspa pares back the original to its base elements, instead introducing gritty basslines, mesmerising percussion and a grimy harmony to bridge the gap between the two genres.
The release concludes with a remix from Brighton innovator and Sector 7 signee J ook, which Outlook festival-goers will recognise. His melodic interpretation of the song includes swelling reversed synths, shuffling drums and cinematic breakdowns.
Back with a vengeance, Cimm returns to the imprint with a highly anticipated succession to his Sentry debut from last year, stamped on a irresistible 2 x 12" vinyl release. Infernal halftime beats and top-notch Dubstep shells, firmly entrenched at the frontier of sound system music and its invaluable heritage. The London-based producer and DJ rose to swift and significant acclaim in the last few years with releases on institutions like Tempa, J:Kenzo's Artikal and Wheel & Deal as well as notable residencies at Rinse FM and the renowned Fabric night club, among other recent achievements. Now coming to a turntable near you, Cimm delivers four bespoke cuts, primed for the dance and your enjoyment, battle-tested by the scene's foremost tastemakers.
Diving into unidentified transmissions, 'Unknown Caller!!' sets the pace with eerie reverberations and filtered resonance. Amid the faint hiss of machinery, larger-than-life drums set up shop alongside subterranean pressure emissions. Hefty breaks, hold tight! Retro synth melodies keep us on track within the monstrous switch-ups and unquestionably meticulous arrangement, sure to shut down any dance in style. Cutting no corners with the B-Side, Cimm teams up with veteran vocalist Rider Shafique for a dystopian sub-bass onslaught, swaggering militant chants and the apocalyptic ambience to go with it. Steaming low-frequency oscillations bubble and hurl their weight, stripped of all restraints, coveted in freezing harmonies and ethereal atmosphere. Vibrating in a more uplifting spirit, the dedication to the Jamaican roots of sound system culture unfolds in the Londoner's signature style - dubbed out soundscapes ahead. 'Tosh Dub' keeps it a laid back, with vintage instrumentation, scattered skanks and swirling organ chimes. Taking an ultimate trip through unremitted grit and off-kilter grooves, 'I Am Jack Travis' lures us in with rainy undertones and hypnotic foley sampling. Promptly revealing its true nature with plenty of pressure and scrupulous syncopation, a ghostly heavyweight ensues and closes the deal.
Clearlight brings his wonderfully tripped out production wizardry to Foundation Audio for a 3 track journey into the void!
Clearlight has always stood out from the crowd and pushed boundaries with his unique take on the genre. It sounds like dubstep swallowed a bottle of LSD… or smoked some DMT… There’s no point going into detailed track summary as it won’t do the music justice, - just sit back, spark one up and get sucked into another dimension.
Artikal Music UK is pleased to share the LP from label owner J:KENZO "TAYGETA CODE", a collection of deep and heavy arrangements built for all speakers and sound-systems.
Varying in style and speed from dubstep, grime and bass from 130bpm, 140bpm & 170bpm; the album features appearances from grime MC Flowdan on the VIP of 'Like A Hawk', legend jungle MC Navigator on club banger 'Narky (Body Dem)', as well as New Zealand singer-songwriter Lelijveld who adds her subtle dreamy vocals to 'Broken Dreams'.
Support from Mala, Toddla T, Om Unit, Youngsta & N-Type.
![Various Artists - Steppin' Forward 2 [3x12"]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/mslp010_{width}x.jpg?v=1574249119)
![Cimm - Unknown Caller!! EP [2x12"]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/sen012a_{width}x.jpg?v=1573657100)
![J:Kenzo - Taygeta Code [2x12" LP]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0488/8057/products/artklp003_{width}x.jpg?v=1571921017)