Various Artists / Crossroads EP / Dross:Tik

One of the few labels that keep breakcore sounds interesting. The latest release on Dross:Tik is an absolute corker. An amazing track by Venetian Snares, one of the best I’ve heard by him, explores old school jungle territory. It has a cool sample running through working with the structure of the track. Cut up breaks and amens as you would expect from VS but surprisingly subtle in comparison to his usual production. This track would smash any dancefloor. Cakebuilder provide the first track on the flip with somewhat of ragga jungle epic. More exciting production with slower a slower tempo and interesting use of vocals and structure. Belladonnakillz also conrtribute to this excellent EP with a DnB/Breakcore track with rolling drums and rock style vocals. Another one for the dancefloor…

Distance - My Demons - Planet Mu

So it was finally released after months of anticipation and hype. Nothing on this release is a surprise as I’ve heard nearly all tracks played out regularly by the man Distance on radio and at a couple of gigs. Nightvision, Tuning and Mistral are the standouts for me. All tracks are dark and atmospheric with heavy growling basslines, the type of sounds you would want playing at your funeral. I’m a bit gutted that my most anticipated track by him ‘Cella’ was left off this release to come out later this year on his own label Chestplate.
This record is an absolute gem!

Current Value - Unpardenable Deeds - Lost Soul Recordings 02

Wow! Its been ages since ive been so excited about a dnb release. To any dnb purist this record is anything but dnb, it’s fast, aggressive and challenging to listen to. Current Value is at the top of dnb production tree at the moment with exciting releases all over the place., in particular this one on lost soul and another recent stormer on Obscene – Indivisibe force.

This release is ridiculously heavy and intense yet at the same time atmospheric, dark and melodic. The highlight is Ion Storm, starting with a long atmospheric build up before dropping into CV’s customary distorted synths and militant style drum programming. Half way in, the track repeats the serene atmospheric build as in the beginning to provide a well earned breather before building again into a relentless drum assault to the close of the track.