On first listen, it’s no surprise that Serum has received support from the likes of Andy C, Friction, Bryan G, Fabio, Shy FX, Dillinja, Ray Keith, DJ Marky and many more crucial tastemakers. With records like title-track ‘Black Metal’ doing damage, alongside its clinking metallic hi-hats and winding bassline, Serum’s sound was certainly created for the clubs. Punchy drums and crackling bass helps to underpin his signature, a staple production style which has made him notorious. Then comes ‘Ramparts’, crashing forward on clattering breaks and an undeniable groove which sifts mercilessly through the mix. Serum delivers blow after blow, with kicking drums and distorted sonic creating a disjointed roller which becomes more imposing with every layer.
Up next is ‘Skeleton Key’, a weighty offering which reverberates with every crunching sub. Spectre-like atmospherics push themselves across the composition, overlaying a creeping feel which juxtaposes methodically against its more slanted elements. Serum knows how to create a feeling of unease; it’s this uncompromising feature which has made his records so impactful on dancefloors.
A1: 'King Stays' A track that has been supported up and down, from Calibre to DJ Hype, this is one of the rare drum and bass cross spectrum of tracks. Release and T>I draw on both their strengths combining a minimal stripped back approach, whilst creating a bouncy and infectious funk, underpinned with deep subs and flashes of well know breaks. This is a track set to be a landmark in both producers back catalogues.
B1: 'Make me Feel' A fine balance of musical vibes and a deep underpinning rhythm. Release draws on driving drums and both synthesized and live bass hits to fill the body of the track. Musical samples and well placed FX come together perfectly to give this track a classic light and dark vibe, typical of Release's style.
B2 :'Giving Up' Pulling together classic vocals, rave samples and growly bass stabs, all working in harmony with a well know drum break, this track chops and pumps in all the right places, whilst giving away hints of nostalgia. This one is made for the floor.
Adding to an already impressive collection of VA albums, Horizons Music returns for another part of their ‘Dream Thief’ series. Featuring producers both past and present, those who’ve already released on the bourgeoning imprint and those making their first debut, it’s an impressive portfolio of music. Horizons have a reputation for selecting only the most ground-breaking ability and this LP is no exception. They’ve proved yet again that their A&R skills are second to none, cutting through the more commercial sounds and providing tunes which resound across a huge listenership. They’re a label who’ve been standing at the underground’s forefront for quite some time now and if this album’s anything to go by, they’re looking to make even more of an impact in the not too distant future. There’s a huge collection of records on this forthcoming LP. Whether it’s the gritty sonic of neuro pioneer Amoss on ‘Yuzu’, or electronic technician Break’s offering ‘Headway’, there’s a taste for every palette on the jammed track listing. Chris SU switches up his signature technique on crashing roller ‘Where’s My Place’ and Mikal with the heavyweight sound of ‘Beyond’. Particular stand outs on the album include Silent Witness’ ‘Totem’, a rolling number that focuses heavily on percussion and ingenious drum strokes. All eyes have also been on veteran Digital recently, and it’s easy to see why throughout ‘Spark Cut’, a grinding jungle anthem which shows no mercy. It’s a rattling, tribal drum & bass record which breaks out of any constraints. Showing just how ingenious and unique each artist proves to be throughout the album, it demonstrates Horizons’ expert eye for talent.
Joe Moses, also known by his pseudonym Need For Mirrors, makes a welcome comeback to Horizons Music with a three-track EP that’ll reinstate your love for his chiselled grooves and melodic production. Time after time Need For Mirrors transfers his decorated career into his music, proving that years spent in both the studio and behind the decks have created a timeless discography, littered with tracks like this. Channelling the same soul as his previous releases, his percussive rollers hint at the drum & bass which made the genre so notorious in the early 2000s. Horizons also help to embody exactly what Need For Mirrors represent. Their own output has been seamless, showcasing both the drum & bass sphere’s most exciting prospects, as well as their more adorned counterparts. Known for discovering industry leaders, Horizons has continued their commitment to the genre’s foundations, releasing cut after quality cut.
‘Dead Poets’ feat. Onallee pulls you into its shady, winding chords and snake-like bassline, allowing you to enter Need For Mirrors relentless musicality. With its soft piano arpeggios and clicking percussion, there’s a beautiful juxtaposition which sifts throughout the composition. Alongside Onallee’s vocals, the producer’s melody creates a bed of creativity which follows the same tenet he’s upheld for years now. 'Virage’ peddles another slice of the artist’s range. Alongside a low frequency bassline and patterns of raised synths, Need For Mirrors reels you through a shaft of metallic-textures. Building into harder drum loops, ‘Virage’ becomes more intricate as it progresses, adding yet another direction to its flow.
Finally, ‘Tempora’ takes you on a different journey, with a path that’s barbed by snapping hats and pluming pan pipes. However, once again there’s the ingenious balance of dark and light; despite its undeniable groove, there’s still a moody undertone which moves the track into cooler temperatures throughout the mix.The full package illustrates why Need For Mirrors epitomises longevity and impeccable production. That’s the style which has made Need For Mirrors so admired. Alongside Horizons, he still stands as a tastemaker travelling into the new year.
2 brandnew takes on original tracks from Naibu’s Fall project which was released on Horizons as a limited 3 x 10” series and CD. We are honoured to have the legend that is Ulrich Schnauss, who is a fan of the label and also Naibu’s work retouch what was such a masterful original, and Ulrich’s reinterpretation really is a delightful listen. On the flip Naibu handpicked this track as it’s one that has been well received when he play’s out, this one just rolls..
a1. Naibu - Just Like You (Ulrich Schnauss Ethereal 77 Remix)
Villem returns to Horizons on the back of his stunning “Spiritual Value EP” with mcleod for the second of 3 excursions on the label in quick time.
High standards were set with his last project, and this new EP doesn’t disappoint. Bringing in a new collaborating artist he teams up with Phase for a stunning 3 track vinyl spectacle.
Artilect’s varied musical background is one of the primary reasons why his production is so coveted throughout the back catalogue of the labels he’s released on. Beginning his career in Manchester during the mid 90s, his love of breakbeats lead him into the world of hardcore and jungle, where his appreciation of electronic music grew year by year, whether that was the sounds of Detroit or Acid Techno. Having supported artists like the legendary Marcus Intalex at Guidance, his part in the Northern collective Audiosalad helped promote his finely honed craft to a more widespread audience. And now he joins the roster of Horizons Music, an imprint who strives to only deliver the most cutting-edge records from the underground; it seemed like the perfect home for an artist who has only offered the same standard with every track he’s released. And the ‘Black Fire’ EP is no different, with its full spectrum look at the influences which have enabled Artilect to reach this monumental stage in his career.
Title-track ‘Black Fire’ is chaotic with its swathes of crashing percussion; its impact gains more and more momentum as it gradually builds and crashes along its finely-chiselled bassline. ‘Hoax’ has the same old-school feel, paying homage to the producer’s roots whilst he flexes his ability to create hard-lined breaks which crash against the record’s firing drum sequences. ‘Deep Signals’ is moodier in its approach, with each weighty bass pad lowering the tone as it draws you in gradually. Whilst ‘Deep Signals’ still nods its head to the type of music which made drum & bass so infamous during its explosion, it alludes to its more contemporary world, with Artilect enabling you to become fully immersed within it. Finally, ‘Tryptamine’ once again offers a darker edge although this time is goes to even filthier depths, taking you along for the journey through shaking subs and cranking atmospherics. It has a creeping blow, proving that Artilect reigns supreme over his soundscape; another reason why Horizons brought him on board to deliver such a mind-bending release, alongside his eloquent production standard and refusal to bow against commercial pressure.
For the first release of 2017 we welcome a new artist to the Horizons camp for a debut on the label that oozes quality, fresh from his debut 12” on Metalheadz. These 3 tracks are special with deluxe vocal notes in perfect harmony to sweet drum and bass. Horizons follows up the sublime Ever Need EP (HZN097) with more liquid goodness! Take it from us, this 12” is essential!
It promises to be a busy year for Horizons and Phil Tangent is a man who expect to hear more from on the label!
With over a decade in the game, London based Irishman Cian McCann, also known by his pseudonym Zero T, is about to join underground tastemaker Horizons Music for another phenomenal addition to their discography. Already weaving himself an established place within the scene, having worked with the likes of Calibre, Noisia, Alix Perez and more, his talent and work ethic have proved uncompromising. Also remixing classic dance music pioneers Dillinja and Rolo from Faithless, his output has never receded. Zero T’s music presents the same type of diversity as he plays behind the decks, but this can only be expected from a producer who’s released on every platform, from the likes of Shogun and Subtitles, to Soul:r and Signature. But this time, it’s Horizons who have taken him under their wing and with such an unbreakable work ethic and stellar output, it’s easy to see why.
Up first is ‘Ever Need’. Featuring the vocal prowess of Steo, it’s a melodic roller that carries itself forward on clattering hi-hats and falling wave patterns. Quickly clinking drums help to bolster the mix slightly, but what really becomes apparent is the track’s minimalism. Steo adds a beautiful humanistic twist, with his voice notes hitting amongst each falling break, telling a tale of forlorn love. Your introduction to the EP, it definitely sets a precedent for what’s to follow. ‘
Plain as Day’ comes next. It’s slightly darker in its delivery, with lofty key notes drawing you into a pattern of weirdly displaced breaks. This is Zero T at his most foreboding and you’re unsure of which direction this track is going to take. Your intrigue is taken one step further, when tribal wood work flows through the mix and you’re once again left to stand back and bask at the producer’s integral sound design.
Horizons Music have time and time again upheld their ethos. This is something which is becoming abundantly clear with each release. Their mission statement is to deliver only the best, most versatile and dynamic pieces of static artwork and to ensure they line the sets of artists from every DJ type. It’s impossible not to become entrenched within their discography, every part of it as spectacularly moulded as the next. And it’s the artists they hand pick for their roster which makes their music so especially perfect for late night rendezvous on the dancefloor. Villem & Mcleod, two artists whose synergy is apparent from each release they’ve put out together. It’s an energy which is about to take the helm once again; throughout the next three tracks Horizons Music will further lodge itself within your musical subconscious. ‘Wonderful’ opens the EP with an intricately written intro, including lofty piano notes and shaking percussion. With a bassline that quivers and flutes which add to its waif-like atmospherics, prepare to be taken into the sound of Villem and Mcleod. However, the light has a darker side, and you’re quickly plunged into a low frequency distortion of bass. Female vocals add yet another shade, dicing up the segments and presenting a huge colour palette of sound. ‘Spiritual Value’ and ‘Mystic Ritual’ both give a valuable insight into the minds of Villem & Mcleod, but channel their own vibe individually. ‘Spiritual Value’ bleats through elongated note arpeggios and precarious samples of speech. But as always, they take you down a murkier path and drop the level two or three notches below zero. Following this up, ‘Mystic Ritual’ switches up a notch, this time not leaving you guessing and firing you synapses first through a chasm of plucky strings and carefully laid out pads. Drums push through the mix giving it an edgier feel, whilst vocals are utilised to soften the blow. The drop, although slightly less illusive, still catches you off guard. You find yourself brought forward on a jazzy riddim, one that’ll take you into the darkest nights of any club. Horizons present a package of three delights.
Horizons Music stands as a respected label within their field, presenting upfront drum & bass with high quality production standards. Showcasing an impeccably diverse artist roster, they’ve stayed principled with their output and this single is no different. Hydro and War feature on both tracks; Hydro utilising his wide range of styles and two decades of experience alongside War’s undeniable talent to create another milestone for Horizons’ discography. ‘Afflicted’ rolls out first, gripping you from start to finish and beginning just the way you’d expect. Gradually gaining pace, it’s darkly foreboding and pulses with activity. Slowly ticking hi-hats intertwine with a winding up bassline to take you down a rollercoaster of snapping beats and crashing symbols. It’s moodily enticing and War’s tell-tale bass methods pull you in even further. A roller to take you into the murkier waters of any late night set, the steppy drums provide abundant space before letting go into all out anarchy once the track breaks. Mechanical, cleverly crafted and impactful throughout, it takes you between various paces. Instrumentals break out and distortion appears between each mix while you’re disturbed by swathes or creeping sample, leaving you unable to drag yourself away from its grip. This is Hydro and War at their most menacing, but also at their most spell-binding. On the flipside, ‘Virtuality’ is softer to the touch, despite the pounding kick that fortifies its foundations. Zipping between breaks it presents the single’s lighter side, despite the jungle breakdown that begins to make itself known midway through. LFO stuns its way between tinkling piano notes and shaking hats. For those who complain that a lot of modern drum & bass doesn’t take you on a voyage, ‘Virtuality’ tells a different story. A piece of artwork that switches between a huge spectrum of sound, Hydro and War manage to encapsulate what many producers struggle to do throughout a full body of work. So once again, it’s time to reintroduce yourself to Horizons Music. A platform that instils class within each of its releases, demonstrated by this next output from Hydro and War.
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