Over And Out label head and all-round speed garage bubbler Xander joins the Breaks ‘N’ Pieces family with his sights firmly set on deep and dark 2-step grooves following a string of killer Bandcamp releases through his own DIGI series.
Those with a keen ear for the emerging producers sound will have heard lead track ‘Restless’ across the BBC Radio 1 airwaves as part of Jaguar’s show; Looney Tune inspired sound effects give a whacky feel to the growling bassline and crisp percussion, before Break-a-Dawn provides a glimpses into a previously unexplored side of the Xander sound - dreamy atmospherics mould with playful vocal samples and rolling breakbeats in a killer blend of warm-up and UK energy.
‘Untitled (Afterhours Mix)’ is designed specifically for the club; large wubs and stipped-back production make for a minimal wobbler designed to set dancefloors alight, while ‘Don’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ maintains the darkness with flashes of screw-face brilliance.
Finally, Main Phase comes through with a massive speed garage remix of ‘Don’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ crafting for sweaty hugs and beautiful moments on the dancefloor.
Nikki Nair never misses the mark with his dynamic and versatile sound, effortlessly blending a plethora of genres into one singular mind-altering composition; deservedly becoming synonymous with the forward-thinking era of hybridized electronic music. Now on Breaks ‘N’ Pieces, Nair recalls his signature sound in the form of weighty bass & breaks; while continuing to twist the templates of old to create something truly unique.
Nikki opens things up with ‘Way Of The Void’ showing off his talent for impeccable drum programming and bass-driven dance music; demonstrating how only a few carefully selected elements can create maximum impact. ‘Pop Music’ is an idiosyncratic cross-over between Nair’s far-reaching influences, fondly reminiscent of one of his stand-out releases ‘Power Tools’ on Dirtybird in 2020. This time there’s an even greater sense of flexibility, as heavily manipulated sounds cause havoc across dance-floor sound systems.
‘Unit’ utilizes gritty vocal samples and squelching bass that jump from your eardrums straight to your toes, before Nair shares another string to his bow, going far left with the minimal inspired ‘Trackiing’. Expert use of panning creates a 3D effect, encompassing a 4/4 kick-drum and percussive elements in forward-thinking motion. The EP comes to a close with ‘The Person Or Persons’ a multi-layered story beamed down from another universe; tales clouded in mystery, personality and the creativity we’ve come to expect from one of electronic-music's most eclectic artists.
Skeleton King has been ripping through the UK circuit with his unique take on low-slung UKG, breaks and emotive driven atmospherics; coupled with an unpredictable quality, often combining melodies and rhythms in a distinctive, idiosyncratic tone. With this ability to mix different blends comes Falling In Love, a wide-eyed excursion through love shaped melodies, high-octane energy and futuristic beats.
‘My Joy’ sets pace with its seductive lead line, embraced within a sustained low-end and eyes-closed in the club vocal; before UK rapper and NiNE8 collective member Bone Slim features on ‘Falling In Love,’ displaying a knack for vivid story-telling and his uncompromising style of rap; the collaboration we didn’t know we needed.The A side closes its curtain with a minimal, but no less effective approach in ‘A Question Of Breaks.’
The mind-altering, immersive sounds of ‘Ooh Yh’ on the record's B side draws from a range of influences from UKG to clinging electro, with absorbing interplay between evolving leads and strapping percussion. ‘String Energy’ is just as ear-catching, with it’s fun bubble-gum flavoured vocal snippets and commanding bassline. The track continues to build until an alternative version is thrown into the mix, causing heads to turn and bodies to move before the return of a vocal that is likely to stick in the mind’s of dancers for days to come.
Leeds based independent vinyl label Peaky Beats has been behind some of the most exciting names in the UKG re-rise in recent years - from releases on the label by Highrise & Papa Nugs, to a killer mix series featuring Eliza Rose and Amaliah, to shelling it down through his live shows. Now the bass enthusiast joins the Breaks N Pieces family with a four-tracker spanning UK sub-bass culture.
With a string of releases on Hot Haus, Running Out Of Steam and Distant Horizons, M4A4 is no stranger to creating ear-catching dance music against a backdrop of collective influences, ranging from UKG, house and lunging 2-step. The prolific producer now makes his debut for Breaks ‘N’ Pieces - twisting the standard house template; with one eye on the past and another on the future.
‘Cartier’ creates a spark by combining slinky drums and classic house sounds with an M4A4 signature twist; while also offering a zesty 2-step digi-only version. ‘Enchanter’ is a punchier affair, with layers of nostalgia painted vividly within dreamy pads and M1 organs, before ‘Starbeam’ comes in as smooth as a knife to melted butter, with a bassline as tantalizing as it is hard. Each element within its structures supports another - creating a harmonized symphony of dance-floor conduction.
Responsible for some of the best UK induced music of 21’ - Interplanetary Criminal is on hand to remix, this time with a reflective rendition of ‘Starbeam.’ Neon lights luminate a smoke-filled dance-floor in a kaleidoscope of boundless colour, showing another face to Interplanetary Criminal’s seemingly endless talents.
London producer extraordinaire Yosh pulls up with five ruff ‘n’ ready cuts of breaksy garage designed to get lairy to. It’s been a meteoric rise for the artist whose work rate never seems to falter; from bass-driven breakbeat to bubblegum 2-step and raw, ravey cuts - Yosh brings a certain quality to every production; a distinctive flavour within a bubbling scene.
In many ways, Breaks ‘N’ Pieces is the perfect platform for Yosh to show what he can do. We kick off with ‘A Moment’; a jungle-inspired cut of 140 steps, echoing dubs and vocal samples creating a sense of urgency and darkness as sweat drips from the roof. The stripped-back approach remains as we meander into ‘Take A Walk With Me’. Less like a walk and more like a run, this twisting cut of breakbeat is a vibe-builder; the perfect accompaniment from midnight to morning.
‘10 Tiger Strike’ features old Wu-Tang samples and typically minimal production; bringing a certain essence to the subtlety and precision of each break, before ‘Cold Steps’ ventures back into UKG territory with a production that sounds exactly like it’s titled. Imagine 2-stepping in a winter wonderland and you’re there.
Rounding off the release is ‘What On Earth’; a psychedelic trip through M1 Korg-inspired garage that’s as playful as it is devastating, bringing Yosh further into the scope of the garage revival’s finest.
Council Work founders Tom Frankel and Dayne Harper have been bubbling up through London's underground circuit with their unique take and varied influences; all the way from UKG to house, jungle and hip-hop. Over the last few years the pairing have been prolific, releasing records on Oldivibes, Fraise LDN and a string of free downloads and EPs on their own forward-thinking imprint; never becoming solidified with any one sound, yet carving a distinct and audible palette. Now the London duo drop some not so obvious garage in one of their most dynamic releases yet.
Pépé Elle, a young producer from Paris has been making some serious waves of late, both through his work as label boss at Aurore 404, it’s sub-label 3 Feet Deep Records and his own hard to pigeonhole productions, influenced from various corners of the world. Now the French DJ & producer further dissects the outer reaches of UKG, loaded with dutty rhythms, playful leads and atmospheric backdrops on Cheeky Music Group.
Opening track ‘Hype Dope’ is a skippy exploration of colourful leads and sleekly-pressed rhythms; lyrics ‘break the turntable and flip’ embody a smile before gun-fingers reach for the air. The low-slung and weighty vibe of ‘Unexcusable’ and the acidic tinged ‘CMS We Meet Again’ show Pépé’s ability to connect various sounds while maintaining a continuity across his deep sonic palette.
On the flip ‘Thump’ is a minimal garage gem; the type of track that would work perfectly when warming up a crowd or as a bridge between murkier UK sounds. ‘Long Swelling Wave’ is a straight up dance-floor destroyer, combining heavyweight bass and itchy beats, forming a sea of frenetic energy as day turns to night.
A serious EP from one of Europe's leading underground garage producers.
Shetlands raised, Malmö based producer Bolam has been building quite the reputation for himself with his exciting blend of future-facing UK techno, breakbeat, jungle and electro. Following a release on London’s Control Freak Recordings, Breaks ‘N’ Pieces welcomes the emerging artist to the roster with the Thunderclap EP.
The title track ‘Thunderclap’ is a left-field leaning blend of experimental electronics, pace-building techno and large breaks, all tied together under an umbrella of hair-raising atmospherics designed to excite and alarm. ‘Hype Shifter’ makes playful use of grimey textures and tones as this subby cut of breakbeat ventures deep into the underground with elements of Baltimore club.
‘Indecipherable’ is self-descriptive; a mutated electro cut that lends from a large pool of sub-genre to create something totally unique. Wait for the vocals after the halfway point, here Bolam has crafted one of the most exciting crossover tracks of the year. Closing out the EP is TRULE bossman and man of the hour Al Wootton. The artist formerly known as Deadboy turns in a typically bassy, stripped back breaks remix of ‘Hype Shifter’ - one that should be going straight in any UK sound heads cart.
Breaks ‘N’ Pieces turns in its fourteenth volume of killer breakbeat laced cuts, and this one is an absolute doozy from Roadkill co-founder and Manchester based producer 4TGang.
Following the releases of Sunset From The Garage, Needs and a killer remix of Subjoi, the emerging producer serves up six distinctive cuts that blend his liquid drum & bass influence with stripped back UKG tendencies and melodic textures.
The garage re-rise is well and truly on, and 4TGang is at its forefront with his minimal, stripped back approach. ‘From Another Garage’ makes use of ragga samples, bright synths and precise percussion for an afternoon groover. ‘All Just’ ventures into darker territory, it’s murky presence giving off rainy, Burial vibes.
‘Piano Vibes’ is set up to dominate every outside situated soundsystem with a cut of early evening, loungey 2-step, before ‘Unpopular’ slowly pushes down on the accelerator as the moon shows its face and breakbeats sound across the sky.
The jazz-focused, rolling breaks of ‘Where This Takes Me’ sounds like something you might hear being live performed in low-lit club in Peckham, before ‘Always Wanted More’ completely switches up the energy with pulsating, colourful cut of garage-house.
Harrison BDP services up four variations of 2-step on a release that highlights the producer's knack for crafting colourful dreamscapes whilst having his finger on the pulse of contemporary dance music.
‘Shuto Expressway’ channels the visual stimulation of driving through the Japanese expressways of Tokyo from which the track is named; dubby basslines, well placed vocal samples and a genuine feeling of serenity makes for a sunny stepper.
‘Anti Lag’ is an electro-garage mutation; screw-face wubs, grimey strings and melodic pads creating the perfect accompaniment as day turns to night, while the familiar vocal samples and garage-skank energy of ‘Rhythm Is Key’ deepens the groove.
Wriggling acid lines and subdued textures show us the door on ‘Bad Habits’, floating back towards electro-step territory with that signature BDP otherworldliness.
Rotterdam based producer DJ Crisps follows up releases on Riz La Teef’s ‘South London Pressing’ and Bristol UKG label Time Is Now with three original dubs that blur the lines between garage, hardcore and breakbeat.
Crisps has a knack for breaks (see Freedom with Ell Murphy). Luvin You walks the tightrope of rough and smooth; it’s chipmunk vocals, ethereal atmospherics and nostalgic samples creating a plethora of heads down and hug-in-the-rave moments.
It’s A Dark Day is a tale of anxiety. Beginning with soft, uplifting chords it begins optimistically before bassy swells of darkness surface amongst spooked-out vocals and huge wubs. Music Is My Life sees Crisps return to garage territory with a soulful stepper that evolves into a dutty, no phones allowed affair.
Rounding off the record is a remix of Music Is My Life from standout producer Mani Festo following a wicked release on Sneaker Social Club. He delivers a typically transportative, perception-altering cut of emotionally-stirring breaks that showcases the artist's infatuation with the tension between futurism and tradition.
Since 2014 Stones Taro has been delivering his own take on the UK sound, heavily influenced by rave, jungle, garage and breakbeat. Now the Kyoto, Japan based artist makes his Cheeky Music Group debut with four intricately laced cuts on August 20th, continuing to break the mould and recontextualize his own sonic palette.
‘Again’ opens proceedings with deep wobbling bass that finds its way from your ears and down to your toes, coupled with dub style chords and vibey vocal loops, to help keep the steppers moving to the early hours. ‘Come Over Me’ picks up where ‘Again’ left off with glossy lipped vocals and oscillating snare drums, resulting in a track perfect for warming up the dance floor.
Glistening synths sparkle just above choppy breaks and spacious bass in ‘Yakusugi’ - as it’s ethereal sensibility adds a different dynamic altogether to Stones Taro’s ever evolving sonic armour. Every sound in closing track ‘Rare’ is carefully placed and nuanced; as one tone reflects off the next in auditory delight - suited for those late-night dwellers.
Nicolas Duque is a producer whose playful take on UK Garage, House & UK rave sounds is attracting ears far beyond his native Colombia. After an appearance on the Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.2 VA, the Bogota producer makes his full release debut on the label.
The release opens with UK To G, an unpredictable but alluring tribute to the spectrum of sounds across the hardcore continuum. If Just The Way is a sweet UKG song for the lovers on the edge of the dancefloor, then Moshpit Rave is it’s breakbeat-lined alternative for the couples in the middle of the rave. This romantic thread is amplified on the B-side with 2You, a sugary-sweet R&B flip. Bristol Love, with its whompy bassline & tightly-chopped breaks are an ode to the soundsystem city & Holloway’s remix ramps up the dread with a menacing reese bassline.
Breaks 'N' Pieces returns with its debut full length EP with six weighty slices of UKG & bass driven goodness from Skeleton King . This one for the early morning ravers.
Scene newcomer Skeleton King gets his much deserved debut full length vinyl release via mysterious bass label Breaks 'N' Pieces , after first appearing on the Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.1 various artist release back in September. This killer cut delves deep into all things bass driven, exploring the sounds of UKG, 2-Step and breaks.
Breaks 'N' Pieces returns with another cut of bass driven dance music from rising producer DJ Sunroof.
Australian DJ / producer DJ Sunroof has had a killer year with notable dance discs on imprints such as Nerang, 3 Feet Deep and contributing to the recent Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.3 various artists release to top . His debut full vinyl EP via rising UK label Breaks 'N' Pieces hits the stop, weighty breaks meet chest rattling bass on this 2-step laden cut.
Breaks 'N' Pieces returns with a monstrous disc from rising producer Warwick, backed witha killer remix from Peaky Beats. Cardiff based producer Warwick has had a massive year with a string of high calibre records on labels such as Lobster Theremin , E2CA , Dansu Discs & HAWS , amongst others. His latest outing sees him serve up 5 bass driven, weighty jams via mysterious label Breaks 'N' Pieces, whilst also recruiting the help of Peaky Beats on remix duties.
