The Hive is a monthly round up of all the best releases from the last 4 weeks or so that may or may not have been covered here on Honey & Bass! Think I’ve missed anything? Then tweet me @HNYBSS and I’ll check out your recommendations!
We’ve been treated to a good amount of high quality releases this month so lets dig in…
Shu and Dalek One‘s fantastic collaboration tune on Deep Dark & Dangerous kicked off the month. ‘Mumble Dub’ is a highly recognisable tune with it’s unique vocal cuts that run throughout alongside a throbbing low end. As of right now it’s my favourite from DDD’s series of single download only releases. Download DDD026 now from the Deep Dark & Dangerous Bandcamp.
November saw a good helping of dub wise cuts and what better example than the master himself Von D. His new 4 track EP ‘Wicked Scam’ is gorgeously bright and laid back, a vivid echo of the summer that seems so far gone as winter has truly set in. The release features wonderful use of live instrumentation and talented vocalists that have been established for a very long time such as Jahdan Blakkamoore, as he accurately expresses some strong political views and injustices. Cop the EP digital or vinyl from Brooklyn based label Dub-Stuy here.
If the dub wise aesthetic is your thing, Bukkha also put out another high quality dub based EP on Moonshine Recordings featuring vocalists Clinton Sly and Don Fe and collaboration track with Blind Prophet. Definitely worth your time if it’s your thing. I believe the vinyl is sold out however you can download Unity EP now from the Moonshine Recordings Bandcamp.
Onto a few bits now that are right up my alley! Distance smashed it with two long awaited tracks on his Chestplate label (CHST042). ‘Clash’ and ‘Scratch The Surface’ are both equally deadly and features a cinematic sound that Distance has managed to master over the last couple of years, especially noticeable on last years brilliant LP ‘Dynamis’. Download CHST042 now from Distance’s Bandcamp or cop the vinyl here.
Another favourite of mine comes from the Crucial Recordings gang, one of my favourite labels right now. This CRUCIAL014 displays everything that this label is about, it’s dark and contemporary that at points, harkens back to the old school. The EP sees label founder Sleeper produce yet another other worldly banger with ‘Holy Guacamole’, Mesck with a typical yet refreshing rough and rowdy piece entitled ‘Johnny, Are You A Ghost’ and two fantastic collaborations; Saule and Moonstones with ‘Triple Threat’ and Samba works with Oxossi on ‘Oribitals’. Don’t miss this one, available from the Crucial Recordings Bandcamp.
If that’s got you wanting more moodiness in your beats, Headland nailed it once again on Innamind Recordings with a perfect three track release (IMRV020). The perfectly crafted percussion is the theme that runs through all three tracks here as it’s matched with some wicked moody low end. Cop the vinyl here or get the digital from Juno Download.
LP of the month goes to Seven with 11:11. An album that really shows Seven‘s maturing sound. His last release ‘Rebellium Part One’ (where’s part two huh!?), was an enjoyable EP however for me, I did feel something was lacking. Well throughout 2017 Seven has been back in the lab and cooked up a collection of great tracks for this full length. A certain style has formed that is definitely fitting to current trends but still has that futuristic and rich atmosphere that Seven has always successfully created. ‘Sour Power’, Seven‘s collaboration track with Juss B and Truth, is an incredible track and definitely my pick of the bunch however there’s many more on there, such as another great collaboration with Youngsta on ‘Pyramids’. ‘Fire & Ice’ is also a great tune packed with space and bass. Make sure you add this to your digital collection here.
Bristol veteran Pinch went back to the rough, stripped back roots of the genre with a new EP on Australian label Aquatic Lab Records. ‘Brain Scan’ is cool little throw back to the earlier stages of the genre in it’s minimalism. Available now on vinyl and digitally here.
Another favourite EP of mine from this month is Sweepa‘s latest instalment on ever growing Miami based label Version Collective (VCEP015). ‘The Void’ is a great example of deep contemporary dubstep that’s perfect for the dancefloor with the title track being my pick. The 5 track EP is available to download from the Version Collective Bandcamp.
Other bits not to miss from this months batch of bangers comes from the likes of Fill Spectre adding to his ever growing discography with a release on Belgian blog and label Duploc (DUPLOC019) which is available to download from the label’s Bandcamp. Sticking with the Belgian theme, Belgian producer Zygos put out a solid super limited 10″ vinyl only release on DIY label Unity Through Sound (UNITY004) which features two equally great tracks entitled ‘Kanuri’ and ‘Shutdown’. Unfortunately being a super limited pressing, the lot has already gone! Respect if you got yourself a copy! Back on UK shores, if you’re looking for darkness and something little experimental, Biome self released a fine sounding little EP ‘Found’ available now from his Bandcamp.
Special mentions –
TMSV – Stress/Lost (Boxcl014) – SOLD OUT
EshOne – Short Reset/4th Layer (WHEELYDEALY055) – BUY HERE
J Robinson – Herbs Like These/Dubwise (WHODEM017) – BUY HERE
Sir Hiss – Saracen (Italdred) – BUY HERE
Big shouts to all artists and labels that featured and especially to you for taking the time to check out my recommendations this month!
– Tom