Beats Vinyl New Releases - News

* UM019 is a single by Metalheadz, Dispatch and Critical artist Hydro, alongside some esteemed friends. Label boss Mako and Hydro since meeting in Paris a few years ago, have remained close and enjoy a shared mutual respect. Utopia are very happy to introduce him to our roster.

* For side A Hydro teams up with stadium dubstep producer Habstrakt, and fellow french talents War and Mateba. The result is a fine example of how to create movement in the art of groove and atmosphere.

* Side B brings Sam KDC into Utopia's family. Alongside Hydro once again, they combine to bring us an epic journey, culminating in a smokey, yet powerful second breakdown.

* Press / Promotion: In house campaign from Utopia. Editorial sought in all UK music and dance titles (Mixmag (EP of the month), DJ Mag review, Trap Magazine, Resident Advisor) as well as national and regional daily and weekly press titles for review.

* Radio / Internet: Utopia Podcast - Award-winning podcast with over 6,000 subscribers, 15k + individual downloads, YouTube - Utopia YouTube channel, Social Networking - Facebook: Utopia Music = 5k+, Soundcloud 7k +,

Quotes:
Goldie - These guys are at the top of their game, Mako the Philosopher!
Break - One of the best labels in dnb, very happy to be involved
Total Science - Sick label, sick tunes
DLR - Love this 12" so much

Following releases on Osiris, Tempa and Cold Recordings, 'Depatterning' is the debut album by Ipman, set for release by Tectonic Recordings on 25th September.

* Jack Gibbons aka Ipman hails from the rural Herefordshire, a world away from the city-born influences that form his sound. Embracing the luxury of isolation, 'Depatterning' is compiled from two years of recording, realising a vision of Gibbon's passion for soundsystem music, rave culture and technology. A self confessed tech nerd, Gibbons built the record experimenting with granular and modular synths, rewiring drum machines and mangling sounds with hardware.

* "I like to create music by experimenting with new ideas and mechanics and letting tracks evolve, and this was no different. I had a pretty free reign and just tried new things and looked at the results."

* Lead track and recent 12" 'Regicide' repackages the mid-1990s jungle experience into 140bpm breakbeat science, 'IPA' gives a sly nod to the Hereford pub staple through jamming techno synths, while the trinity of '¥, Ø, Ü' sandwiches atmospheric ambience between Gibbon's takes on dark 2-step and crushing rave.

* The restless 'Last One In The In The' pays tribute to the all-night dancer "It's like that bloke who is there from start to finish, eyeballs popping out of his head, just dancing like a maniac all through the dance (we've all been there). I had an idea for a video for it about him but never got round to it. It'd be like the Inspector Norse video. But in England so gritty and depressing."

* 'Depatterning' demonstrates Gibbons' individual ability to seamlessly fuse sounds, textures and moods - from jungle to techno and everything in between.

"Most of the inspiration for the album came from purely wanting to make something my own. The challenge for me was to pin down a sonic and craft an entire album's worth of material out of it, which for me was difficult as I tend to get bored and move on quickly. It feels good to finally be able to share this."

* Continuing an impressive start to 2016 on Dispatch LTD, our next instalment comes from the other side of the Atlantic, as Seattle based Quadrant collaborates with Canadian producer NC-17.

* Comprised of three tracks, each artist demonstrates their own technical prowess and Quadrant's familiar super tight rolling drums are met by NC-17's tactful sub bass manipulation.

* An almighty fusion of forces sets the release off - 'Dub Central' is a merciless assault; a regular feature in the sets of DLR & Ant TC1, it is immaculately crafted for the dancefloor.

* In a solo effort, NC-17 goes deep to give us 'Only One Way Out' - a weighty roller and certified weapon for any discerning sound system; a lethal journey into the lower frequencies.

* For the final track, the duo return together in 'Living a Lie'. Concrete drum work combines with heavy bassline pressure, as light atmospherics contrast to break up the intensity.

The waiting is finally over... We're about to unleash your soundtrack for the next Music week in Miami and it's packed full of exclusives. With no less than 28 brand new cuts accompanying you onto one of the world's hottests beaches, prepare for the smooth riding riddims of Ram Records to envelop the US and beyond.

From label stalwarts Delta Heavy, to new signees Teddy Killerz and championed guests Gerra & Stone, there's a musical taste to suit every palette. Whether it's from a renowned roster artist or a relative newcomer, this compilation bursting with heaps of exclusives is the only way to launch you headfirst into the innovation drum & bass is renowned for.

Carefully finessing this album, the Ram imprint is about to drum & bass for a transatlantic journey. It's a showcase of what the genre can offer... electric vibes which pulses through its veins and cherished memories of a tempo which pulls you into the morning's early hours.

But with the Miami conference pedestalling every major genre which has made electronic music so popular, there would be a void if Ram didn't step up. And as one of the most withstanding labels from the last two decades, they've delivered with immense style. You're provided with a host of smooth basslines and hotly tantalising vocals to take you from pool-party to clubs at some of the most renowned districts.

Audio is first to deliver, crashing in at full speed and leaving no survivors with the tear out anthem which is 'Combust'. Then taking you into a web of technicality and meticulous composition is Calyx & Teebee's 'Wipe Out'. There are also a huge selection of Vips to firmly solidify why it's important to revisit tunes which are still to this day so highly sought after, leading the way is Loadstar's 'Under Pressure' Vip, which set a stunning precedent in 2014.

So, now it's time take the legacy of Hornchurch to Miami and lay down the same roots which are still prevalent throughout the UK today. And adding that to Miami's reputation, it's a match which is set to make history.

* As Hospital Record's hits its 20th year it's time to revive the 'Future Sound of' series!
* With drum & bass standing strong as an internationally celebrated genre and the Hospitality USA tours becoming an annual success, the Purple Gates have been flooded with music from LA to Seattle, Atlanta to Arizona and it's not just the location that's stretched, the diversity of sound reaches far in every direction. In 'The Future Sound of America' get to know the talented team of producers that are waving the D+B flag high and accelerating the sounds of the US underground.
* The youngest of the bunch, rising D+B star Ownglow brings high energy to the table in 'Not Like Me'. Most definitely one to watch Ownglow's already nabbed 'Best New Producer' at the 2015 Bass Music Awards after popular releases on UKF founder Luke Hood's Pilot Records.
* Seattle saviours Quadrant, Kid Hops and Iris were brought to our attention back in 2013 with the dark and mysterious 'Hovercraft'. This time they're soothing us with their softer side in 'Get It Back' with luscious chords and vocal glimmers from Shaprece. Gridlok and Jamal run quality string sections with rumbling bass in 'Tomorrow's Never Promised'. Greazus and Sinistarr have teamed up to deliver the minimal, crisp cut ups of 'Bone Deep' while Submorphics has the ability to create another seriously smooth roller with 'Maybe It's Time'.
* Arising from the hardcore-punk culture, Evol Intent are hitting with serious dancefloor impact, heavy turns and high-end production. They've proven themselves as one of USA's most exciting exports over the past five years, growing their own label to continue pushing contemporary drum & bass around the world.
* Since its humble beginnings in Cambridge 'The Future Sound of' series has unearthed D+B talent across the globe reaching the vibrant city life of Budapest and Tokyo and even exploring the thriving Russian scene.

* 'Ten Years of Med School' celebrates the plethora of talent to have emerged over the past decade showcasing snapshots of the imprint's most memorable releases alongside hints of an even brighter future. Originally the understated sister label of Hospital Records, Med School is now a standalone soldier playing a significant role in electronic music, scouring every hidden corner of drum & bass and beyond.

* CD Disc 1 showcases 15 brand new and exclusive tracks, including some stunning remixes of the label's finest moments. Ivy Lab lead Etherwood's uplifting 'We're Nothing Without Love' down a more ominous path while Kimyan Law strips down Royalston's drum crazy 'Jungle Gone Down'. Frederic Robinson injects a cloud-like bounce into Keeno's 'Nocturne' and Bop gives 'Pray' by The Erised a stunning 170bpm rework.

* The album also features a host of new creations and collaborations. Etherwood and Royalston prove that opposites attract on 'Eyes On Me' which brilliantly combines subtle, soulful overtones with a dark, metallic allure. Newest Med School recruit Whiney presents the deep, melancholic magic of 'Nightfall' while label veteran Lung returns with the energetic 'To Infinity & Be Gone'. There are also fresh contributions from the roster's past, present and future, including works from Anile, Rawtekk, G.H.O.S.T, Blu Mar Ten, Joe Syntax, Electrosoul System, Sunchase and more.

* The ten year celebrations don't end there as Etherwood rediscovers some back catalogue highlights and blends with the album's new material in a continuous DJ mix of 100% Med School music on disc 2. The quality of the label is without question and this release is no different. Med School stays true to its foundations of championing forward-thinking and emerging talent - here's to the next ten!

As new label launches go, none have been quite as impressive as Cyberfunk has achieved since opening for business early in 2015. With their debut EP release 'Existence' gathering plaudits and support from the likes of Chase & Status, Friction and Calyx & Teebee, to name a few; plus a string of successful launch parties across the UK and Europe, Xtrah's imprint is back with four more fresh cuts of tech edged D&B.

Label boss Xtrah comes correct with not one but two serious collaborations with Austria's favourite export, Mefjus (Critical Music). Lead cut and title track Matriarch draws you in from the get go - tribal atmospherics mix with headzy, future funk effects in the intro lead menacingly into crunchy mids and chest crushing subs which lead the way over a thumping drum progression. The duo's second collab 'Fever' ramps up the energy with percussive edits and precise bass hits, bookended by 80's sci-fi movie chords and subtle but effective pad work, definitely a mood setter from start to finish and a club record as well as a producers record.

Always looking to showcase burgeoning talent from the vast and expansive pool of drum & bass producers, Xtrah gets two fresh faces on board to round off the EP.Incognito's bass heavy stepper 'Foundations' pulsates with continuous low end weight and overdriven mids, while newcomer Phentix strips everything right back with Hoax; a no frills techy roller that keeps it simple but is layered with untold amounts of funk to get your neck moving, this is one for the dancefloor!

Miss Badu keeps gracing drum & bass with her beautifull voice, something we'll never get tired of. Get ready for another special delivery in the BADU series by Fokuz Recordings where a certain unknown producer has truly outdone himself this time.

Both tracks have been popping up in liquid sets for a while but will now finally see the light of day. Don't sleep on this, 300 handstamped and coloured copies available. Very limited and bound to sell like hot cakes.

Having been making music for over 20 years, the producer, who is also an award winning architect, started work on the album back in 2013, contacting some of the biggest names in the scene to appear on it, Now, for 2016, he presents Sound Design, which features names like Random Movement, HLZ, BCee, Villem and Mcleod, Salaryman, Duoscience, Surplus, Hannah Eve and Identified.
With support coming from DJs from across the board like Marky, London Elektricity, Fabio, Random Movement, Chrissy Criss, Bryan Gee and Anile, and with plays on Radio 1, Kiss FM and 1xtra, you know that STRLP001 is going to be big.
The album begins with Resolution, which immediately sets a tone of summery musicality. The groove easily slides over your ears, with easy beats and subtle bass completing the early picture. A perfect kick off, which moves into HLZ's contribution, the booming Let Me Know. This one is as amazing a piece of music as you would expect from these two producers, starting off with a smooth and mellow intro, before the bass arrives to really rip things up. Set your speakers to pick this one up.
Come For Me, with Oktiv, gets the Random Movement remix treatment, before Villem and McLeod get their hands on Leave It All Behind, which features Surplus. This one is deep and dark whilst at the same time exhibiting optimism and forward movement. AudioSketch never forgets about the music, whatever he is doing, be that the emotional liquid of Forever Autumn, with Hannah Eve, or the old skool-inspired flow of Footsteps.
The second half of the album includes collaborations with Berlin's Identified (Reality), France's Salaryman (the amazing Diving Deeply), and DuoScience (Chemistry, along with Surplus). All of these tracks, as well as the whole of Sound Design, show off the many different facets of AudioSketch's sound. This is a multi-layered album, full of exciting new music which is guaranteed to make an impact in 2016. There's even time for garage, old skool rave and a guest remix from BCee before the album is done.

Cosmic Bridge Records welcomes J:Kenzo for a double dose of jungle nostalgia viewed through the lens of its recent renaissance.

On 'Skatta' b/w 'Alight', the British producer returns to the sound he first embraced as a teenager by infusing the basics of jungle — cut up breaks, layered pads, and vocal samples from the never-ending trove of Jamaica's music history — with modern techniques and a healthy dose of low end.

The A-side beings with a throwback, uplifting intro that promptly fades into a tough dancehall-inspired rhythm flourished with shards of breakbeats, catchy chants, and sirens echoing into the darkest corners of the club. J:Kenzo keeps the energy high with scatterings of percussion that play against the distinct bass line melodies. Flip over and watch him set the dance alight with a subtle exercise in junglistic rollage, four minutes of uncompromising break extravagance, tight edits, and pulsing bass that take no prisoners. J:Kenzo treats the classic sound with a reverent approach without being afraid to twist it up. This release is my ode to 1990s jungle,' he admits.

After emerging in the late 2000s, J:Kenzo first came to prominence in 2010 thanks to the keen ears and support of Youngsta, landing his debut album on the legendaryTempa label before signing releases to Metalheadz, 31 Records, and Exit. His contribution to the growing Cosmic Bridge discography further confirms his talent.

Why, we're sure there's absolutely no need to introduce Deekline and Ed Solo to you rowdy lot, so we'll save ourselves and you the
bother... Oh except to let you in on a few little secrets about their personal lives.......
A Side: 'Hot This Year' Is the first track in this nostalgic and retrospective release. It harks back to the sunny yesteryear of summer 2013, where the rain clouds had parted ways, and the sun shone for week upon glorious week throughout the whole of Europe. Shawty's were out in their masses, and those ragga jungle MC's were bibbydibbying about London, bringing the good vibes to all that could hear. Deekline and Ed Solo could also be found, oiling themselves up and blinding people with their studio tans, whilst out recording these ragga jungle 'O Lord a mercying MC's - and this track is quite the perfect result.
The B Side 'Remember' was inspired not only by the lovely sampled vocals here, but also because Deekline really wanted to remind Ed Solo about the time he lent him a fiver to get some of those good ole Brighton chips and a can of Coke (because Ed had worked up such a hunger from rinsing out those B lines). Poor Deekline never saw that precious cash again and instead of simply asking for it back, he thought he'd try to ask for it subliminally by digging out these wonderful vocals and taking them into the studio with him. Needless to say this new passive aggressive style of hinting/taking a dig, bred by the use of social networking, didn't pay off (gettit).
So Ed, can you give Deekline back his fiver

With the huge success of their All or Nothing LP laying in the backdrop, Calyx & Teebee are about to take the title place yet again and with the full throttle forces of pounding basslines and meticulously constructed mechanics. But what else could you expect from two revered veterans of the genre, whose joint muscle has telescoped the competition in comparison.

However, it's not just their duteous workmanship and forty years of expeirence that makes their forthcoming '1x1' album so undeniably huge. In tracks like 'Nothing Left' Larry Con's vocals lead you by the hand into all-out anarchy. Revving between each break, your picked up and dropped by verbal crescendos. Angry, yet innovative and impressively intricate, Calyx & Teebee have raised expectations even higher.

And then comes 'Stray Bullet', a minefield of drum patterns and wavering note arpeggios. A steppy riddim which completely envelops the sense, each segment explodes on impact. Sliced and diced by invasive samples, you're unable to resist, plunging you deep into the mix, the slowly building drop pushes you into a freefall of plucky subs and jittering percussion.

'Ghetto' rolls out as another new number, again featuring the vocal talents of Doctor, it's a gritty, sharp and pumping with shaking subs, a conundrum of hi-hats and aggressive drum patterns. Pounding pads take you towards a colossal break, juxtaposing perfectly against the LPs softer touches.

Having already hit the number one spot on the Beatport drum & bass chart with both singles 'A Day That Never Comes', 'Long Gone' and 'Cloud 9', it's quite clear to see why the anticipation is almost unbearable. Also including the infamous collaboration with Doctor on 'Where We Go', brand new, female-lead vocal 'track 'The Fall', half-time switch up 'False Alarm' as well as even more material to be unleashed, this LP will catapult you head first into their greatest output yet.

Having played some of the world's biggest stages, including EDC, London's SW4, Ram's seminal NYE event and UKF's Sea Dance Festival, expect another one of music's most prominent seasons filled with new music from Calyx & Teebee. '1X1' is set to make history, which isn't surprising after hitting millions of streams with their previous singles and detonating dancefloors globally.

Hot on the heels of his digital-only, appetite-whetting single 'Give & Take' comes the next installment from Netsky's highly anticipated second album, which is due out at the end of June on Hospital Records.

* Seba is a big man of no introductions. With mighty strings of releases of vinyl recordings on labels as famous as his own label Secret Operations, Metalheadz, Good Looking, oh and other ones too you just get the feeling that this man has the pedigree of a well bred dog worthy of competition.

* He is Swedish.

* Partner in crime for this release is Method One, another strapping alpha male with a high pedigree of releases on labels such as: 31 Records, Auxiliary and Seba's Secret Operations label where they have previously collaborated.

* He is American.

* Together they are: Seba & Method One!!!

* Limited edition 12' white vinyl, unless it sells enough for a repress.

* Restored from vinyl after masters were long since lost by Labello Blanco. With brand new mastering from Bob Macc @ Subvert Central and vinyl mastering from Shane The Cutter @ Finyl Tweek. This LP still hits hard and with the superb mastering work done by these guys. The tracks sound fatter & brighter than the original LP cut.

* The master DAT recording of the track Blaggamuffin was deliberately destroyed by Labello Blanco bosses due to personal issues with the producer. The 8 track LP masters were destroyed and the LP reissued. Hence why there are 2 original releases of this LP. One of them a 7 track LP and a extremely rare 8 track LP including Blaggamuffin.

* A truly seminal and ultra rare album of classic 90's breakbeat hardcore from Spatts & DJ Halo. Reissued on TCM Records with stunning new artwork & including a full length CD.

This is the first album Oscar Mulero has released under his own name, after two acclaimed LPs under the moniker Trolley Route. Well known for his skills as a hard-edged, raw and floor-orientated techno dj, his productions go far beyond, digging deep into the intricate landscape of intelligent techno, floating moods, reminiscent atmospheres, harmony and detail.

Limitless Recordings is still a label at its infancy, with this being only their 5th release in almost 3 years since they 've been active. However what they lack in quantity they make up in quality.
The "I Want 3 EP" is the first vinyl release on Limitless Recordings. Usually focusing on the liquid spectrum of drum & bass, Limitless looked to try something different on the A-Side. This side contains a Chris.SU remix of Phase's "Walk Alone". The original track is a deep and soulful piece of music where Chris.SU's flip is a dancehall filler.
The B-Side contains tracks by two producers that are familiar faces to the Limitless roster. The first is a VIP of GLXY's "I Want 2" which will exclusively be released on vinyl. The second is a smooth roller from Northern Zone with uplifting melodies and a cutting edge bass-line, titled "Soul Is Still The Same".

Kos.Mos.Music is independent music label based in Moscow, Russia. The label was found in 2006 by Roman Paramonov (promoter of Steppin'Session, Phuture Beats, NoWayOut, Ditch Bitch and other events) and Andrey Burtaev aka Electrosoul System.

The label started as a platform to release the guys own vision to electronic music, in particular other sides of drum'n'bass. With the 10 first releases the label has introduced in drum'n'bass culture such concepts as Techmospheric and Psychedelic Drum'n'Bass, partly Microfunk and gave massive support to the russian drum'n'bass scene to integrate into the world society.

The label released music by Electrosoul System, Pryzma, The Harmonist, nClear, Triple Sky, Cutworks, Bop, Abstract Elements, Subwave, Logarithmia, Oak, Makoto, Mav, Future Engineers, Parhelia, Faib, Intelligent Manners, Command Strange and others

Expressions by Fokuz Recordings returns with a killer 12'' featuring cuts by Satl, In-Deed, Kasper and Malaky. Soulful drum & bass with some spice to beef up your liquid sets. It's too good to miss so best get on it quick, like a fat kid on stack of blueberry pancakes. Ooh wee, slap some extra butter on that mother!

12" Vinyl Repress In original sleeve !!

Do One - This is a song about being pissed off

Doberman - This is a song about massive dogs

* Prolix is an artist that needs little introduction. Releasing some of the most fearsome music for the past 10 years across labels such as Metalheadz, Playaz, Ram, Virus, Hardware, his own Trendkill Records and more recently with Friction on their killer collaboration 'Dark Moves', Prolix now steps up for his very first solo outing on the label.

* 'Nature Of Reality' opens in true cinematic style holding nothing back as Prolix lays the way for one the most menacing slabs of D&B. Twisted, paranoid dance floor maneuvers in the dark, this one goes off pure and simple.

* Keeping things rowdy 'Sycophant' follows suit after a short intro that builds into a pure power b-line. Hard, tech-driven drum & bass, job well done.

* Fall deep down the rabbit hole with Rawtekk's 'Here's To Them' LP, a fascinating blend of innovative sound-scapes and twisted dance floor compositions. Boasting years of experience in the world of professional sound design, Rawtekk's latest creation is a sonic masterpiece - a flawless follow-up to their stunning debut release on Med School back in 2013.

* Opening track, 'The Hatch', offers the rawest of introductions as Rawtekk welcome you to their world. A swarm of disorder lets rip in 'Here's To Them', chainsaw synths and head-banging chaos in 'Harbour' and tear-out, neuro drum-drillings fill 'Extinction'.

* Take a breath with the contrasting tranquility of 'K.I.A.', get gripped by the hauntingly delicate, 'My Love', and drift away with the wonderland whisperings of 'Restless', layered over a rumbling bassline.
'Here's To Them' is spider-web of electronic exploration, delivering a sinister, cinematic experience that is guaranteed to inspire the darker side of the imagination.

DSCI4 is back with rising UK DNB stars, Release alongside Shoto!

The single rinses the tearing, rolling DSCI4 vibes, focusing on forward thinking production.
Featuring the future bassline of 'Warblade' and the catchy tech stabs of 'Cenobite', The tracks are designed to tear out any rave or club night!

Artist Info:
Dom Crossland aka Release hails from a town on the outskirts Manchester in the misty North of the UK. Currently signed to DSCI4 the young producer draws upon a diverse spectrum of sound which includes influences from the Drum & Bass scene, as well as many other known Hip Hop, Techno and Breakbeat artists a like.

Release (Dom Crossland) & Shoto (Charlton Reid) met through internet forum NWDNB around 2008 posting mixes and tracks for feedback from their peers.
Dom was sending tracks to Charlton to play for years before finally getting in the studio and working on Cenobite.

Supported by - Friction, Doc Scott, Marky, Calibre, Marcus Intalex, Fabio & Grooverider, DLR, Crissy Criss, Amoss, Bailey, Hype, Skeptical, SPY, Spectrasoul, Survival, Zero T, Dj Trace and more.

The above-average-height duo of Sam Binga (Critical) and Om Unit (Cosmic Bridge, Metalheadz) return with another white label set of next-level studio jams on their BUNITjoint venture.

Known for their own take on drum & bass music - and in particular their unique approach to blending influences from a variety of worlds - their first collaborative EP'Small Victories' was picked up for EXIT Records by dBridge back in 2012, and since then, their influence on a new generation of up-tempo music has been far reaching and undeniable.

Binga & Unit's collaborative label 'BUNIT' was formed in late 2014 as a home for further sonic explorations without the constraints of a standard A&R process. Written between the US and the UK, BUNIT001 - 'The Transatlantic EP' - sold out its initial run instantly, and burned through the following two represses in a matter of weeks.

Since that release in early 2015, both Binga and Om Unit have toured extensively worldwide, and their experiences in watching these hybrid strains of dance music bring mayhem and confusion alike to audiences in the Far East informed the name of this, the second installment of BUNIT - 'The Trans-Pacific EP'.

Ranging from the monolithic noise collage of closing track 'Planetary Reboot' to the grime-meets- jungle intensity of 'Windmill Kick', BUNIT002 is a clear step forward for this ongoing musical partnership. Elsewhere on the EP, mid-tempo workout 'Big Kev'takes the classic Reese-bass template and twists it into new shapes and colours, while'1000 Cats' is equal parts homage to Dance Mania rawness, summer-of-love acid and Durrrty South swagger.

Seba is one of the master veterans of the Drum and Bass genre. 'Let's Be Done With This' sees him collaborating with Method One from California and demonstrating a masterclass in modern DnB production. Weaving sinewy but subtle breakbeats around a stabbing low end, the craftsmanship both of these producers developed in the 90's shines through. On the flip 'Silicon Nature' sees the pair bringing out a lethal reese bass-line to anchor haunting sonics and a more traditional drum-kit.

* Total Science back on Headz for 2016. It's been a very long time, six years in fact. The EP truly delivers everything you want from the pair: breaks, massive bass and unmistakeable atmospheres.

* The aesthetic of the EP takes on classic era Metalheadz and brings it bang up to date to 2016, the clue lies in the title of the EP: revisiting the past ghosts to push things forward today.

* The tracks on the EP go from soulful and vocal led- 'Soul For Sale' to headz down killers- 'Notes Of Blue' / 'Man Down'.
Its amazing to have a collection of tracks in this vein by Headz veterans and we look forward to more in the future.

100 records deep and Shogun come with one of its most prestigious releases to date marking the occasion true to form. Staggered across 4 EP's over several months alongside UK- European-Australia/NZ tour, Shogun 100 celebrates with an inspired range of new music from the entire label roster as well as guest appearances from Shogun associates who have released, performed and partied alongside them over the last 11 years.

* Kicking off with Part 1, the standard is immediately set by Ulterior Motive, Icicle, Proxima, Technimatic and Alix Perez who makes a very welcome return to the label re-working Friction and Fourward's 'Battle Scars'. With a staggering array of moods the results are no less than astounding.

* 'We are delighted to have reached our one hundredth release on Shogun audio, when Friction started the label in his front room back in 2004 we could have never imagined we would still be here 100 releases down the line! To celebrate we've pulled together a fantastic package of music from the existing Shogun roster and from our friends and family within the scene that we have been lucky enough to work with over the years. We can't wait to share it with the Shogun faithful.... and yes we are already working hard on the next one hundred releases! Enjoy!'
K-Tee, Shogun Audio label co-owner

A: BILLAIN - 'Supertensor'

For years now, this producer has been developing an extremely original, exciting array of sounds that he has woven together into a creative, complex body of work. Living through the unimaginable darkness of war in his home city of Sarajevo, music was his saviour.

Having produced around 300 minimal techno tracks, Billain started to look outwards. New inspiration came via Ed Rush & Optical's legendary 'Wormhole' LP and this was his turning point towards a world of techno-influenced drum and bass, a path he treads to this day.

With 'Supertensor' on MINDTECH LTD, he writes a new page in the book of insanity. Heavy breaks, percussive obsession, abstract sound, cinematic intro... All the ingredients required for an evil musical recipe.

B: ALLIED - 'Equilateral'

Welcome on board the Allied locomotive.

Constantly discovering and exploring sequencers, synthesisers and samplers, the Brighton duo patiently and repeatedly experiment with the drum and bass blueprint. With a strong sound that stands out from the crowd, Allied are one of those rare duos that instinctively know how to faithfully realise their existing visions whilst creating a unique sonic signature, positioned somewhere between ultra-rollin' drums and tech-influenced grooves.

'Equilateral' is 100% Allied. Concise, irresistible, equally at home on a pair of headphones or on the dancefloor. Deliciously polished, this is kind of quality you expect from the UK, the spiritual home of drum and bass.

* Artificial Intelligence's album sampler is here! The first taster from the debut album for Metalheadz Timeline, two huge tracks feat comrades MC DRS and SCAR.
* Pass the Buck (feat. DRS)
Kicking off proceedings is Pass The Buck with DRS, it's a huge rolling monster that's already a hit on radio and had a huge reception at festivals this summer. The track is self is rolling shuffling drums and massive growling mid range bass. DRS peppers the track with a menacing flow that fits the track perfectly.
* Letting It Go (feat. SCAR)
SCAR and Artificial Intelligence have been friends for a very long time but its only now that they have begun to work together in the studio and the results have been massive so far. Letting It Go is a great example of how well the four work, a mixture of soul flourishes and screwface mid range riding over a massive sub bass and 2 step drum roll out. A great sampler signalling what the album will bring.

* Artificial Intelligence- Timeline is finally here, it's their first album released on Metalheadz and it's their most accomplished work to date.

* A mature, confident long player that when listening you can't help but feel is 'potential achieved' and a genuine pleasure to be releasing via the label.

* The aesthetic of the album harks back to early AI material. It's full of soul but at hints at darker moments amongst its beauty. The palette of the project draws on classic era Jungle and goes as far back as Chicago house but in its entirety it's much more than that; they are just some of the influences to be found on an expansive album that ticks many boxes.

* Collaborations on the album come from SCAR and newcomer Dawn Wall whilst vocals are taken care of by DRS, Terri Walker and MC Sense.

* Let's leave label boss Goldie to have the final say on the album; 'Artificial Intelligence have given us some great music in the past so naturally I'm really happy that we'll be releasing their latest album, I've been a fan for a long time'

* Almost two years on from his incredibly well-received debut album and Etherwood is back with the highly anticipated, 'Blue Leaves' LP a body of work showcasing the sheer talent of one of the UK's most exciting artists in electronic music. Within this fourteen-track LP, Etherwood has not only displayed his perfected production skills but also outshone more than ever before with his own vocal performances and instrumental prowess.

* Captivating listeners with his creativity, Etherwood explores the finer soundscapes of drum & bass, relaying the liquid beauty that his continually growing following have come to love him for. Included are the already popular 2015 releases, 'You'll Always Be a Part of Me', 'Souvenirs' featuring Zara Kershaw and most recent single, 'Light My Way Home' featuring Eva Lazarus, premiered by BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac. Within fourteen tracks, not one is undeserving of its place on what is a truly outstanding album.

* Enriched with sublime symphonic sounds, 'For A Time I Was You' and 'Cast Away' drift through epic elevations and enrapturing orchestral outbreaks that will undoubtedly stop all in their tracks. Powerful string sections, moving piano-led melodies and rolling percussions exude elegance, staying true to Etherwood's signature sound.

* The heart of 'Blue Leaves' lies within 'Revive', rich with raw emotion and Eva Lazarus' unforgettable vocal hooks - a musical match made in heaven between Etherwood and longstanding Hospital Records signee, Logistics. The album's soul is sparked with a S.P.Y collaboration in "We're Nothing Without Love", a testament to Etherwood's growth as an impressive singer/songwriter. * Similarly, 'Caption', 'Breathe It In' and 'Sunlight Splinters' highlight his completed skill set, with crisp percussions and soft waves of bass bound by his own powerful vocal performance. Finally, the breath-taking finale of 'The Last Hour' draws a quaint close to the Etherwood 2.0 experience.

* Since signing to Med School, Etherwood has risen from a humble underground following to gaining support from some of the world's most respected DJs and broadcasters with his most recent releases receiving regular airwave play on BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Kiss FM, Capital Radio and Rinse FM. The 'Blue Leaves' LP is sure to set Etherwood on the same promising path showcasing his ever-growing repertoire of electronic masterpieces for one of the most inspiring drum & bass albums of the year.

* Keeno's back with a grand gesture. Succeeding his outstanding debut album, Life Cycle', the Futurist' LP soars through sixteen tracks with boundless finesse. Keeno thrives with his cinematic and orchestral offshoots of drum & bass, silken smooth soundscapes and deep weighty bass.

* Opening track Faithless' sets the scene with elegant and epic string sections jumping into a playful arrangement. With serious drum-work in place vocal talents Oscar Corney, MC Fava and Alice Gasson bring tracks Lifeline', Perspective' and Take A Breath' to life with tight harmonies and rich, velvet tones. Keeno hasn't held back in Dream Sequence', At Twilight' and Futurism' with majestic grandeur travelling seamlessly through star-lit journeys of sound and space.

* The growth and musical virtuosity of this young talent has flourished since signing to Med School back in 2013. By uniting his high-end production skills and classical training in a multitude of instruments Keeno has quenched the thirst of drum & bass lovers across the globe.

* Last year Keeno took a leap of faith, deciding to leave his full time education behind to set his sights on what is sure to be a long career ahead in music. It's abundantly clear this was the right choice - Futurist' embodies everything we've come to expect from this exceptionally talented young producer.

Merging a huge spectrum of creative talents, this next EP from Culture Shock dissects not only his music but also his persona as an artist. Encompassing both his self-made, mechanical artwork as well as the diverse soundscape he reigns over, it's easy to see the depth of his creativity.

The four track EP demonstrates his classical training, one which served as the perfect backdrop for his intricate composition, driving from a range of influences... Something he'd soon become renowned for. From the legendary status of 'City Lights', which this year received the 'Record of The Day' status at Radio1, to the resounding riddims of heavy-hitters 'Troglodyte' and 'Ohrwurm', his output has not only been eclectic but steadily gaining momentum too.

Opening track 'Back to You' has lined the sets of dancefloor's heaviest hitters this summer. Whether it's on sold-out stages of the drum & bass capital at SW4, or sets across the Atlantic with support from Andy C and Sub Focus, the anticipation around its release has been invading cyberspace. Pounding subs underpin a soulfully reimagined vocal sample, which peaks between the ebb and flow of structured note arpeggios. A warped bassline beneath elevated note patterns add an extra stockiness allowing the record to detonate any club, whilst still leading you into the emotive crescendo of dancefloors worldwide.

Rolling out next is 'Tangents'. Ethereal, humanistic elements weave between snapping hi-hits and loops of synth, gradually building to manifest something more menacing. With a melody that only goes to pedestal an outstanding ingenuity, you pound against steely distortion, one which reverberates between each segment.

'Rush Connection' yet again stands as a testament to Culture Shock's honed craft, whilst being distinctive stylistically. A chiselled groove acts as a starting point, snipped up by slants of sample and served as a dynamic riddim to take you into any late night session. Then lastly, comes 'Steam Machine', peddled by kick drums and an incredibly chiselled bassline... Pulling together an EP whose announcement is set to ricochet across the industry. It's an explosive finish.

Adding the fourth track to an already expansive discography, this extension of Culture Shock's repertoire will only further push him into the spotlight. And with yet more sonic crafts already in the works, his true potential is only just being uncovered.

2x12', 4-track sampler, this gathers 4 of the hardest hitting drum & bass cuts from the album: "Event Horizon", "Pathways", "Cut Me", and "City Of Dreams"

* A name that's been on everyone's lips, Maduk is leading the way for the next generation of drum & bass producers, bouncing around Europe with his uplifting, high-energy productions. Signing exclusively to Hospital Records in 2015 cleared the path to complete his highly anticipated debut album. Twelve colourful tracks make up the spirit-raising 'Never Give Up' LP - a guaranteed mood-lifter that'll have crowds up on their feet world over.
As the title track would suggest Maduk's story is of sheer determination, with hard work and passion for the music he's gained a dedicated following that have become like family. His LP premiere pushes positivity with a wash of vocal lead tracks. The lively, feel-good vibrations of 'Just Be Good' (featuring Nymfo) and 'One Last Picture' (featuring Kye Sones) fit with the frenzy of animated elevations in 'Got Me Thinking' (featuring Veela) and 'Nothing More'.

* He continues to liberate the senses with the shimmering sounds of 'One Way' and drives forward with warm guitar strums on standout track 'The End' (featuring Voicians). The 'Never Give Up' LP also includes his previously popular single 'Not Alone' and Logistics collaboration 'Solarize'.
As a co-founder of YouTube phenomenon turned record label Liquicity and with 'Best Newcomer DJ' and 'Best Newcomer Producer' awards under his belt Maduk has played a huge part in igniting the fire for a growing movement of liquid drum & bass lover. Now reaching across the globe his force is set to continue with the release of 'Never Give Up' this April.