Another month of music in the bag! Here’s what I’ve been feeling through out February…
Distance – Awaken EP (CHST045)
Obviously there’s no introduction necessary when it comes to Distance, an absolute veteran of the genre and one of the few from the ‘golden age’ who’s still at the top of his game. His latest EP ‘Awaken‘ demonstrates his recent musical journeys. Full of variety and something for everyone, ‘Awaken EP‘ travels through synth heavy compositions, unique structures and neck breaking trap-esque beats. Distance proves he’s still motivated to experiment and evolve to this day.
Reso – Focus Inwards EP (ALBION006)
If you’re a keen DnB head then you’re bound to have come across the sounds of Reso. The London based producer has been at the top of his game for the best part of a decade featuring on high profile labels such as Hospital Records and Civil Music. However for the last year or so he’s found himself experimenting within the realm of 140, culminating in this monster release on Albion Collective. Not only does the EP feature the huge and highly anticipated ‘Focus Inwards‘ (plus two other bangers on the flip), but the super talented Dutchman TMSV comes through with a mammoth remix.
Chad Dubz – IFS013
I don’t think I’d be out of line to say Chad Dubz is one of the most active producers about right now and one that puts out some of the highest quality material. The Bristol based producer showed no sign of stopping this month with his latest EP featuring three tracks of weighty unadulterated 140 music on Infernal Sounds, a label that’s become a force to be reckoned with. As mentioned on the blog before, he’s one of the few that can pull of sounds from all corners of the genre. From dark and contemporary, roots and culture to the old school DMZ vibes as demonstrated on ‘Fuck Em‘, Chad Dubz proves yet again he’s one of the most versatile and consistent producers in the game.
Kyrist – Parallel EP (UA031)
For the second time this month, we see a predominantly Drum & Bass orientated producer dip their feet into the world of 140. Having spent the last few years building a solid discography in the DnB realm, Kyrist showed what she’s really made of with ‘Parallel EP‘ on Uprise Audio. Not only was this a great introduction to Kyrist‘s take on Dubstep with four groovy yet atmospheric tracks, but also a refreshing start to the year for Uprise Audio with A:Grade due to step up next month!
Various Artists – Kaleidoscope Vol. II (SUBALT018)
Subaltern Records got back down to business with its second instalment of ‘Kaleidoscope‘, a vinyl compilation series featuring a wide range of talented producers from across the globe. This edition saw new music from Phossa representing the UK, Clearlight from Belgium, USA’s Dalek One and Bisweed producing out of Estonia. No track gets left behind on this one, all of the highest quality with a lovely variation of styles. Definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already!
Other releases I’ve been feeling this month…
Roklem & Sebalo – Lightyears EP (DBM003)
Roklem & Sebalo are two very talented German producers that collaborate regularly. Their sounds work perfectly together and this month they brought their fifth (??) EP as a duo, this time on Dirty Beats Music. The pair created wicked deep atmospheric beats on this one. ‘Lightyears EP‘ hosts a mixture of dark ‘deep space’ vibes and lighter tones brought in by dub influenced chord stabs and brassy melodies.
Mungk – Lion Dub / Temple Steppa (DSR027)
New friend to the blog Mungk featured on Dutch label Dubstep Rotterdam Sound this week with two sound system stompers, coming through with a proper roots and culture vibe and demonstrating that the up and coming producer can do it all! He also featured on Honey & Bass Sessions this month. Check it out if you haven’t already!
Kodama – Dastan EP (SUBAD012)
Kodama, another producer most certainly on the come up, came through with a brand new three track EP on Sub Audio Records entitled ‘Dastan EP‘. The Manchester based producer certainly knows how to write a melody or two, most impressively on ‘Silvanito‘. Certainly looking forward to hearing more in the near future!
Khonsu – Red Sands EP (ANTIVISION001)
Khonsu is one of the many upcoming producers leading the way within Denver, a hot bed of bass music right now. He had the honours of being the first to feature on new label Anti-Vision with ‘Red Sands EP‘, a record full of rough and tough bass driven material.
Dalek One – ENV019
Staying stateside, Dalek One (who appeared on the aforementioned ‘Kaleidoscope’ EP on Subaltern) landed yet another high profile limited vinyl release this month, this time featuring on the mighty Encrypted Audio. For ENV019, Dalek One treated us to three of his finest cuts with just the right amount of jaw clenching rowdiness.
OUTOFTHEWIRE – WTSPKTU EP (FW003)
Berlin collective OUTOFTHEWIRE are definitely a group of dudes you need to keep your eyes and ears on. Their unique experimental productions are right on point for my current taste. Their latest EP on Denver label Fringe Worthy – ‘When The Shadow People Keep Trying You’ is definitely one to check out if you want to try out something gritty and super fresh.
My free download picks from this month –
Ourman – Rigging
Nights – Turner
Quant – Scuba Ops (LOCUSFD007)
Alienmade – U Lied
1137 – Impressions
As always don’t miss the Weekly Buzz, a weekly blog where I take a look at my favourite release of the week.
This month began with Pugilist’s wonderful techno/dubstep blend on TRUSIK. Read more about ‘Chrysalis EP’ here.
The following week saw one of my favourite releases or a long time come out on White Peach Records. Read more about ‘Buried EP’ by Glume & Phossa here.
And finally last week I was introduced to Repulsion for the first time with his new EP on Off-Switch Audio. Read more 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