Suche:bass

NZO goes sick on a standout debut album for Demdike Stare’s DDS, distilling 2-step UKG, R&B and computerised funk within whirring mechanisms adjacent to mutant jungle and footwork - the proper good stuff.

On ‘Come Alive’ SoYo’s NZO bruks wild but tight on nine tunes chiselled from a distinctive percussive palette cut into fidgety, soulful samples. She dances in and around the cracks of myriad styles with a canny grasp of limb-animating, rhythmic diffraction; all stop/start rhythms and stuttering diva-vocaloids arranged with a rudely shatterproof, grooving pliability. More simply put: it’s dance music for those who like to get super loose and freaky with it.

Chopped up and stitched together over six months in Sheffield, it’s not hard to hear a lineage of advanced Afro-American rhythm science that also feeds into SND’s jerky-but-sexy angularities, and subsequently Rian Treanor’s rugged pugilism, now morphing back to the source, but heavily skewed with it. Her judicious sampling of R&B gems is offset in obliquely funked-up structures in ways that knowingly mess with conditioned anticipations yet never lose sight of the ‘floor, and we’re here for it.

Jumping in with the writhing darkside tekkerz of ‘Rolling Around’ and clocking out with a standout downbeat pearl ‘Looking For’, we hear her displace amapiano closer to halfstep D&B in ‘AXMM’, and decimate 2-step like Akufen on ‘CFML’, while ‘K-space baum bap’ appears to dart in the spaces between UKG and singeli, and the sloshing congas, bass motifs and dub chords of ‘Deadweight’ settle to a sort of aqueous UKF.

MY NAME IS DJ K-1 (Original Mix)
Keith Tucker Aka DJ K-1 comes back with his original minimalistic electro style with vocals and vocoder loveliness. The ep harkens back to his original K-1 Agenda ep days of the classic Direct Beat label which spawned the first of Tuckers many aliases. Tucker takes this first original mix into a more Kraftwerking style with his infections and Unforgettable vocoder work.

MY NAME IS DJ K-1 (DMX Krew Mix)
DMX Krew’s Ed Upton takes his stab at a more sample bass mix in step with Tuckers seminal work In the Detroit Techno Bass group Aux88. The DMX Krew never disappoint Upton’s bassline ads a dark menacing mix.

MY NAME IS DJ K-1 (Beat Mix)
A Loop bass mix of straight funk and vocal to blend and create that funky Detroit funk that mixes with anything.

MY NAME IS DJ K-1 (Detroit Jit Mix)
Detroit Jit mix has full vocal rap track with a message. Detroit Jitters and DJ’s will eat this up.

MY NAME IS DJ K-1 (SPOCK Mix)
Spacey minimal bassline with that eerie string that makes the floor move as SPOCK would say it’s logical…

MY NAME IS DJ K-1 (NAVI Mix)K-1’s takes this mix more in a bonus beat montage of echoes from the ever-present synth bassline that moves the beat in a hypnotic state with the help of NAVI

Following standout releases on acclaimed underground imprints like Klasse Wrecks, Planet Trip, Superior Elevation, and more, Brooklyn-based producer GEE DEE steps into a new chapter with the launch of his very own label, FREE UNIVERSE. The debut release, IT’S A FEELING, is a vibrant four-tracker that showcases his deep-rooted love for hypnotic grooves, playful textures, and dance floor-ready energy.

The title track, “IT’S A FEELING, ” leads the charge — a punchy, genre-blurring cut that captures the essence of GEE DEE’s sound: raw, emotive, and rhythmic. “ENERGY LOOP” follows with a bright, bouncing bassline and cheeky percussion, keeping spirits high and bodies moving.

On the B-side, the legendary KIM ANN FOXMAN delivers a sped-up, psychedelic reimagining of “IT’S A FEELING. ” The remix brings a darker, tunneling energy to the original, twisting it into a late-night trip that’s equal parts hypnotic and propulsive. Closing things out is “TWO VOICES” — a heady,

'90s-inspired roller drenched in spaced-out textures and woozy synths. A bold first statement from FREE UNIVERSE, this release marks a fresh new chapter for GEE DEE — producer, DJ, and now label head — continuing his journey of pushing boundaries across the spectrum of underground dance music.

Following their mesmerizing debut Tradition, CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN return with Correspondances—a 7-inch release that drifts effortlessly between organic textures and delicate electronic landscapes. Expanding on their signature blend of dreamy synth work and nylon-stringed warmth, the trio refines their approach with a more mature, immersive sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The A-side, “Adan no Umibe” (Adan’s Seashore), opens with a soft, relaxed vocal delivery reminiscent of Haruomi Hosono’s solo work, floating over a gentle groove of nylon guitars and spacious synths. It captures the essence of a quiet shore, where melodies ebb and flow like waves against the sand, infused with the scent of Okinawa.

The title track, “Correspondances,” embraces an airy, ambient minimalism. Whispered vocals glide over sparse beats, floating basslines, and interwoven birdsong—blurring the lines between nature and sound.

Closing the record, “Koe o Kikasete” (Hear Me Your Voice) introduces a subtle rhythmic pulse, with its soft vocal refrain weaving through a beautiful chord progression, layered with nylon guitar and delicate electronic textures. The birdsong theme resurfaces here, echoing the lyrics and enhancing the immersive, weightless atmosphere.

While rooted in the warmth of vintage Japanese pop experimentalism, Correspondances carries CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN’s sound into new, refined territory.

This is a record of quiet yet deeply expressive beauty—an invitation to pause, listen, and drift.

Born and raised in Sicily but now based in Berlin, SLV is known for his innovative approach to techno and its various shades. He has released on revered labels like Soma and received support from key industry players who respect his ability to blend old-school vibes with modern production techniques. Away from the club, he also produces music for film soundtracks, adding a sense of cinematic edge to his techno cuts and is a master of both analog and digital technologies - a true audio engineer who crafts unique, compelling sounds. Having previously featured on the labels Federation of Rytm III compilation, he returns to SHDWs Mutual Rytm imprint with his Night Echoes EP to open up October.

Graustufen opens with punch drum programming and scintillating percussion that dances atop the groove as booming bass brings serious weight down low. The superb Grand Cayman is another potent techno weapon, this time with icy synth atmospheres and eerie moods pervading the tightly programmed drums and bass to deliver an unstoppable force. Voids brings urgent funk with its hunched-over, closely stacked kicks and suspensory pads, which never let up and keep you locked in the moment, while Elastik Pho echoes a classic Detroit sound with its soul-drenched beats and serene, uplifting, beautiful hi-tek style. Last but not least, That Night shows SLVs extraordinary range as it brings some soulful vocal loops and optimistic chords over thunderous drums, which are sure to power dance floors through to euphoria. The EP includes two digital bonus cuts: Basic Uno, which is a raw, percussive and heads-down banger, and Persistence Of Memory, which is stripped-back, glitchy and dubby techno for strobe-lit warehouses.

An obscure yet relevant experimental album from 1995 where IDM meets Jazz, Funk, Ambient and Downtempo, originally released on the Input Neuron Musique label and now fully remastered & reissued. Roupe aka Rupert Brewer was responsible for delivering two Long Player's combined with two EP's and a smattering of a few compilation appearances - something which given his obvious talent should have resulted in much more at the time. His 'Strom' album is something which is not easily defined yet remains sounding fresh today as it was back then despite not fitting easily into any classification but being packed full of variety and quality. A real gift for the adventurous listener.

A1 - Tried So Hard
Intensely atmospheric from the outset, Tried So Hard sees ASC explore a more minimal approach to breakbeats with sparse drums and kicks tentatively held at arm's length by imposing hi hats. Dripping with depth and a dense layer of synthwork enveloping the landscape, this unique track develops continually with a suite of interlocking effects while the vocal yearns "I've tried so hard" - both haunting and thought provoking.

A2 - Parallel Seas
Cheery synths and lively bongos introduce us to Parallel Seas, which quickly becomes a glorious, powerful amen workout providing that perfect blend of atmospheric bliss alongside crunchy, analogue amens programmed with ASC's exquisite attention to detail - crashing triumphantly to an upbeat rhythm, littered with rousing vocal hits, elegant synthwork and nods to yesteryear galore.

AA1 - Alacrity
An energetic, surging breakbeat powers Alacrity as ASC utilises breaks reminiscent of classic driving atmospheric tracks of the past from scene legends including Intense and Artemis. Uniquely constructed with a pulsating, fluid energy, the break pattern utilises relentless kicks, cymbals and a wonderful long snare primed to move the dancefloor as synths wash and a lush vocal whooshes along in ecstasy.

AA2 - Glimmer Of Hope
Jumping straight in with a DJ-friendly beat intro, ASC selects a crisp, definitive selection of old school cuts for Glimmer of Hope, chopped and served with a barrage of sci-fi effects, micro melodies, a bellowing, rumbling bassline and a serene intensity driven by dreamy pads resulting in a perfect patchwork of elements, offering endless layers of detail for your ears to pick through with each listen.

Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)

SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint is back with its third release of 2024, marking a full label debut from Sonic Propaganda with their 'Native' EP.

Sonic Propaganda comes from the collaborative minds of Earwax and Rosati, a pair who favour dark and intense techno sounds and take inspiration from Jeff Mills and Robert Hood. In the studio, they blend analog and digital technologies into smoky warehouse atmospheres and immersive journeys that connect with listeners on an emotive level, and this full EP lands following their contribution to the third instalment of the Mutual Rytm's Federation Of Rytm compilation series in February.

The powerful 'Native' opens up at high speed with tightly coiled drum loops that never let up. Sleek metal percussive sounds peel off the grooves and lock listeners into a perfect state of hypnosis. 'Soul Pressure' is just as absorbing, with a tense bassline keeping you on edge as the train-like drums march under incendiary hi-hat ringlets. There is plenty of perfect machine funk to 'Terminal', which has more rusty synth textures and chopped-up vocal fragments humanising the turbulent grooves. 'Basic Path' brings an extra skip to the kicks as they enter, scuffed up and flowing just above the groove, while vocal pulses and twitchy synth modulations bring the detail. 'Body Empire' closes the vinyl package with a deeper vibe and pensive synths that add warmth and soul to the brilliantly mechanical grooves, while digital bonus 'Acid Riot' closes with squelching acid lines amongst a swell of analog crunch and laser-sharp percussion.

Steve Redhead returns to Mutual Rytm with second searing EP, 'Cosmic Alchemy'.

Belgium pioneer Steve Redhead is the founder of Reda Recordings and has spent his life immersed in techno. His potent take on the genre has appeared on labels like MB Elektronics, Zync, and Primate and has helped define the sound of the underground within his home country over the last 25 years. Returning to SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint following his well-received 'Eastbook Isle' EP last year, he's back to impress again as he uncovers six new productions with his latest EP, 'Cosmic Alchemy'.

He shows his class from the off here with opener 'Sincfala', bringing the heat with banging drums and rusty percussive loops. Yelping vocals add raved-up intensity, while 'Rapidshare' is energetic and loopy with funky drum patterns and loose-limbed percussive madness. The fantastic 'Ad Valvas' is another straight-up linear banger with tightly woven drums, percussion and lithe synth lines that take you to the heart of the dance floor and 'Nusakan' is a muscular wall of drums and toms with urgent synth stabs powering it forwards with great intensity. 'Asmodeus'
brings a more zoned-out feel with soulful pads and subtle vocals layered over the elastic drums and bass, before digital bonus 'Voice Incident' delivers another perfectly textural techno workout with melancholic motifs and surging synths that bring warm rushes of emotion to the grooves.

Berlin techno talent Regent returns to Mutual Rytm with second 12" release, 'Delta Hyve' - a five-track package lined with peak-time heat.

Regent is an ever-growing voice in the global techno conversation. His tracks have found their way into high-profile sets worldwide and are renowned for their impressive blend of the past and the present. Versatile but always designed for maximum impact, delivering an impressively crafted sound made for powerful systems, this new outing offers a wealth of different moods and grooves for various parts of the night. Returning to SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint following 2023's successful 'Coral Knife' EP, he unveils a fresh selection of cuts that emphasise his emergence with 'Delta Hyve'.

The title cut 'Delta Hyve' opens up with devastating low ends and busy synths that scurry about the mix to bring dynamism to the rooted drums, while 'Ophaal' delivers thumping kicks and coarse, textured hits scrape and scratch, while supersized hi-hats bring the intensity to all new levels. 'Hygea Core' brings the pressure with hunched-over drum patterns and a sense of urgency in the bass, while creepy pads create an unsettling atmosphere. 'New Narrative' powers on like a train with high-speed rhythms and metallic percussive surfaces, all sweeping you off your feet, before 'Ree 54' switches things up with bright synth flashes and more extraverted grooves that hark back to the machine soul of early Detroit techno.

The first digital bonus, 'Presence', is intense and tinged with the grit of a warehouse and menacing vocals, while 'Rheplica' delivers unrelenting loopy drum funk with shattered glass melodies to close the show.

This Pink Lambo’s EP rides smooth with a hip-house bounce, that trunk-rattling bass, and a touch of Miami flash. Retro flair, rooftop energy — strictly for those who move slick and think fast.

Cinthie makes a welcome return to her own 803 Crystal Grooves imprint this June for its sixth release, the project comprises four original"s showcasing Cinthie"s many different sonic styles and influences.
The past decade has seen Berlin"s Cinthie moving from strength to strength, racking up milestone achievements like her DJ Kicks mix compilation and a steady stream of critically acclaimed material via the likes of Aus, Heist, Shall Not Fade and of course her own 803 Crystal Grooves label where she returns here with some fresh machine jams.
"Grooves" kicks off the package, a dynamic dance floor cut fuelled by processed vocals uttering the track title, murky bass stabs, heavily swung drums and gritty saturated stabs all dynamically evolving and unfolding throughout. "Boxer" follows next and showcases Cinthie"s love for dub-tinged sounds, laying down spiralling dub echoes, a snaking bass groove and hypnotic chord sequences atop a robust, swinging rhythm section.
"Hands Up" then kicks off the B-Side, shifting gears to a classic House aesthetic with dreamy keys, bright stab sequences, glistening synth textures and smooth strings, intertwined with soulful vocals and classic 909 workout. "She Wants It" then concludes the EP on a more cinematic tip with sweeping lead synths, fluttering arpeggios, elongated bass drones and vocal lines running with raw, crunchy drums.

Blue Vinyl

Seba smashes his way into 2022 with the much anticipated release of his third studio album, "Ingaro".

Prepare yourself for ten brand new tracks of Seba. Secret Operations presents the first LP in almost ten years, from a producer who believes albums are not to be taken lightly.

"Ingaro" takes it's name from the small island outside of Stockholm, which Seba has called home for the last 20 years and is also where he spent his formative years.

The new LP takes the listener on a soaring journey through the entire Seba sound. Whether it's the dark and insistent forces of "Horse Power", which grow and fold in on themselves throughout the track, or the blooming euphoric roller "Public Beauty". A fresh collection of tracks which contain the unmistakeable Seba DNA, which has helped cement the name Seba firmly into the world of drum and bass.

Any album is not complete without some guests joining along the way and Seba has also enlisted some helpers on the journey and the LP includes collaborations with Collette Warren, Björn Berglund, Samuel Lancine and Blackeye.

For many, Seba is a name they are very familiar with. From his early releases on Good Looking right through to the present day Seba has made a name for himself for his exciting and varied production.

His music draws influence from far and wide across the musical spectrum and his work alongside the legendary Paradox and vocalist Robert Manos have gone down in Drum and Bass history.

Not just famed for his work in the studio, Seba's sets have gained a reputation for their energy and emotion. One of the scene's unique veterans. Seba's work is inspiring producers and fans more than ever. An album which sets the bar high for 2022!

LILAS06 — FEDO
For its sixth chapter, Lilas Records shines the spotlight on a rising voice in the Eastern European minimal movement: FEDO.

Hailing from Ukraine and of Greek descent, FEDO is more than a producer — he’s an architect of acoustic space. With a seasoned background as a DJ and sound designer, he bypasses genre boundaries, carving out his own distinct path between deep minimalism and textural innovation.

On LILAS06, he delivers four original tracks that encapsulate his sonic philosophy:

Precision without coldness, groove without compromise.

Feather-light percussion meets rolling basslines, wrapped in immersive atmospheres and delicate spatial play.

Here, minimalism is no longer austere — it becomes expressive, hypnotic, and profoundly human.

Limited to an exclusive run of 200 copies, this release has already garnered fervent support from a distinguished roster of industry heavyweights including Raresh, Reiss, Ramona Yacef, NTFO, Enzo Siragusa, Silat Beksi, and more.

LILAS06 isn’t just another record — it stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the global underground music scene.

Like a metaphor for life, the progressive sounds of « Tree of Life » evoke the image of a tree that never stops evolving and growing. With its deep and captivating melodies, Nurse Erica takes us on a cosmic journey to the outer edges of Trance and Progressive House.

As its name suggests, « Being Trance » brings together all the elements of a Trance classic: soaring melodies, spacey leads, and groovy percussion. It’s the perfect introduction to the first side of the vinyl, a metaphor for the birth of the tree.

« Do My Stuff (Ears in Space Mix) » picks up right where the opening track leaves off. Striking a balance between dreamy and nostalgic, its deep bass and driving percussion lay down the rhythm, while the airy melodies scatter like autumn leaves.

With « Take The Heartbreak », Nurse Erica explores a universal rite of passage. The first half of the track, broken and introspective, gradually gives way to a brighter second half : a glimmer of hope for every broken heart.

And with spatial vocals and cosmic atmospheres, what better way to close the journey than with the title track « Tree of Life » ? In this piece, Nurse Erica blends Trance-infused melodies with Progressive House percussion, enriched by luminous, nostalgic piano notes, like the blossoming of a tree. Deep.

For our seventh release, we present Tales of a Cybernetic Mind, a four-track journey crafted by label co-owner Buraye. Known for his distinctive vocal work and intricate sound design, Buraye delivers a high-energy collection that seamlessly blends deep textures, pulsating basslines, and subtle acid-infused elements. Each track explores a futuristic narrative, evoking the tension between man and machine through hypnotic synth work and driving rhythms.

“Accept the existence of the void as a real entity, in which atoms can move and rearrange themselves”.

Classic samples on 45. The Whatnauts, Help Is on the Way. Released as a single in 1981, this hard to find 45 is a certified Funk Disco Boogie classic! An infectious bass line over a head nodding drum groove, this is one for the steppers. Instantly recognisable as the sample source for Del La Soul’s “Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)” Hip Hop classic, you might also recognise it for lending a riff or two for Fat Larry’s Band, “Act Like you Know”.

Isaac Hayes. Ike’s Mood. Released as the lead Single from the 1970 album “…To Be Continued” this Soul Jazz classic unwittingly became a huge source of inspiration for the sampling generation. Sampled almost 200 times, the brass section, drums and an unforgettable piano hook have been used to form the basis for classic releases by Biz Markie, Mary J. Blige, Nas and Massive Attack to name only a few.

Tunnel was made in Naples in 1978 by Giorgio Verdelli and Danilo Rustici only on 7inch and it was the theme song for two RAI radio programs. Going through the names of the musicians we begin with the inimitable voice and the splendid guitars of Danilo Rustici, then passing through the saxophones of Enzo Avitabile we arrive at the keyboards of Joe Amoruso, musician-arranger who left a great void with his untimely death. For Joe, who crossed his experience with Premiata Forneria Marconi, Zucchero, Vasco Rossi, Mauro Pagani and was part of that 'dream team' of Pino Daniele - made up of technically extraordinary musicians, but above all gifted with an inimitable sound - this one-off project represented his recording debut. 'Tunnel Lights' and 'Speed Up' have been brought to light by Dario Di Pace and Claudio Casalini, two visionaries who believe that Neapolitan music is a sonic mixture of ancient and modern musical registers even if it sometimes develops a conflict between tradition and modernity as the recovery of popular tradition is strongly opposed to the push for innovation. This therefore is the reason for a 12" reissue in which the evocative original songs - from almost 50 years ago - are reflected in the new versions created by a bevy of talented DJ-arrangers including Massimo Berardi (with the bassist Luca Andreozzi) and by the industrious and passionate Francisco & Malkuth (ed: Francesco De Bellis and Cosimo 'Cosmo' Mandorino in disguise) in turn assisted by other zealous musicians and dee-jays - including the very good and always very collaborative Raffaele Arcella - who took part in a remix of this EP with enormous fervor The 12" reissue of Tunnel was released both on the classic black vinyl and in the very limited red vinyl version, in order to reflect the lips of the extravagant cover, a graphic work by another brilliant and multifaceted artist: Lino Vairetti, legendary singer of the historic prog rock band Osanna. The envelope developed by Best Record is embossed (front and back cover) to further enhance the passion that Neapolitan musicians have always had in knowing how to combine their roots with all the other musical genres of the world.

Sono Unica taps local producers Vincent Casanova and Ajaks for the ”Northern Lights EP”, a mystical outing incorporating deep grooves and airy breezes to set the stage for summer festivals and open air delights. Rolling basslines bask in vibrant keys, and Ajaks turns toward darker hours with a slick rework.

Berlin-based Italian DJ / producer TRENT returns with 1000 Flashbacks, a retro-facing 4-track EP fit for the chuggy cosmic underground. Known for his vital role in the legendary Cocktail d'Amore scene and his deep-digging sets at Oscillator, Trent channels a rich set of influences and potent nostalgia into four fresh cuts: Gimme Something opens the record with vocal euphoria and funked-out bassline powered disco. Cin Cin is a cheeky toast to Italo-mania, bubbling with percussion seduction. Shiva Boom brings tribal acid hypnosis to downtempo spirit-chug. Down to Oz closes the EP in a hazy groove topped with anthemic melodic line.