First a party, now a record label, Off Beat tap into a rich vein of British sonic history. Their inaugural release is an embodiment of their love of UK Bass culture and promises a productive future.
London-based Breaka has been making waves since 2018 and shows no sign of slowing down. From his releases on Desert Sound Colony's Holding Hands imprint and the impressive work of his own label, to his contributions to the rambunctious Leeds party Stretchy Dance Supply.
Breaka initiates the label's catalogue with the aptly named 'The Startup'. The track is lathered in distorted bass modulations and a warm, undulating sub that sits under a snappy UK bass groove peppered with pitched vocal samples.
On the flip, 'The Ambush' is full of jungle-inspired sound design. With its 130 bpm think-break drums, drifting birdsong samples and snarling 808s, the track is reminiscent of early Good Looking Records 12"s.
With support already from the likes of Addision Groove in his Ilian Tape Podcast, these cuts establish a strong foundation for an already reputable outfit seeking a fresh venture.
To follow the success of Breaka’s ‘The Startup’ - the inaugural Off Beat release which earned support from the likes of Addison Groove, Sherelle, Minor Science and Sicaria Sound to name but a few - label boss Rhyval (one-third of Off Beat), steps up to deliver three cuts of fun, percussive, bass-laden heat for OBR002.
Reminiscent of early Ramadanman records on Hessle Audio and Swamp 81, ‘Down Alarm’ rings out with gliding bass, 808 snares and vocal chops.
‘Hassle’ is a held-back stepper with various bass mutations and a system shattering mid-range whale call.
Closing out yet another extremely promising release for the Manchester-based label is ‘Footcell’. Drawing on a Grime framework, a series of bit-crushed blips dance around the choppy, shortly-sustained synth licks, like fireflies illuminating.
