Featuring UNTOLD

I must admit that this album came to me pretty much out of the blue. I wasn't aware that Jack Dunning (aka Untold) was even working on an LP, let alone ready to release it on his own label, Hemlock Recordings. Hemlock has made a name for itself by providing some of the strangest, most forward-thinking electronic music - primarily from the UK but occasionally from elsewhere around the globe. The label began in 2008 and has since developed the careers of some, by-now, household names, including James Blake, Pangaea and of course Dunning himself.

So we come to the work of Untold and the aforementioned album. Despite coming as something of a surprise, I read the PR for this one and got pretty excited. Over the years, Untold has dipped his toes into various waters, journeying his way through a curious and idiosyncratic take on dubstep, brooding techno (a theme explored further in another sub-label, Pennyroyal) and just down-right weird house. But the theme for this LP, entitled 'Black Light Spiral', was to be something new entirely, channelling Dunning's upbringing on "jungle and hardcore, without being token rave revivalism."



Okay, I thought to myself - all sounds well and good. I can't be alone in noticing the penchant for a certain group of producers to give a nod towards jungle in their music in recent years; a group spearheaded perhaps by Paul Woolford (under his Special Request guise) but including the likes of Tessela and Randomer, the latter having released extensively on Untold's very own Hemlock imprint. However, my gripe with this kind of reenactment is that often it feels forced and nostalgic merely for the sake of it. I was confident that given this framework, Dunning had the guile and craft to create something entirely fresh and new, without utilising the aforementioned sound in too much of a gimmicky a way. Again, the press release for the LP backed this up, telling me how Untold intends 'to push boundaries, to leave people gasping for air and wondering "what the fuck is this music I've just heard?"' I have to stress that this last point is the most prevalent thought that comes to mind upon first listen. I listened to the 40-minute piece from start to finish then in all honesty did my best to put it to the back of my mind. Though I was fully aware of Dunning's ability to defy genre, I genuinely wasn't ready for the onslaught that 'Black Light Spiral' provided. Even in my worst nightmares I'd struggle to conjure sounds so obscure, so frighteningly weird. The sound-design throughout is admittedly impressive, and reminiscent of the kind of clinical production skills provided by somebody like Objekt. Because of this aspect, I'm confident some publications will receive the record with critical acclaim. However, as impressive as these soundscapes are, overall I'm just left wondering - what's the point?

Black Light Spiral LP - Untold [Hemlock]

Make no mistake, the record features all of those typical tokens of raves-past - airhorns, sirens, reggae samples. But beyond this, there is nothing that hints towards Dunning's jungle and hardcore influences. The whole thing feels so lacking in cohesion or direction that in the end it's just a 40-minute collection of random experiments in sound and noise. Yes, they sound pretty cool in and of themselves. But do they work as an album? I'm really not so sure. I was going to give a run-through of the record track-by-track but realised rather quickly that this would be a fruitless endeavour. I'd recommend you pick it up and listen through yourself as it demonstrates, viscerally in places, Untold's ability to skew traditional appreciations of convention. Aside from that though, it offers not a lot. Perhaps I was a tad naive when expecting at least a couple of real gems, tracks like 'Change in a Dynamic Environment' but welded around the structure of Blue Note jungle. Unfortunately, there's none of that here. What's laid out is an 8-track document that charters the strange workings of Dunning's mind as he builds upon the reputation he's built for himself as a man who defiantly strikes-out against the norm. In 'Black Light Spiral', Untold burrows ever deeper down the rabbit hole, exploring avenues yet to be touched. Is the result wholly successful? I'm not convinced it is, but it makes for an interesting experience nonetheless.

The album is released on 24th Feb - grab it at Juno.

HH MIX #025 - ACTRAISER

After a slight pause, we're back with a special addition to the series, a very impressive all own production mix from the severely underated producer who goes by the name Actraiser. We had a quick chat with him to fill you in if you're unfamiliar.

Tell us a little about yourself...

Hi, I'm Actraiser, an electronic music producer based in Bristol. I specialise in deep dubstep and dubstep techno music but I like to make many other styles of music as well. I've had numerous releases on labels such as Car Crash Set, Sub Depth, Haunted Audio, RedVolume, Stoke Audio, Echodub, Cold Busted, and Gradient Audio. I also have forthcoming material on Pushing Red, Paradise Lost, Pangaea, Levitated and more. I produce deep tracks that maintain a hint of heaviness. I do like to make the odd minimal track but generally I like deep music with a tougher edge, kind of the rough with the smooth really. I think that whatever style I choose to produce, it maintains the Actraiser sound that I aim for.

How long have you been producing?

I've been producing for a while, under different names, but the Actraiser thing has been for about 2 and a half years. In that time I've seen a steady rise in followers. I often wonder if my constantly changing genres confuses people, but I've had lots of great feedback from people who say they enjoy my tracks whatever tempo or style I go for, which is very encouraging and keeps me enthusiastic about trying new things.

Fallen Angel (2011 Rework) - Actraiser


How do you get your music out there?

Soundcloud is a great tool, and has brought to my attention many of the amazing, and often unfairly overlooked, producers out there creating really forward-thinking music that can slip by undetected due to many labels not keen on putting out music that they fear won't sell loads of copies. This is more to do with how hard it is to make money in this day of illegal file sharing and what-not, rather than the guys running the labels not wanting to rock the boat. I've used Soundcloud and AIM to build contacts and get my music heard by the right people, these two things (along with other things like forums and Facebook) have been incredibly valuable to making a name for myself.

Tell us a bit about your release schedule...

Some recent releases include; firstly the Tiger Road EP, which I am very proud of, it's 7 slices of futuristic electronic music that can be filed under many genres, future garage, dubstep, minimal techno. I've heard it described as music you would hear in Fabric in the year 2078, which I thought was a pretty funny, and apt description.

I've also had an LP released very recently called Art of Balance on Cold Busted. This is an eclectic selection of tracks including some trip-hop, jazz funk, funky, future garage and more. It has received enormous love from around the world with DJs such as Danny Rampling, Steve Mac & Darren Emerson playing it and giving props, so that's been really encouraging. It's out on CD & digital now. I also had an EP of 130bpm Riddim tracks out this month too featuring my more dance floor, bouncy production side. Next up though I have some much darker dubstep and dubstep techno music coming out on Paradise Lost, and Pushing Red. Then there's a 4 track tech-house EP on Pangea recordings which showcases my deep house & techno music.

Any shout outs / mentions, or anything we forgot?

For sure, firstly to Vandera whose mixes are so good and inspired me to go back to the drawing board with my own mixes (check his DSF nominated HH mix here). Alex DFRNT who not only produces amazing music but has always been really helpful to me with regards to all sides of the music game. Must also give a shout to my lovely and talented girlfriend Caya who does all the artwork for my releases, she always manages to make something awesome so I will always have her do the art if possible! And of course the obligatory shout out to all the nice people who like my music! Keep the messages coming!

Thanks for your time.

DOWNLOAD

01. Ethereal Planes - Actraiser [dub]
02. It's A Trap - Actraiser [dub]
03. Infidel - Actraiser [dub]
04. The King Is Dead - Actraiser [dub]
05. Shadow Boxing 2011 Bootleg - Actraiser [dub]
06. Throne Of The Lost King - Actraiser [Stoke Audio]
07. Tell Me - Actraiser [Betamorph]
08. Survival Horror - Actraiser [forthcoming Paradise Lost]
09. Solstice - Actraiser [Subdepth]
10. On My Mind - Actraiser [dub]
11. Redemption - Actraiser [Cold Busted]
12. Parasol Stars - Actraiser [Cold Busted]
13. Black Skies - Actraiser [dub]
14. Fallen Angel (Jungle Edit) - Actraiser [dub]
15. Solstice (Vandera Remix) - Actraiser [Subdepth]
16. A Brighter Future - Actraiser [dub]
17. Wip3out *edit* - Actraiser [Stoke Audio]
18. Mysteries Of The Universe - Actraiser [Gradient Audio]
19. Tiger Road - Actraiser [Gradient Audio]
20. Losing You - Actraiser [RedVOlume]
21. Sanctuary - Actraiser [RedVolume]
22. Temple Of Trials - Actraiser [Stoke Audio]
23. Blue Sapphire - Actraiser [Haunted Audio]
24. Nevermore - Actraiser [Haunted Audio]
25. Kusagari - Actraiser [forthcoming Paradise Lost]
26. Prophecy - Actraiser [forthcoming Paradise Lost]

Make sure you check his very organised Soundcloud which has an abundance of tracks on, if you haven't already.

You come home tired all the time...

Having been hoarding a few of these awaiting the right moment, it's now a pleasure to unveil this fine selection of remixes. Huge credit due to the producers involved. Each on a similar vein, all quality productions, ready to wind their way into your mind.

First up we've got this absolutely banger from Essáy who's edited the very talented Bunte Bummler. The track 'You're Mine' has been getting rinsed since it came out a month or so ago. Essáy gives the original a downtempo yet euphoric feel, utilising the stunning vocal perfectly. If only the sun was still shining...

Come Home (Essáy's Sunstep Edit) - Bunte Bummler

Midland's been relatively quiet of late but 'Through Motion' is still getting played out on a regular. This time he's on a dusty, rolling Techno vibe reminding us of something along the lines of early Underworld. Big tune.

You'll See (Midland Edit) - Washed Out

Youandewan is on remix duty for the next, very similar feel to the Washed Out edit above, if not a little deeper with a sub and drum pattern we would have expected from Synkro back in the day.

Come Rain, Come Shine (Youandewan Dub) - Pallers

Previously unknown to us, Korablove takes the original, sticks an appropriate beat underneath the vocal and here we have it, a timeless track that'll change your mood in an instant. Simple as that.

It Could Be Sweet (Korablove Remix) - Portishead

Last but definitely not least, the ever growing stronger Behling drops his remix of Saint Saviour for free. Watch this man's movements very closely over the next 6-8 months, 2012 summer we reckon is gonna be a big one.

Red Sun (Behling Mix) - Saint Saviour

There's some kind of story in those track names. Who's feeling creative?

Scuba - Adrenalin EP

The latest EP from the man known to his mother as Paul Rose marks the latest in an ever-evolving succession of stylistic manoeuvres that have seen the Hotflush godfather effortlessly glide along the perimeter of the hardcore continuum. From his heady, sub-heavy early output (A Mutual Antipathy [2008]) to the slightly more percussive, UK funky-influenced moodiness of his sophomore opus (last year's highly-lauded Triangulation) via chunky teutonic techno excursions under the SCB alias, as well as the hands-in-the-air house with his Loss EP on Will Saul's Aus Music imprint - it's clear he's a man of many names and even more talents. Let's not forget the brash, belligerent 'Dance 4 Me' as Spectr on RKS.

For the Adrenalin EP he chooses to return to the aquatic guise under which he made his name (or one of them, anyway) although those expecting a similar return to the days of yore in terms of musical content may find themselves somewhat surprised. Scuba goes back alright. Way back. Before dubstep, before garage, maybe even before house. What you're listening to is pop music, plain and simple. And I for one am certainly not complaining.

The title track opens with the gentle pitter of vinyl crackle and pounding 707 kicks (okay, so maybe it's house music actually) as Rose gently lifts the filter on a myriad of vocal snatches. By the time that analog bassline surfaces we're firmly into fist-pumping territory. MDMA-drenched strings slowly rise along with a faceless diva's utterance of, what at least sounds like, “adrenaline”, leading to the mother of all breakdowns. That ubiquitous bassline returns after the drop, sounding a little underwhelming given the previous fanfare, but brilliant all the same.

Second cut 'Everywhere' is definitely the most pop-conscious of the three – synth stabs straight out of the GTA: Vice City soundtrack and a seriously jacking bassline joining with yet more uplifting vocals, saying things like “come on feel it” and “feel the power” - cheesy but in a good way. 'Never' is my personal favourite of the three, combining the 80s aesthetic of 'Everywhere' with the euphoria of the title track, especially around the 2-minute mark as the ferocious breakbeat meets the heart-rending string sequence. The aggregation of dancefloor potency and emotion in this particular track points to the likes of Art of Noise or New Order circa Technique.

Adrenalin EP Preview - Scuba [Hotflush]


It almost seems that having properly settled into his new home of Berlin, Paul Rose has stopped spending so much time in the big frightening downstairs room of that former Kreuzberg power station and perhaps decided to take a trip upstairs. And stayed there until Sunday afternoon when the shutters are up and the sun is shining. And then went home and wrote an EP based on this experience.

The Adrenalin EP is released via Hotflush on Monday 26 September 2011 - buy it at Juno.

Featuring SULLY

Sully releases his debut album Carrier through Keysound Recordings, the London based Dubstep, Grime and UK Funky imprint run by Dusk & Blackdown.

Sully aka Jack Stevens is an understated folk hero, a low key elusive bass producer with a fiercely passionate fanbase. And to date, they’ve never quite got the long player they craved from him.

Long before – four of five years before – the UK garage revival kicked in and "future" garage had even been dreamt up, Sully began finding a space between 2step’s swing, dubstep’s edge and breakstep’s drums, all underpinned by the rude spirit of jungle. He displayed a deft touch for heart-breaking melodies that could touch people as much as the ruff sub bass could hit them, on EPs like ‘Phonebox’ and ‘Jackman’s Rec.’

Carrier, his debut album, comes good on Sully’s unwritten promise to his long-hopeful fans. It’s a short but sweet opus that embraces house, 2step, UK funky, purple synths and juke, with a widescreen, epic vision and Sully’s trademark emotive vistas. In fact, so poignant was one cut ‘2Hearts’ that it’s rumoured it had been held back for the final cut for Burial’s now lost DJ Kicks mix...though of course this claim can’t be verified.

The second half of Carrier sees Sully – best known for his 2step garage - find his take on Chicago footwurk, combining eski strings, crunchy 808 claps and ravey piano loops at a tempo last used by jungle. ‘Encona’ reveals a hitherto unheard UK funky influence. Collectively, it presents a body of work infected by ruffneck pirate culture. So as the album enters your system, compelling you to play it to your friend and your fiends’ friends, the prognosis is clear: you, me, Sully, we are all Carriers.

01. It’s Your Love
02. 2 Hearts
03. In Some Pattern
04. Encona
05. Let You Know
06. Scram
07. I Know
08. Trust
09. Bonafide
10. Exit

Release date set for 12/09/2011.

HH MIX #023 - A1 BASSLINE

It's a pleasure to welcome Mr A1 Bassline to our mix series. Our following goes back a very long way with this producer, possibly even could be 5 years since his first appearance on the blogs. A couple of prior aliases to A1 Bassline then A1 Bassline with a new sound and now he's the co-founder of Tighten Up Records. Not only have his productions developed and matured but his new hybrid sound has blossomed as a unique cross of Techno and the Boddika/Swamp style bass music, which he refers to as 'warehouse'. This track below is up there with his best yet so hopefully there's plenty more to come.

Blue Velvet - A1 Bassline [unreleased]


A1 Bassline's previous fame racked up a long list of tour dates so he's played in many different clubs across the globe over the years and that certainly shines through in this mix. A variety of styles displayed and few unreleased gems. Get this on the download now!

DOWNLOAD // STREAM

01. Glutaral - Beaumont [unreleased]
02. Levon Vincent - Double Jointed Sex Freak [Novel Sound]
03. Maurice Donovan - Babeh [SSSSS]
04. A1 Bassline - Blue Velvet [unreleased]
05. Alfie - Growing Apart [Tighten Up]
06. Da Posse - In The Heat Of The Night [Future Records]
07. Boddika - Acid Jackson [unreleased]
08. Glutaral - Plastic 2011 [unreleased]
09. Blawan - Kaz [R&S]
10. Alfie vs A1 Bassline - Slow Rush [Tighten Up]
11. Glutaral - Hollow Face [unreleased]
12. Addison Groove - Bad Things [unreleased]
13. A1 Bassline - Shockheaded [Tighten Up]
14. Girl Unit - Wut (Claude Von Stroke Remix) [Night Slugs]
15. A1 Bassline - 1.4.7 [Tighten Up]
16. A1 Bassline - Falsehood [forthcoming Dirtybird]
17. A1 Bassline - Lumps [Tighten Up]
18. A1 Bassline - Why Do You [unreleased]
19. Objekt - CLK Recovery [Objekt]

Make sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud and if you haven't yet bought the Shockheaded EP or Falsehood EP do so quick sharp.

Featuring BUILD

To follow up from Build's biggest release to date, a very smooth sounding collaborative album entitled 'Joint Ventures', label boss Baobinga answers a few questions exclusively for us...

Hi Sam. First of all, congratulations on ‘Joint Ventures’ – a fantastic listen. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you first started up in the UK music scene.

Glad you like it! As far as I go, I got into dance music through jungle and techno, and then followed my way through an obsession with interesting drums along many twists and turns to wherever I am now...

In 2011 new labels seem to be appearing all the time, but what motivated you to start a label back in 2009?

Well, I'd got a bunch of tunes stockpiled that all seemed to be hanging together quite well, and the opportunity arose to get the label going without having to risk a huge amount of capital upfront (thanks Multiverse!), so it was a case of the right situation arising at the right time. I'd been thinking about doing a label for a while, but it was only around 2009 that it seemed as if the barriers between genres and styles had broken down enough for me to be able to do the kind of label I wanted to do - i.e. one that wasn't pushing a specific narrow stylistic agenda.

You have just released the vinyl of BUILD006, a collaboration between yourself and Guido. How important do you think it is that labels continue to put tunes out on wax?

I think it's very important, even in the sense that although sales aren't great at the moment, people still respect a vinyl release over a digital-only record - and this applies to young producers who don't really buy much or any vinyl, they still feel that a vinyl release gives a record some kind of 'reality' or solidity. For me personally, I love vinyl and I love the culture of record shops, so I'm happy to be able to contribute in some way to keeping that going.



You have collaborated with so many different artists, from Mensah to Cosmin TRG. How do you find collaboration as a way of producing and have there been any which just haven’t quite worked out?

I really enjoy working with different people - it's a great way to learn new tricks and it kind of forces you to come with your best stuff as well! When a collaboration works really well, I think you can hear elements of both producers in the track, but there's also something there that you wouldn't normally find in either producer's work - that's the exciting element and what makes the whole thing fun. There's been a couple that haven't worked out, but I think that has generally been down to scheduling issues and general lack of time on both sides, rather than any kind of dramatic personality clash with people storming out of the studio, smashing synths and threatening violence!

Trans Pennine Express - Baobinga & Jack Sparrow


What was it that persuaded you to launch into the ‘Joint Ventures’ project, does it feel like quite a big departure from the run of twelves that have preceded it?

For me, I feel like the album is a continuation of the direction the label has been taking over the past 2 years, and it also served as a useful marker to work towards - a big project on which I could focus my energies. Obviously, the label has almost by accident become a showcase for collaborations, but beyond that, the album presents a wide range of tempos and styles, which is something I've tried to do with the singles as well. The level of work that goes into promoting an album is definitely a step up from putting a single out though - I need a week on a beach!

As you said, the album sees you producing at a range of different tempos, is this something that you can see yourself doing more of in the future?

Yeah definitely - particularly in terms of D'n'B, and the slower house stuff. Those tunes were really fun to write, as they have such a different step on them, compared to the more usual 125-140bpm range. Switching tempos is another thing that can keep the process of creating music fresh and exciting, which is important if you want to keep making music that is fresh and exciting!

Gun Talk - Rider Shafique


The "UK Bass" scene seems to have been morphing constantly over the last year or so, how important do you feel a strong local scene such as the one in Bristol is to the development of a distinctive sound?

I'm not sure location is quite as vital as it used to be back in the day - for example, the way certain clubs and record stores were instrumental in developing disco, house, jungle or dubstep for example - but it is great to be working in a city where there are so many talented people doing their thing, and also willing to mix it up. For example, at Pinch's monthly Dubloaded night, you'll see everyone from house purists to grime kids getting together and chatting and checking stuff out, and that is a big part of what makes Bristol exciting. The rise of the internet has reduced the importance of physical location, but then again there may well be a backlash against that, where people want to feel that what they are listening to is rooted in something real. I guess the rise of Berghain techno links in to this - the strength of that sound is very much tied with ideas about Berlin and that particular club, which adds weight to the story behind the music.

And finally, what is your vision for Build during the second half of 2011? Any exciting new artists you think we should be keeping an eye out for?

I'd like grow Build as a brand - doing more Build themed rooms, as we have a wide range of artists involved in the label now, and the Build nights we have done have worked really well. We'll probably put out another single from the album, maybe with some interesting remixes, and I'll probably work with some more people that are making interesting music at the moment. I've got a couple of names in mind, but I'm going to keep them under wraps until everything is sorted. I'd like to see more releases from Kahn this year, and I'm also hoping the slow house thing will blow up a bit - check out Behling for some quality mixes in that vein; proper heavy slow groovers!

Thanks, Sam!

You can buy 'Joint Ventures' for the bargain price of £7.00 direct from Build's website.

And if you want a little taster, check out this free track from Baobinga & Randomer.

Featuring MARTYN

3024 boss and heavyweight producer in his own right Martyn is gearing up for his next 12" release, this time on the Los Angeles-based Brainfeeder label. Having come from a Drum & Bass and then Dubstep standpoint, he seems to have settled with more of a House template in his recent work.

Masks is a heavy rolling House effort, with 90s stabs and what sounds like an awful lot of serious analogue programming. It is most certainly reminiscent of his collaboration with Mike Slott from last year, a tune entitled 'All Nights'. Following the release of Masks/Vipers on 1st August, Martyn's second LP will emerge, also on the mighty Brainfeeder imprint.



And for those of you with a bit more time on your hands, this is one of the most interesting RBMA lectures around.

Featuring BUCK UK

Cut Records has released another EP, this time by Manchester-born, Buck UK. The release, entitled Once EP, features an original ambient garage tune by Buck UK as well as a dub-techno remix by Essáy, of Cut Record's last release, Distance & Lights EP.

Once - Buck UK


Once (Essáy's Ambstep Mix) - Buck UK


In typical Cut Records fashion, Once EP is available for free or for any price you choose on their bandcamp page.

Introducing OBJEKT

"Objekt is a series of white labels built by T J Hertz"
This may or not be an introduction to some (think we missed the boat), however for those that it is, please do some careful listening, at volume.

We were tipped off about this producer/label Objekt the other day and ever since, these tracks have been stuck on loop. There's little information on the internet but 2011 is the year for faceless hype - let the music do the talking, and why not. All we can gather is there's a heavy Techno influence from the previous alias, Pearson Sound and Jackmaster are supporting, and that we need more releases.

These two hit the spot. Quality production oozing care and effort, ample bassweight, and perfect timing with people like Joy O and Instra:mental pushing this sound heavily.

The Goose That Got Away - Objekt [RUDEEE]


Tinderbox - Objekt


These two formed OBJEKT001 which was released around middle/end of January 2011 on vinyl and digital - cop it from Juno etc.

002 is imminent and we can't wait!

P.S Another serious riddim you might have missed - Thomp - Instra:mental

HUSH THE FUCK UP (vol V)

Nearly a year on and over 8500 downloads later we're proud to present the next in our own mix series - Hush The Fuck Up volume 5. As usual there's a mixed bag of different stuff that we've been feeling over the last few months, all blended together into 67 minutes of madness. Most of the tracks are available to buy so make sure you check out the artists and support them at Juno etc. We promise there won't be such a wait for the next one, in the meantime, get downloading and share it with your friends, put it on your iPod, burn it to CD, you know what to do...

DOWNLOAD

01. Something New - Didz & Chico
02. Over the Top - Hypno
03. Lord Of Bashy (Doc Daneeka Remix) - Warrior One
04. Alize - Randomer & Adverse
05. Concrete - Akilles
06. Mantra - Phaeleh
07. Falling (Dark Sky Remix) - Ben Westbeech
08. Peru - DC Salas
09. Change (A Made Up Sound Remix) - Commix
10. The Light - I.D. ft Rider Shafique
11. I Want You - The Next
12. Landmines (Arkist Remix) - Cliffhanga
13. 4 The Love (Dark Sky Remix) - Lorcan Mak
14. Bass Comedown - DJ Madd
15. Nonchalant - Okota
16. Everyday Dreamer - Dom Hz
17. Lions & Pearls - Malilone
18. Brave (Dark Sky Remix) - Kelis
19. Humber - Ramadanman
20. Numbers (Matt U Remix) - DJ Madd
21. Soundclash (Warrior One Remix) - Rack N Ruin
22. Y U Mad Tho? - Unknown
23. The Look - Jacques Greene
24. 30003B - Wax
25. After The Night - Martin Kemp
26. Feel Music - Dexter Kane
27. Household Goods (Justin Martin Vocal) - T.E.E.D
28. Tell Me - Jacques Greene

Introducing PhOtOMachine

Raffertie's Super Recordings is beginning to establish itself as a label that does not set itself firm boundaries in terms of genre, instead placing emphasis on innovation and quality. Consequently recent output has displayed elements drawn from dubstep, house and even techno. This approach is evident in the recent "Technicolour EP" from debutant Londoner, PhOtOMachine.

The title track quickly adopts a pulsating 4x4 beat complemented by colourful vocals and a steady synth line. But it's after the half way point the track really kicks off, with a muscular bassline that is bound to get the dancefloor bouncing. Huge tune. In contrast, "Sine Language" sets itself out with a 2-step structure, before a diving bassline takes it deep, offset by by dubby sounds and spacey arpeggios. The release comes with a solid remix package with 3 variations on "Technicolour", with an effort from label boss Raffertie and a classy stripped-back house reduction from Optimum. Up as a freebie is the Throwing Snow remix, which emphasises the soft textures and adds some tight percussion. Check out clips of all of them below, and buy the release here.

Technicolour (Throwing Snow Remix) - PhOtOMachine



For fans of the label, check out the Super Volume 1 compilation preview below, with some well produced and varied soundscapes from the artists already mentioned as well as consistent talents such as Skinnz and Morris Cowan.

Super Volume 1 [preview]

Introducing NOCTURNAL SUNSHINE

This girl Maya Jane Coles is incredible. We love her.

Round up that sound....

Oxygen (NDV Remix) - Bunny On Acid [RUDEEE] [buy digital]


Roots Vibration (feat. Ras Spear) - Jack Sparrow & Ruckspin


Trapped In Tivoli - Arkist


Crush - Hodge


Traps - Actraiser


Typewriter Tune VIP - Distal & HxdB [buy vinyl / buy digital]


The Shock - Commodo

EXCLUSIVE MIX #012

French producer Neat is more than likely a new name to most but you should stick it firmly in the memory bank as we predict some big things for the future.

He began messing around with electronic music around 8 years ago but started his musical adventures by learning classical percussion. A wide range of influences and years of work in the studio has led him to his present sound which tends to focus on the deep side, building a bridge between dancefloor heaviness and drowned, chilled-out sounds.

"A blend of carefully crafted beats, high-pressure bass machinery, captivating melodies and techy sound designs."

A Light I Know - Neat


Anyone that's into the Joy Orbison, Scuba, Deadboy, Martyn side of bass music, you will 150% enjoy this mix. Smooth rolling beats, post-Dubstep, deep Future-Garage, Dub-Techno, call it what you wish, this is a mash-up of it all. If you're up for broadening the horizons, look no further...

DOWNLOAD

01. Roof Light - Soulcraft [dub]
02. Opti - Autoscopy [dub]
03. FaltyDL - Because You [Planet Mu]
04. Neat - What If [dub]
05. Ital Tek - Giga [Atom River]
06. Jack Sparrow - Loveless [Tectonic]
07. Sines - Stuff Dreams Are Made Of (Von D Remix) [forthcoming Formant]
08. xxxy - Reflections [Mindset]
09. Nekochan - Vahine (Led Piperz Remix) [forthcoming Airflex Labs]
10. Isotroph - Nenuphar (Neat's Bloom Remix) [forthcoming Airflex Labs]
11. Jus Wan - Coma Wall [Self Released]
12. Pariah - Railroad [R&S]
13. Von D - Miss Maui (Mr Lager Remix) [dub]

Outlook Festival 2010

Although the Outlook Festival was three weeks ago now, anyone who went will still hold it vividly in their minds. We’ve been collating our anecdotes and pictures to share with you – hence the delay.

Croatia is a crazy place. Pula, where the festival moved to this year, is littered with ruins showcasing the area’s Roman heritage. There are ruins everywhere. The festival site itself is in an abandoned fort on a peninsular surrounded by the sea. You couldn’t dream of a better setting – especially with the campsite, which is on a beach, only a short walk away.

We arrived five days early and went exploring. These were the glory days when beer at the beach bar was only 10 kunas, couple of days later it was 15, and by Thursday it was 20 – which to be fair is still cheap for half a litre. The fort is inhabited by hippies, wild dogs and even a horse. Unofficial pre-parties took place for the first few days until the crowds got too big and unsafe for the non-secure venue - we found machetes while exploring the tunnels! Our initial reaction was that there were going to be some serious casualties at the festival, but this was not the case.

Our festival properly started with our big friend Barry – on the Bigger Than Barry boat party. We all know that these boys know how to throw a party and it didn’t disappoint. Big up to Matt ‘Pasteman’, Phat Pat, Oneman, Rattus and Klose who all smashed it. The topdeck bounced to the setting sun, and then the boat made its way back to the dock after four hours of madness.

In an attempt to avoid turning this into a running commentary, highlights included:

George Lenton who got the crowd going with the help of many of his own tunes. His Dizzee Rascal booty, which I wasn’t so sure about to start with, particularly stood out on the system.

I Luv U (George Lenton Remix) - Dizzee Rascal [download]


RackNRuin also used his own artillery to fill the ballroom as you can see from the picture below.



Sub:stance night with the likes of Appleblim and Scuba killing it. However DMZ night was probably our favourite - kicked off by the fantastic Kryptic Minds who followed a heavy set from dBridge. Silkie & Quest finished matters with the perfect balance of bass and melodies.



Beach parties during the day were next level. There’s nothing better than lying in the sun listening to a pumping system. Apparently a ‘No Dubstep’ policy was put in place but this quickly went out the window ‘Are You Ready’ was thundering through the campsite at just gone midday! For us, and many others, Chimpo & Chunky smashed the beach show. Gazaaaaaaaaaa!



Submotion Orchestra in the fading light were incredible. Shivers down the back bizness. Gentleman’s Dub Club put on a hype show as usual – shown below.



The list goes on - RSD, SpectraSoul, Break, Ben UFO, 2562, Pinch, Synkro & Indigo, Hylu & Jago (below).



Out to all the girl DJs out there. Special mention to Lazell killing it on the beach and in the dungeon...



All in all, the best festival we’ve been to. Bestival might have to look into changing it’s name...

Massive respect to the organisers, the hard work paid off; everything flowed seamlessly from arena to arena. We won’t go into the minor hiccups cos the plus points outnumbered them a hundred fold and I’m sure these will be ironed out for next year. Special thanks to Jack Robinson, Liam Wachs and Mark Salford, and of course all the other people running round on minimal sleep.

DUBSCOVER: Birthday Special!

It's Dubscover's birthday so Rhythm Factory is where you should be heading this Friday. They are combining with their other night - Techscover and having a big party at a fresh venue. They've invited the winners from each of the previous nights back for one final showdown with prizes up for grabs.

Oh and... it's FREE!

Having experienced a few technical difficulties, the usual media is not available for consumption. However, the minimix is inside the podcast. Get hype!

DOWNLOAD: Podcast 006 [RUDEEE]

01. Altered Natives - Rass Out [Fresh Minute Music]
02. Girl Unit - IRL [Night Slugs]
03. O-Dessa - Fail [dub]
04. Seven & Elvee - Breakdown [forthcoming Wheel & Deal]
05. Coopz Mucksion - Heavy Bassline [dub]
06. Benga - Biscuit Factory [Biscuit Factory]
07. Boyson & Krooks - Long Range [dub]
08. Goli & Ashburner - Field Of Vibrations [dub]
09. Seven & Elvee - Moonshine [forthcoming Wheel & Deal]
10. Dom Hz - Elevator Skank [forthcoming Open Earz]
11. The xx - Crystalised (Dark Sky Remix) [dub]
12. O-Dessa - In The House [dub]
13. Hylu - Bahryat [dub]
14. Boyson - The Crunch [dub]
15. BT - Remember (Lysergide Remix) [dub]
16. Slugz & Joe London - Monks In Space [dub]

Facebook event

Now, hush the fuck up!

One year ago, nearly to the day, the first edition of this series was unleashed. The first has remained as the most popular, nearly the most downloaded item out of everything! Keeping up to that is tricky but since this is the 4th, we've made it super special. It's rammed full of our favourite artists at the moment plus a couple of big names doing not what they normally do. As ever, get it on your iPod, burn it to CD, upload it to Youtube, play it to your neighbours - they'll love it. We hope you enjoy it too, feedback is appreciated.

DOWNLOAD

01. Crossroads (Boogaloo Crew Bootleg) - Jose Gonzalez
02. One Bright Night (Scuba's Broken Window Dub) - Way Out West
03. SOS - Daega Sound System
04. Dub Specialist - Synkro
05. Ophelia - Janner & Acky
06. The Loot (Sully Remix) - J-Treole
07. I Believe In Love (Boogaloo Crew Remix) - Supra 1
08. It’s Over - Von D & DJ Madd
09. Pitcher - D1
10. Rock City - Mensah
11. Dubsteppa - Funtcase & SBH
12. Set Me On Fire - Pendulum
13. Splash ft. Coco (Rusko Remix) - Sub Focus
14. No Relief (Daega Sound Remix) - Pete Grove
15. Street Fighter - Cookie Monsta
16. So Good - Tek-One
17. Pure Light - Vandera
18. Bon (Blasta Il Y A Du Bon Remix) - Von D
19. Tonight - DJ Madd
20. Seventy Six - Jack Dixon
21. You Got Me - Scuba
22. City of Cars (Von D Remix) - DLX & Kemst
23. Change (Dark Sky Remix) - Mirror Mirrors
24. Response Call - Code 3

Breakage x Florence

Breakage brings us this techy ravey version of widely known Brit Award winner Florence. Her soaring vocal is complimented with energetic drums and trancey synths taking your mood up a level. This years 'In For The Kill' remix? Not sure it has quite the mass appeal. Certainly on road to creating something with such affection when on the pop remix flex though. If you don't know about tunes like Callahan etc, go have a search through the shops.

Dog Days Are Over (Breakage Remix) - Florence + The Machine

Album out 15th March 2010 on Digital Soundboy. Looking forward to that and 'Justified'.

More AUTOPILOT

This man, Autopilot, featured originally in this post, has had extreme exposure since we last spoke on the subject. Mary Anne Hobbs has taken a liking, Youtube Gamer Geeks and Imogen Heap lovers have been flooding the comments section. His unique, minimal, glitchy, synthy, euphoricy, progressive sound - finished off always with a pulsing bassline deserves the attention it's getting. Constantly supplying me with freshies, this post is the least I can do for him. You lot feeling the sounds need to head over to the...

Autopilot Bandcamp

Couple of new free tracks. World exclusive - fresh is an understatement. Huge original. Big remix. Nuff said.

Moth (Autopilot Remix) - Burial & Four Tet [RUDEEE]

Like A Bitch - Autopilot

Please go support the man, he's aiming for a tour later this year. The more support you give - the better it'll be.