InstaSound

Soul In Motion, the free D&B night that took London by storm last summer has returned to the Edition Hotel for it's first instalment of 2015. Residents Bailey & Need For Mirrors will be joined by Break, Artificial Intelligence and DBR UK for what is set to be what can only be described as a ridiculously big start to the new year. Feeling the flavours? Just email your full names to [email protected].

The night runs from 8PM - 1AM every first and third wednesday of the month at the Edition Hotel. 

Not long ago Audio signed to Ram. There was mixed feelings about the signing in the scene as people were divided on if it was the best direction for him to go. His two big releases in the past were ‘Soulmagnet’ in 2012 and ‘Force of Nature’ in 2013, both were put out on Virus and he’s had a few other releases on Freak Recordings as well. Now he’s made the jump to one of the biggest Drum & Bass labels in the world and many were afraid that his sound would be adjusted for a bigger audience. Fortunately, Audio hasn't held back at all for this release much like anything else he has done in the past. The ‘Nil By Mouth’ EP is as Audio as ever..The EP contains that classic Audio sound that fans have come to know and love. ‘Nil By Mouth’ the title track of the EP is an absolute beast of a tune. It pulls influences from his classic ‘Headroom’ but still retains it’s own personality and theme. It’s more DJ ammunition for the dance floor and it absolutely devastates the room live. I can tell you that from first hand experience. ‘Gotham’ is the second tune that’s stands out to me. It’s a bit of a switch from your classic gully roller that Audio normally makes. It is kind of a broken beat, backwards stepping tune that has a monstrous modulating growling baseline. Though it’s not his typical style of roller, it still contains the Audio sound and heavy use of movie samples that we have come to expect from him. Have to love that Bane Quote. ‘Break It’ and ‘Ultron’ are the last two tunes from the EP. Both are the type of rollers you come to know and love from Audio. ‘Break It’ is the bigger out of the two in my opinion but both hold some impact. I just prefer the vocal stabs, samples, and gruesome Reese bass from ‘Break It’. I know they will both be getting rinsed at the majority of D&B nights to come.All around the ‘Nil By Mouth’ EP is a strong release from Audio. He hasn’t compromised his sound like many feared he would do for Ram. He has stuck to his gun that’s for sure. The EP drops today so go and grab it here!

A/ Audio - Nil by Mouth B/ Audio - Ultron C/ Audio - Break It D/ Audio - Gotham

Slang Banger? I asked myself the same thing. Little is known about these boys as a group seeing as this is their first release together. The production team is made up of Resonant Evil, Pixel Fist, Inasin, and Afghan Headpsin. So it’s a bit of an eclectic mix of different bass music producers. Resonant Evil are no strangers to DnB seeing as they’ve had some major releases in the past on Renegade. Pixel Fist are normally found making some deep and dirty Dubstep and are a collective themselves. Despite the different backgrounds all-together they have been able to create a couple of mighty fine DnB bangers.

‘Labyrinth' & 'Let There Be Love’, is their first major release and it’s out now on ProgRam.  Let me say that this is one hell of a first release. This group fully and truly knows what they are doing. ‘Labyrinth’ is forward flowing breakbeat roller that will decimate the dance floor. It’s stabby synths and pounding bass is very reminiscent of classic, Mampi Swift, D’Cruze, and DJ Hype. It feels like a modern take on hardcore, but it’s pulled off with precision. While borrowing heavily from the sounds and themes of 20 years ago, they were still able to reinvigorate and bring new light to such a classic genre. ‘Let There Be Love’ set’s itself a part from the first track by doing its own thing completely. It’s more of a melodic vocal breaks track with some post-jungle influence. It’s a lot more up beat and positive compared to ‘Labyrinth’. That just goes to show the diversity the group is going for.

Overall the two tracks are very strong and give us a great introduction of what the group is all about. It’s a step in the right direction for these guys and I can see them blowing up in no time. I know we will be keeping a close eye on what’s to come.

By Mersen Howes

A/ Slang Banger - Labyrinth B/ Slang Banger - Let There Be Love

Enjoy!

Now a stalwart of the soulful d&b scene, London-based Eveson digs deep into the crates to find inspiration for his latest release on the ever rising and influential Ingredients. 'Grey Dawn' is cooked up in collab with fellow beat baker, Halogenix and sees aching pitch bent vocal strokes sprinkled over reverberated panpipe chord compressions, soothed down Reece b.line and flitting breaks. 'Deluge' is a slower trip-hop tempo affair that again makes the most of tasteful motown vocal pinches and a dusty break. 'A Dystopian Romance' is my winning pick - for the build-up, vocal tape delays roll into an industrial eternity a la Commix 'Be True' before a pounding, well-polished break and emo-bass soars and shifts us into the groove. Another tasty treat from the Ingredients kitchen for all you Instasound headz. 

by Lawrence Arbus 

Returning from the bubbling South-West, Utopia Music’s head honcho Mako joins forces once again with label regular Fields, and adds Leeds’ very own DLR to the roster.’Old Soul' opens up with an amalgamation of distorted vocals, colourful grand piano stabs and soft strings before dropping into a melting pot of hard hitting bass and tight drums reminiscent of the mighty Break himself.

On the flip DLR takes the reigns with ‘Bridge The Gap’. Bitcrushed sweeps merge with muffled sirens before crashing into the weighty warm bass and crisp flittering drums that truly gets the shoulders pumping. In all…fitting sounds for the break of Spring.

By Louis InstaSound

A/ Mako, DLR & Fields - Old Soul B/ DLR - Bridge The Gap

(UTOPIA015) Out May 5th on Utopia Music.

V Records donman, Bryan Gee keeps his selection fresh while still giving props to to the ghost of jungle past with this spanking new 24 track compilation on sister label Chronic Records. with the mixed version crossfaded and levelled with all the correct aplomb by scene regular, Bailey.  

Featuring D&B players such as Mr Josef, Command Strange, Optiv & BTK, Bladerunner and Level 2 alongside some newer rookie talent including Nitri, Young G, Unreal and Symptom & McLeod the selection has a well-planned and consistent theme throughout. Ruffneck basslines, effective repolished junglistic breaks and that soundsystem ragga vibe make for a heady skanking and lighters-in-the-air atmosphere. Expect to hear many of these slices caned left, right and center, particularly as we run up to summer and the much anticipated after-dark carnival specials. 

By Lawrence Arbus

1. Unreal - Sideshow Bob 2. Young G - Doesn't Matter 3. Command Strange - Disco Ball 4. Symptom and Mcleod - Svengali 5. DJ Chap - Like A Fyah 6. Silent Type - The Grind 7. Need For Mirrors - Trips 8. Saxxon - The Visitors 9. L-Side - On The Block 10. Serum - Energy 11. Need For Mirrors - Ambush 12. Capone - I'll be your 13. Optiv & BTK - At All Costs 14. Nitri - Cracker 15. Roni Size - Blind Alley 16. Symptom - Heavy Heart 17. Critycal Dub - Welcome To The Jungle 18. Bladerunner - Lock Off 19. Critycal Dub - Hold On 20. L-Side - Upsidedown 21. Command Strange - Wrong Game 22. Mr Joseph - Back to basics 23. Level 2 - Monitor 24. Kabuki & Need For Mirrors & HLZ - Plant Life

The latest release on Klute's own Commercial Suicide imprint sees Calibre remix the label honcho's 'Black & White'. Lovely vocals from Klose and simple piano chords form the melodic flavouring for the meat and two veg of the sub and that phat acoustic drumsound Calibre has been favouring lately.

On the B side Klute delights and surprises with an original composition 'Speak No Fish'. He has always been a producer to push the boundaries of the d&b sound and really show off an expert sense of melody and this tune is no exception to that statement. An ambient atmosphere, gentle ebb and flow bassline, light and tight drums are topped off with a sprinkle of magical electro fairy dust in the form of an ascending twinkling keyboard line.

By Lawrence Arbus

A/ Klute - My Black & White ft. Klose (Calibre Remix) B/ Klute - Speak No Fish

Out March 31st on Commercial Suicide.

Subtle Audio head honcho DJ Code puts together a two hour history lesson of the label. Over the last 9 years Subtle Audio has consistently put out plethora of weighty tracks, from it's heavily jazz-infused liquid numbers to the heavy junglistic sounds of Infest & Quasi. Turn up your speakers and get ready for a little history lesson on the Irish label.

New Zealand - the land of Frodo & Gandalf, Sheep, the All Blacks and in more recent years some serious, pummelling drum & bass danger. Some of NZ's forefront amen champions include Concord Dawn, Trei, State of Mind, Agent Alvin and the focus of this release, Chris Truman AKA Dose.

Scourge stomps onto the dancefloor with some nice squelchy bass goodness before the 'psychotic' vocal sample unleashes the punishing drums. Further along sharp synths and acoustic drum fills sprinkle some flavour on the track. On the flipside, Mind the Future keeps you marching along with a scuzzy upwards escalator bassline and airy synths. Excellent stuff that blasts your chest with sub that feels like Jonah Lomu smashing you at the 5 yard line. 

By Lawrence Arbus

A/ Dose - Scourge B/ Dose - Mind The Future

Break's Symmetry Recordings begins a new compilation series featuring some of the finest producers on the scene. With the likes of NC17, DLR and Calibre joining Break to kick things off, the first of Symmetry Sessions does not disappoint...not that that's a surprise!! 

Heading up the first track, Ireland's Calibre takes the reins and provides us with a beautiful, melodic gem in the shape of a remix of Break's They're Wrong. Being one of only three people to ever remix a Break track, Calibre was without a doubt the one person that could take away They're Wrong and add his own technical brilliance to an already stunning, jazzy, piece.

Next up is Break & DLR, going in with tasty hard hitting roller that will really get the bass heads going. Made from the tight and weighty drums that only Break can produce, New Design brings with it a bass line to be reckoned with. One touch we're feeling is what can only be described as the spoons, layered under the weighty drums that come in after the second break. Pure gems!

Moving things on to a more half step angle, Break brings us Wondering Why. Shifted snares and colourful pad stabs makes this piece upbeat but weighty at the same time. Before the final round of D&B on the compilation, NC17 & KC join forces to bring us a truly spectacular piece of tech with SlimeVille. A dark and rolling number carrying with it reminiscent sounds of Concord Dawn and the New Zealand tech scene.

As we're spoilt for good sounds, Calibre brings us an alternative remix for They're Wrong, carrying with it a nicely modulated, warm bass line that can't be beat!

Finishing things off we have Dem Babylon. A brilliant piece of tribal esque dubstep which, in my eyes at least, is pure fire. Gone are the days where the scene was bombarded by good excellent 140ish bpm tracks from every level of producer. This track though, brings a little bit of sun into the office (as it chucks it down outside). A perfect way to end what is already an impeccable start to what is surely going to be an absolutely stunning series from the Symmetrety Recordings crew.

by Louis InstaSound

A/ Break - They're Wrong (Calibre Remix) B/ Break & DLR - New Design C/ Break - Wondering Why D/ NC17 & KC - SlimeVille E/ Break - They're Wrong (Calibre Alternate Remix) F/ Break - Dem Babylon

(SYMM16) Out soon on Symmetry Recordings

All I can say is - listen to this one. Good and proper, crank it up. 

Renegade Hardware presents the Compound One EP. The first in a series of digital-only releases highlighting some of the finest and freshest emerging talent from across the scene.

Starting things off, the EP focuses on British and Slovakian talent in the shape of Trilo, Klax, Subtension & MC Nuklear and Minor Rain. 

Each piece holds with it the true essence of the Renegade sound, whilst delving into the deeper corners of the techy spectrum.

Enjoy!

by Louis InstaSound

A/ Trilo - Defer  B/ Klax - Vendetta C/ Subtension & Mc Nuklear - Break The Rules D/ Minor Rain - Regenerate

Skeptical continues to leave us in awe. We just caught wind of his new EP Four:Fit due out in March on Soul:R and let me tell you - it’s big. Skeptical has brought 4 new tracks to the table, all of which are absolute fire.

First off is Desire featuring Collette Warren. This is just a powerful dark roller that does not mess about. It has a lovely vocal intro that cuts straight to the point within no time. This tracks all about the simplistic but effective beat and modulated bass line that keeps you moving.

Tundra is quite a bit different. Wile still sticking to his established dark tone, this tune goes tribal. It doesn’t use your A-typical 2-step break but instead kicks that double as the driving bass. This is just a relentless banger that doesn’t let up.

Always Been Mine is the second track featuring the vocals of Collette Warren. Though quite similar to Desire this track still holds its own identity as being more of an offbeat roller/ power stomper. This tune has taken a very simple approach; again the focus is on its powerful beat and wavy bass. It has a type of simplicity that really works and doesn’t get repetitive, Skeptical has done a great job of breaking it up with vocals and minute sounds.

Last but not least is Turning Point. It is another roller but not with your typical forward moving beat. I would say its not as dark as the other tracks on this EP, this could easily make for a nice transitional piece between a liquid and techy roller. Nonetheless this tune can hold it’s own, and fits quite well with the general theme of the whole EP. This is a solid EP from a great producer. If you are in need of some powerful rollers I would say this is the next EP that you should be looking to pick up.

Written by Mersen Howes.

A) Skeptical - Desire ft Collette Warren B) Skeptical - Tundra C) Skeptical - Always Be Mine ft Collette Warren D) Skeptical - Turning Point

Need for Mirrors need no introduction. He has always been on the forefront of tech, upfront, and liquid Drum & Bass.  His new 5 track Gunga-P EP is a welcome addition to his already impressive list of releases. The London-based producer doesn’t hold back on this one. It’s quite reminiscent of his old singles but with a more up to date production and sound.

The title track is Gunga P is big. It includes HLZ on the production and features DRS with the vocals.  It’s a dark and heavy bass bin blasting roller that packs a hefty punch.  Very much a throw back (like most of the EP) to the Need for Mirrors of old. HLZ is a welcome addition to the track and only adds his expertise to the production. Second we have Bubble Wrap, a lighter tune with a lovely warped and heavily modulated bass line. It’s a tech roller that can make you bounce and bob by just a short listen. Third is Pelican, which is a drum heavy tune that tends to only impress. Its use of multiple drums will have anyone intrigued from the get go and it only goes onto get bigger and better.  The big bass and mid-range synths tie it all together perfectly to create a well-rounded powerful tune. 

Fourth we have Rocks, which is another tune with HLZ on the production.  This is a bass melody driven track.  You really need something that has a big low end to fully appreciate this one.  The beat is fairly persistent and is just there to keep the forward flow of the song going. This song is all about the bass and anyone would be hard-pressed to find a more fitting title for it.  Last but not least is Salute. It kind of slows and tones everything down a little but is still a great closing track for this fantastic EP.  The big bass element is very present and is what gives this tune its strength.  Again we have a very forward moving rolling beat but it still is the right choice for what this song is trying to push forward. Its not in your face at all but at the same time would be tough to ignore because it does have some force to it.

 It’s great to finally get a full EP out of this guy rather than just a single. It has been well worth the wait. This EP only shows off his strength and we here at InstaSound know that their talent holds no bounds. 

by Mersen Howes

A/ Need for Mirrors & HLZ - Gunga P feat. DRS B/ Need for Mirrors - Bubble Wrap C/ Need for Mirrors - Pelican D/ Need for Mirrors & HLZ - Rocks E/ Need for Mirrors - Salute

(PLV040) Out November 25th on V Recordings.

Perhaps winning this month's well deserved award for  most likely-to-be-a-drum& bass-act moniker are Homemade Weapons & Gremlinz with the After Dark EP. I mean it even sounds cool just saying their names to your indie inclined mate, let alone even listening to the tunes. 

Just as well the tunes are all bangers, (as in proper riddims, not Miley Cyrus-esque pop nonsense 'bangerzzz'). The title track After Dark is brooding and dutty, with heavy, swaying throb bass under tight snare skittles and Collinjah's ragga vocals sure to make many a badman spark up a lighter and the make the majority of females wind the batty down southwards. The J:Kenzo Remix has the spirit of the original but takes the tempo 170 wise, the bass for a walk and claps up the drums proper - a very suitable alternative.

Next up is Mu-Onna, a Gremlinz solo effort that brings with it  a serious punch. The intro is quiet and non-threatening, all before a gruesome tribal wardance sonically attacks the subs and tweeters. Rounding of the release nicely is Apache, a Gremlinz co-lab with Rumbleton & The Unctouchables that takes us further into the dancefloor jungle. Eerie bass harmonics, tribal patterns, flitting hi-hats, phasing vocal chops and dubbed out effects create a moody but still highly skankable soundscape.

Riddim up selecta! I would imagine these tunes will easily work their way into any forward-thinking beatsmith's collection, and the likes of Breakage and Dub Phizix will surely give them a spin. Authentic jungle warrior weapons from the Samurai Music camp.

by Lawrence Arbus

A/ Homemade Weapons & Gremlinz ft. Collinjah - After Dark B/ Homemade Weapons & Gremlinz - 11th Hour C/ Homemade Weapons & Gremlinz ft. Collinjah - After Dark (J:Kenzo Remix) D/ Gremlinz - Mu-Onna E/ Gremlinz, Rumbleton & The Untouchables - Apache

(NZAFTERDARK) Out November 11th on Samurai Music.

NB Audio get fully into the halloween spirit with this, their 3rd release. Dark Shadow produced by Snap Shot is a homage to old skool wacked out 2 step, hard as nails kick and snare creeps in the darkness alongside scary growls and swooping cavernous fx, all while the unmistakable lyrical talent of Chimpo narrates a gruesome stoner's tale. 

On the flipside Snap Shot stays up all night under the light of the full moon to stir his digital cauldron of bat's blood, cursed bones and amen breaks. Dooms VIP is my choice cut for a truly spooky junglist halloween; Chimpo again lays down some commanding bars over a fully fledged wobble fest and percussion that will leave you lost in the forest howling with the wolves. Sure to bring just the right amount of creepiness to the InstaSound HQ this halloween. Scarily good stuff. 

by Lawrence Arbus

A/ Snap Shot - Dooms VIP ft. Chimpo B/ Snap Shot - Dark Shadow ft. Tonn Piper

(NBA001) Out November 11th on NB Audio.

Achtung! Ze Germanz invade again! But this time around they are ripping up the InstaSound UK Command Base with some stealthy-smooth and tactically funky liquid vibes. 

Marvel Cinema rolling straight out of Cologne gift the scene with the Free Your Mind EP on liquid stalwards, Soul Deep Recordings. Ego Trippin' combines spliced soul vocals and a jumpin' bass and break for a jazzy number that's great for starting the party. Motion goes slightly deeper with similarly effected vocals, breathy synths, gentle arpeggiated spanish guitar and a sharp shuffle. 

Sweetest Memories is a nostalgic reminder of summer love that seems oh so distant with reflective chords, jazz fiddlings and female vocal licks. The title track, Free Your Mind is again highly contemplative; chopping, changing US garage style vocal inflections  sit over a harmonic sub oscillation that briskly pushes the rhythm track along. 

There is a well thought out and consistent theme to this release and a depth of quality to the selection that leaves us hoping there will be more to come from these soulful bunch of Bavarian breakbeaters. 

by Lawrence Arbus

A/ Marvel Cinema - Ego Trippin' B/ Marvel Cinema - Motion C/ Marvel Cinema - Sweetest Memories D/ Marvel Cinema - Free Your Mind

(SDRRLS106) Out now on Sould Deep Recordings.

Warm Communications bring us a little preview of their second official Mako release and its one to look forward to. On the A-side A Break From Ritual is just that. Reverb-heavy stabs and reese's are bound to put your screw face on and with all sorts of breaks filling in the gaps between. I'm sure no one is gonna be sitting out in the dance for this one.

The flip is a bit more of a floaty, eyes closed type of tune, but keeping that sub bass firmly present underneath some nice pad business, Mako keeps us hooked with that darker flavour that he seems to be crafting into all his work at the minute. He tops it off with a great little Billie Holiday sample that instantly reminded me of Dynamic's Drama Down In Harlem. Not so much for the similarities in the song but it definitely gives off that 1930's feel that I think can be a real nice addition to any set and songs that do it effectively should be treasured.

By Flynn Stacey

A/ Mako - A Break From Ritual B/ Mako - What A Little Moonlight Can Do

(WARM027) Out December 2nd on Warm Communications.