Safe Planet’s intergalactic transmissions channel Neek’s deep space sample collection missions, and after bringing Ishan up to warp-speed with intensive rave and hardcore training, the duo launched firmly into dancefloor production mode with their debut EP for Sweet Sensation.
This project matches tidy low-end focused productions long established through their individual releases under Peng Sound & Hotline, with space cadet research methods developed for the pair’s recent collaboration with Young Echo rappers Manonmars & Bogues on DNO records.
Introducing Twelvez, a two track, 12 inch series from the ec2a camp. A subtle nod to the classic, club ready twelve. Expect one track per side, cut at 45 rpm for extra emphasis and bass weight. First up on the new imprint are two rising producers in UK Garage, Daffy & Dominus, combining for 'Warlord' - an ice-cold dubstep wobbler featuring London city warlord and OG Roll Deep general, Riko Dan, out today [6th May 2022] on Twelvez. Classic 140 arrangement and sub-lows setting the pace for the one of the most recognisable grime flows over the past two decades. On the flip comes an addictive speed garage remix by the ever illusive Yorkshire outfit, Soul Mass Transit System, out 3rd June 2022.
On ‘Warlord’, Riko Dan says,
“Dominus and Daffy hit me up to see if I wanted to collaborate on a project. I told them to send me the instrumental and we’ll take it from there. Fair to say as soon as I played it I knew instantly I would wanna vocal it. As for the lyrics - they’re all about catching a soundboy on the battlefield and killing him there and then without giving him a chance “fi walk home””
Dominus adds,
“Originally intended as a self-release 2 steppa, 'Warlord' has undergone about a year of alterations. Daffy quickly established the project's gloomy vibe, giving me a solid foundation for further drums, synth, and bass parts. At first, the rolling bassline I had made with the Korg Monologue was the main focus of the track but afer mixdown we decided a vocal was needed and Riko's fierce vocal lines were a game changer, instantly becoming the driving force of 'Warlord'. Editing Riko's vocals in-line with the instrumental was a lengthy but enjoyable process, with many little tweaks to get everything just right. It’s without a doubt one of my favourite projects I've ever worked on.”
Established in 2020, ec2a was born - a personal project referencing Yanis Koudjo’s inspirations and upbringing. Emerging during the height of the new UK Garage scene, Yanis’s debut as Dr Dubplate soon followed. ec2a references the postcode of Plastic People during its Curtain Road days, the former London clubbing institution and venue where the UK Bass scene famously cut its teeth and subsequently formed a hotbed for many of the early sounds that have since gone on to define eras of UK music.
Following suit after ec2a and OPM, expect the old school versus new school theme to continue. An exciting new offering from curator/DJ/label head Dr Dubplate, Twelvez is a powerhouse for darker, bass-heavy club sounds with the coldest onboard.
A1. Dominus, Daffy, Riko Dan - Warlord
B1. Dominus, Daffy, Riko Dan - Warlord (Soul Mass Transit System Remix)
The long awaited second instalment of our 4 part VA series.
Opening track ‘Dub Free pt.3 (Rose line mix)’ is a masterfully produced and mixed dub techno groove by Hiss Is Bliss. With skills at this level, there’s clearly more to come from this French artist.
On the flip, USA born Bukkha, digs into the deep dub techno trenches with Dub Envelope. Situated at 115bpm, a tempo with much possibility, Bukkha hits the nail on the head with ease and exposes a different side to his usual output.
Closing out this carefully curated 3 track 12” - Bristol talent Somah signs off with a dreamy dub break titled Knot Up.
The next Time Is Now white label sees two UKG powers join forces. The first of these will be no stranger to loyal followers of the series: Bristol native and Animated Audio boss Daffy makes his eagerly awaited return, one year after his label debut which established his prowess in producing UKG with a distinctly forward-facing essence. His collaborator PJ Bridger needs little more introduction. A nominee for the 2021 DJ Mag Best Of British Awards, categorised alongside Autechre, LCY and Calibre, the Berlin-based producer has been making some serious waves over the last couple of years, with his self-released refixes being nothing less than a staple in UKG sets across the country.
Way Back When EP gets off to a strong start. An assertive razor-sharp two-step rhythm drives 'We Come Dere' and 'Dutty', the former teasing elements of breaks whilst the latter leans closer towards grime. On the flipside, 'Way Back When' is an ode to the old school with ragga vocals and skippy 2-step drums that cruise along blissed-out ambience. TIN mainstay Bakey's flip introduces a mean warped bassline for an extra sprinkling of ruffage whilst Tola Peckham resident Ollie Rant takes an all together different approach, adding in a 4x4 pulse and a piano melody that capers gleefully over the top.
A1 Daffy & PJ Bridger - We Come Dere
A2 Daffy & PJ Bridger - Dutty
B1 Daffy & PJ Bridger - Way Back When
B2 Daffy & PJ Bridger - Way Back When (Bakey remix)
B3 Daffy & PJ Bridger - Way Back When (Ollie Rant remix)
Timehri Records are back with another trip into intergalactic Crud, delivering more timeless physical output for the ongoing journey. Up next is UK underground stalwart and Boiler Room label takeover guest Yosh. The South Londoner has made a name for himself for his signature break-step sounds, delivering projects for various UK imprints since his pre-rona emergence.
Fresh off the back of his 100% production mix for the label’s reputable cassette series, Yosh delivers a weighty three tracker showcasing both sides of his arsenal.
For our next Time Is Now release, join us as we connect the dots between the Bristol - Leeds musical axis.
"Peaky Time Vol.1" sees us collaborate with the finest independent all-vinyl label the city has to offer, courtesy of the head honcho himself. Having so far received support from the likes of Moxie, Hodge, and Tom Ravenscroft, Tom Meyer has been making some serious waves as Peaky Beats - a name now closely-associated with his illustrious live sets which combine breaks, dubstep and UKG.
Kicking off proceedings is sunshine banger "Road Runner" which is later flipped by key member of the TIN London faction, Yosh, who puts his inimitable spin on the classic-sounding UKG. With syrup-smooth vocal licks and staccato piano stabs, "Cats From The Back" maintains the theme, sure to be heard at festival stages across the country this summer. Finally on "XL", Peaky brings the old school ruffage with clattering breaks and a breakdown that leads to a switch-up begging to be reloaded.
For our first release in the sound-clash series, Xander goes head to head with Papa Nugs.
Based out of Brighton, Xander has made a name for himself in the UKG/breaks scene over the last 18 months with his exciting sound design and work for his own label, Over and Out.
The A1, "Dead My Sound", combines moody bass-lines with snappy drums to make a fierce 2-step dance floor killer. The A2, "Watch It", follows up with a menacing Reese bassline.
Papa Nugs is another prominent name in the UKG and breaks scene at the moment, having also had an exceptional 18 months. With releases on labels such as Constant Sound and Ba Dum Tish, we knew he'd be the perfect competitor for Xander
The B1, "Blip", provides skippy garage drums and with warping bass stabs taking inspiration from dubstep sounds. The B2, "Do Something", showcases a completely different side of UK garage, with slamming 4x4 drums and a chugging bassline.
For volume six, we have four ethereal club driven belters. Spanning bass, breaks, techno & garage. Supplied by a trio of powerhouse producers all hailing from Germany. Kid Kun takes the helm with 'Moments' & 'Noble' spaced out takes on garage and breaks. Collaborating on tracks withVan Kost & Ekko for some techno leaning anthems.
The first release from Edinburgh-based rave Headset, showcasing unsung Scottish artists making alternative house, techno, garage & breaks in dubby styles.
Creep Woland provides the first EP with floating breaks, UKG & broken beat, finishing with a creepy slow jam.
Making his Time Is Now debut, Killjoy brings a kaleidoscopic EP jam-packed with UK flavours, from 4x4 garage to UK Funky and tribal house.
By no means a newcomer to the scene, Killjoy has long been perfecting his craft. Now residing in Sydney, he was instrumental in the rise of Nottingham's Tumble Audio: a musical heritage easy to detect in his current productions. Building on the stylistic tropes of bassline, UK Funky and Grime, Killjoy's sound istruly distinct, proven by support received from the likes of Scratcha DVA, Riz La Teef, Skream and Zomby.
For proof, look no further than TINWHITE016 which showcases Killjoy's myriad artistic identity, beginning with "Roof It (4x4 Mix)". Intervals of warmth and cool compete with each other - each one just as danceable as the other - later seeing a flip from TIN family member Soul Mass Transit System who captures the track's old school essence and enhances it with korg organ stabs that dance above. A marching triplet rhythm lends "E's Got Me" its driving propulsion: with plenty of swing and and weighty percussion, this one evokes the music of Tribal Brothers or Bakongo. Talking of UK Funky, "Bourbon" sees Killjoy put his spin on the genre with a broken rhythm that comes at no cost to the swing created by deep lower-end stabs that nod to bassline. These are then taken and drawn out on its VIP flip, occupying the intersection between Grime and UK Funky. This one begs to be played on a system.
A1 Killjoy - Roof It (4x4 Mix)
A2 Killjoy - Roof It (Soul Mass Transit System remix)
Since joining forces as Soul Mass Transit System a couple of years ago, Baby J and D Jason have released a wealth of club-ready 12" singles, many of which explore their love of vintage UK garage. This EP on Vivid is a little more eclectic but no less celebratory or peak-time ready. For proof, check saucer-eyed opener 'Set You Free', where giddy old school piano stabs, stretched-out sub-bass and spinetingling female vocal samples ride a rolling breakbeat, and the revivalist hardcore hedonism of the ludicrously bass-heavy 'Nah Nah Nah'. They doff a cap to their bassline roots on crunchy breakbeat roller 'Phat Booty', before drawing a fine EP toa close with the two-step-goes-Niche heaviness of 'Smoke'.
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