It’s been a great start to the year as expected. Maybe a bit light on quantity, but that doesn’t matter as the quality has certainly been there, as always. Here’s what I’ve been feeling in January.
Ourman – Parade EP (LOCUS008)
Growing Manchester based label Locus Sound expanded their roster this month by welcoming French producer Ourman to the label. ‘Parade EP’ features three tracks that showcases his sound to the fullest extent. From the opening laid back easy listening track ‘Impressions‘, Ourman keeps things fresh and varied with two darker tracks to follow; ‘Kreep‘ and the EP’s title track ‘Parade‘ with its deep groovy bass line.
Hebbe – Numina EP
Following a year that saw him become one of the genres’ most serial releasers and appearing on what seemed to be everyone’s favourite labels, Hebbe shows no sign of stopping in 2019. His latest offering comes in the form of ‘Numina EP‘ on growing Belgian label Overdue. It’s a wild three tracker containing dark, gloomy soundscapes, particularly on his collaboration track with Nosa ‘M1‘ and containing classic minimal structures on ‘Fingerprint‘. Shear chaos ensues as the EP comes to a climax with the apocalyptic ‘Numina‘.
Krook – Get Checked EP (FA034)
Unlike the previous two producers, I’m afraid to say that previous to this release, Brooklyn based producer Krook somehow flew way under my radar! So luckily Foundation Audio picked up three of his best tunes for ‘Get Checked EP,’ featuring a big collaboration with The Greys and Tetrad entitled ‘Skinwalker‘. If you’re like me and were sleeping on this guy then make sure you get this downloaded and get yourself familiar with Krook‘s dangerous sound!
Teffa – Faulty Line EP (CLV005)
Another producer I’ve recently become more familiar with is Teffa. The London producer has thrown up many dubs and show reels recently, showcasing an unmistakeable deep dark bass driven sound. Some of his best cuts however featured on his latest vinyl release on Cue Line Records. The plate includes three solo produced tracks including the stomper that is ‘Faulty Line‘ and a collaboration with Berrik. A heavy remix of the EP’s title track by label head Gaze ill finishes the EP in style by infusing ridiculously intense sub frequencies.
IMRVR001
Innamind Recordings are one of a few labels that always manages to deliver the most sought after dubs again and again. On top of its already stacked schedule including vinyl exclusive releases and black labels, this month Innamind debuted their latest remix series exclusively on vinyl. Opening the catalogue is Egoless‘ remix of the already classic ‘Uuha‘ by Las and Foamplate is on remix duties for Ago‘s ‘Why Won’t You‘. Naturally, like any Innamind release, this sold out very quick and with no repress so good luck getting your hands on this plate if you haven’t already!
Other releases I’ve been feeling this month…
Hebbe – Mad Hatter (Headland Remix) (CRUCIAL021)
Hebbe features on this months Hive for the second time thanks to a massive remix of one of his many popular tracks from last year ‘Mad Hatter‘, carried out by Headland. After shelling down multiple dances world wide over the last few months, Crucial Recordings did the right thing by giving it a home. Following the high demand, the vinyl sold out in no time!
Feonix – Frames EP
If you haven’t noticed over the past couple of years, the talented Feonix (one of the masterminds behind LSN), occasionally puts together a self released EP on his Bandcamp, comprised of big beats that may not have found a home over the last year. This latest compliment ‘Frames‘ features five killer tunes with my pick being ‘Negatif‘.
Causa – ZAMZAM068
It’s always refreshing to hear new material from Causa. The innovative producer has one of the freshest and most versatile sounds about which comes through on his latest release on the prolific Zam Zam Sounds. ZAMZAM068 features two of Causa’s dubby cuts with wonderful organic textures. Great for headphone listeners but definitely a couple of tunes for the sound systems.
My free download picks from this month –
Taiko – Zealots
Scarz – Tape Recorder Dubz
Six Chakra x Grime Theory – Moneyman
Aztek – Planet Karavan
Duckem – Turn The Table (SPRF002)
As always don’t miss the Weekly Buzz, a weekly blog post where I take a look at my favourite release of the week.
This month A-0, an Amercian producer previously unknown to me, debuted on the relentless Encrypted Audio. Check it out here.
Ternion Sound‘s long awaited vinyl release on DUPLOC finally arrived including those massive VIPs of ‘Verify Me‘ and ‘Yellow & Grey‘. More info on that is available here.
I also put together another edition of the Dub Buzz, a little run down of my favourite unreleased/unsigned tunes that have recently popped up on my Soundcloud feed. Check that out here.
Big shouts to all artists and labels that featured on this months edition of The Hive and especially to you for taking the time to check out my recommendations this month!
– Tom