More great stuff out this month. As well as my weekly reviews, here’s what else I’ve been feeling…
Bukkha – Badda Den Dem EP (IFS016)
Following a debut release on Manchester label Infernal Sounds last year collaborating with Subtle Mind (IFS012), American dub-wise maestro Bukkha returned this month supplying some more of his authentic sounds. For ‘Badda Den Dem’ EP, Bukkah brought some friends along to create a full bodied, energetic release. On the A-side, Killa P delivers his usual iconic vocals over Bukkha’s murky productions. The energy in Killa P‘s vocals and the weight of the deep aggressive bass line has made this one an instant wheel up tune for a while. On the flip, Bukkha returns to more familiar dub-wise territory as Blackout JA provides the vocals this time over a seamless blend of dub and grime. Like most of his productions, this is made to test the system. For his collab with Gaze Ill, the pair play with progression on ‘Stems Dub‘. Starting fairly melancholic forging an ‘eyes down’ vibe, the tracks grows in energy, finishing the record on a high.
SBK – Kingdom Of Sobek (LOCUSV001)
It was SBK who had the honours of producing Locus Sound‘s inaugural vinyl release this month as the label looks to expand following ten top quality releases over the last two years. The Canadian gathered four of his best productions suited for such a meaningful release, including two first class collaborations. Starting with a collab alongside recent H&B favourite Ourman, ‘We’re From The Desert‘ opens the record with unmistakable eastern influences cast throughout, plus an abundance of clean yet subtle samples and heavy 808’s. It’s a similar story with the A-side’s accompanying track ‘3 Million Stones‘ as SBK continues to give a nod to the more contemporary sounds in Dubstep. However on the flip, we’re treated to a refreshing switch up where SBK delves into a bit more experimentation on the sound-system focused sounds of ‘Inferno‘ and his collaboration with another talented Frenchman ‘Quasar‘ entitled ‘Lead Dem Pace‘. Considering the release’s significance, SBK does Locus Sound proud!
Mr K – Ol’ Dirty / Forever (NC010)
The grind doesn’t stop for Mr K following the brilliant ‘IP13 Remix‘ EP on Wheel & Deal last month. The Ipswich based producer was back at it again with a super slick two track 12″ on Navy Cut. Jack Sparrow‘s Navy Cut label is all about no-nonsense, bona fide 140 as demonstrated by the likes of Pugilist and most recently Ramsez. For the label’s tenth release, Mr K delivered ‘Ol’ Dirty‘ and ‘Forever‘ exhibiting pure, authentic Dubstep music made for the sound system; smooth, deep lows, organic drums plus added samples and fills only when necessary. Like much of Mr K‘s and Navy Cut‘s catalogues, NC010 is classic dubstep that’s done right and refreshing as ever!
Rygby – ENV022
It won’t come as a surprise to see Rygby feature on the blog again. It’s been a busy year for the Bristolian with successes on DUPLOC and White Peach. Rygby continued the hustle this month with a vinyl exclusive on Encrypted Audio. The record’s beautifully dark, celestial artwork characterises Rygby‘s unique sound with fine accuracy. On the face of his productions, Rygby develops chirpy, cheerful vibes through his catchy melodic work and light-hearted sampling. But there’s something quite melancholic and pensive bubbling beneath, at times reminding me of some of Skream‘s classics, particularly ‘Dutch Flowerz‘. ENV022’s leading track ‘Janksy‘ is now a certified anthem having done damage going on two years. Wistful yet powerful, that’s Rygby.
DeepEnd! Movement Compilation Chapter 2 (DPND03)
DeepEnd! have been making moves for a while now, carefully rounding up talented producers across Europe and curating a genuinely recognisable brand with an unmistakable sound and image. The Slovenian label showcases it’s strength through it’s fledgling compilation series where they assemble their finest talent to previously feature on the label, producing a record that represents DeepEnd! at its best. For it’s second instalment in the series, DeepEnd! regular CLZ his brand new industrial banger ‘Haunt‘ and Kanomotis contributes the massive ‘Watch Yah Steppa VIP’. Having been a huge fan of the original, this was certainly a treat to see in the public domain. The flip-side features two dream team collabs. RawLand & Slovenian duo DubDiggerz worked their magic on ‘Madness‘ and two of my favourite DeepEnd! roster residents FLO & Gizasa teamed up for the heavy ‘Northern Technique’.
Here’s a few more worth checking out…
Wraz – Desert Tales EP (DD053)
Bringing together Eastern strings, splashes of sci-fi and powerful, lively low end design, Wraz debuted on the prolific Deep Dark & Dangerous with ‘Desert Tales’ EP (DDD053). The record comprises of four unforgiving productions from the Canadian, filled to the brim with dynamism and energy.
Smith. – Crisp / Drippin’ Like (DUPLOC031)
One of the many producers thriving in the city of Denver, Smith. closed out DUPLOC’s digital release schedule for 2019 with two high grade productions. Smith. has become known for his contortion like capabilities when it comes to his productions, hopping from genre to genre thus gaining some serious popularity. He demonstrates this on DUPLOC031 with ‘Crisp’ and ‘Drippin’ Like‘.
J:Kenzo – Like A Hawk (Ft. Flowdan) (ARTKL043)
Of course both J:Kenzo and Flowdan need no introduction. The two heavyweights teamed up for Artikal‘s latest instalment, exceeding all expectations with the stupidly catchy single ‘Like A Hawk‘. As if the knockout a-side wasn’t enough, Kenzo decided to rework the track to create ‘Kenzo’s Darkside VIP‘. As the name suggests, it’s a much darker, grittier take on the original, with those signature J:Kenzo sounds perfect for the dance.
Flo – Numbers EP
Along with his appearance on the DeepEnd! compilation, rising producer FLO unveiled a second self-released EP of 2019 with ‘Numbers’ EP. We were treated to four more of FLO‘s unique creations that devised my favourite project from the Solvenian so far, still in the early stages of his producing journey.
Here’s some free downloads I’ve been feeling this month…
Sleeper – Tanker
Beats4Beaches – Interact
Psychic Pressure – Code X (Soukah Remix)
Kali – Within EP
Don’t forget the Weekly Buzz! Some really high quality releases featured this month, some of my favourites of 2019.
Popular emerging producer Cartridge turned out his biggest project to date with plenty more forthcoming. This month he featured on Foundation Audio with ‘Snake Charmer‘ EP. Check it out here.
Japanese prodigy HELKTRAM debuted on TRUSIK. Check out ‘Suggestive Effect‘ EP here.
Fellow emerging Japanese genius City1 immediately returned from his release on TRUSIK by appearing on Subaltern Records with ‘Speak Out‘ EP, featuring the legendary vocals of Rider Shafique. Find out more here.
Finally, Bristol badman Koma debuted on White Peach with ‘Arrival‘ EP featuring that massive long awaited title track plus a collaboration with Rygby. Check it out here.
Big shouts to all the artists and labels who featured on this months edition of The Hive and especially to you for taking the time to check out my recommendations!
– Tom