Stakka + Gridlok / Stakka + Dj Skinny - "Hit + Run / Knuckles" - Cargo
Cargo front man Stakka comes through with two sure shot dance floor killers, teaming up two hot rising talents, and putting out some fine work with each artist. “Hit + Run” stands as testament that SF’s Gridlok can not rest on his laurels, as he and Stakka churn out a nasty number that just pounds away on sound systems. Stakka and fellow Militia member Dj Skinny keep the drums runnin’ on “Knuckles,” but come through with a slightly trance tinged tune that twists up more than the flip.
10:05 PM_ ransom
D.Kay / D.Kay + Epsilon - "It's On The Way / Space Quest" - Soul:R
Recent winner of Knowledge’s Breakthrough Producer award, Austrian stalwart D.Kay has been spreading his tunes out over a multitude of labels for some time now. “It’s On The Way” fits the vibe Soul:r has been pushing since its inception. This tune will catch notice when it drops, with its soulful vocals, organic elements and catchy bass line. For the b-side D.Kay teams up with collaborator Epsilon for another lovely tune that is full of twists and turns, but maintains a balance between frantic amen tune and floating ambience.
10:05 PM_ ransom
Break - "I Don't Doubt / Sonic Storm" - Eastside
London’s young talent shines on this single, as Break follows up his highly touted EP on A-Side’s Eastside label with two tracks that caught me off guard. Female vocals sprinkle the a-side “I Don’t Doubt,” as mournful strings coupled with what sound like wood flutes over top run over a shuffling layers of breakbeats that suddenly give way to a dirty, grinding bass. Flip over for “Sonic Storm,” a heavy tech number with the drum break work this artist is becoming known for pushing.
Going from strength to strength with each release, Gridlok's name is appearing on more and more labels each month, and sneaking in to numerous Djs' crates. This single comes with two nicely contrasting tunes. "Witch Hunt" sees Gridlok team up with Bay Area neighbor Illformants for a dark twisted affair. The funk oozes in "Bad Luck," with its female vocal, shaky percussive bits, and modulated bass line. The organ stabs, quick horn stabs, atmospheric touches, and drum changes help keep this moving.
The sixth single for Dieselboy’s Human Imprint, and perhaps one of the most anticipated, Dieselboy + Kaos bring two strong tunes that are receiving a lot of Dj support around the world. “Barrier Break” is hard charged stating one to “come on in to the new dawn,” features nu skool breaks phrase, and builds up to a hectic drop. “Submission” has a dream-like feel to it with its wavering layers of synths and female vocal effects. Builds nicely with its stabs and switch ups, and then tightens up the bass once it starts moving.
9:58 PM_ ransom
12/15/2003
Sonic + Silver / Sonic - "Space Cadet / Road Movie" – Space Recordings
Sonic + Silver provide the a-side for Sonic’s Space imprint, with the aptly titled “Space Cadet.” Utilizing dreamy atmospherics, a subtle house loop, and a low dubbed out “take me to outer space” vocal, this one works well for the late night crew. The horns, flutes, and clear hats all add nicely to this tune. Sonic goes solo for the flip, with a moody intro based on dark echoed horns and keys, before leading into big strings and a quick break to the bass line, then continues to build its elements before the big breakdown.
10:29 PM_ ransom
Special Forces - "Satisfy / Dirty" - Metalheadz
An old name returns to the resurgent Metalheadz label, providing two catchy tunes aimed straight at the dance floor. “Satisfy” has the hooks, right from the beginning. The big stomping marching band drum sound of Clipse’s “Grindin’” with a dirty bass line and a twisted up female vocal help make this stand out in any mix. “Dirty” has solid drum work and a nice bouncy bass line, accented with quick drum rolls, vocal effects, and an echoed “dirty” vocal.
10:29 PM_ ransom
Kaos + Karl K + Jae Kennedy - "Moonraker / Studio 54" - Human Imprint
Philadelphia secures its place on the drum’n’bass map with another great tune from this trio, who provide two fine dance floor cuts. “Moonraker” has been destroying club goers for months now. A fantastic, eerie intro that builds up to a killer drop. A well-layered tune that could fit into several different Djs’ sets. “Studio 54” lives up to the spirit of the infamous club, with its disco influenced elements combining with a runnin’ bass line, piano keys, sweeps and swells. Too much fun to stand around in a club when this gets dropped.
10:28 PM_ ransom
Ill.Skillz - "Be There 4 U (Dylan + Robyn Chaos remix) / Be There 4 U (Concord Dawn remix)" – Freak Recordings
Freak Recordings debut release gets the big remix treatment for two solid takes on Ill.Skillz’s original epic smasher. Label boss Dylan + partner in crime Robyn Chaos go for the hectic route, churning out a tense version full of chunky breaks, switch ups, stutters and stops. Concord Dawn take the epic element one step further with a beat less intro that transitions into a big drop that will continue to be reloaded time and time again. Both sides are a solid, but Concord Dawn’s style really builds up the original’s vibe.
10:28 PM_ ransom
Dj Friction - "Torture Chamber / Def Con One" - Renegade Hardware
Dj Friction continues to establish his place in the drum’n’bass scene, going from strength to strength. “The sound, the sound, the sound” of “Torture Chamber” is sonic mayhem, and easily my pick of the two tracks on this single. Nicely done with its heavy sub bass, plus layered breaks and midrange that switch up often, lending to hectic nature of this tune. “Def Con One” continues with the layered drum style, but takes on more of a bounce once it drops into the meat of the track. A well crafted track, but may get overlooked by many for the a-side.
10:27 PM_ ransom
9/24/2003
Digital + Spirit - no titles - DS LTD 001
A limited edition white label baring no titles, both tracks are new collaborations between the two artists, and their first work together in very long time. The a-side seems a bit static with only very subtle changes in the drums, and the dubbed out vocal effects these two are notorious for. However, the b-side is very catchy with its fusion of ride driven breakbeats, dubbed vocals and effects, and techno pads and synths. A blend of influences and interweaved elements keep it interesting.
9:52 AM_ ransom
Matrix + Danny J - "Vertigo" - Metro
Another smooth tune from the duo that also goes by Goldtrix, "Vertigo" is an uplifting song with hypnotic vocals and a liquid bassline that the headphone listeners might enjoy. The drums are nicely programmed, with a nice shuffle that give the tune momentum that will work on a dancefloor. Fans of the neuro sound, and those that like liquid funk will find this tune could appeal to both factions. Flip it over for a progressive house mix by Goldtrix.
9:51 AM_ ransom
Dom vs. Calyx - "Pneumatic (Sledgehammer) / See The Light" - Moving Shadow
A surprising collaboration from two of Moving Shadows long standing artists, and catching a lot of attention from listeners worldwide. "Pneumatic (Sledgehammer)" has an appropriate sub-title, as this one slams in hard. The frantic amens and the "check this out" vocal kill it as soon as this starts. Throw in the dark buzzing bass for a destroyer of a tune. "See The Light" uses more of a shuffling break for the drums and some acid bass, before it switches the vibe at the first breakdown. Not a sure shot like the flip side, this tune oozes and pulses as it builds and builds.
9:51 AM_ ransom
Fresh BC - "Signal / Big Love" - Ram
The onslaught of Fresh BC tunes continues, with his second full release on Ram. "Signal" was the closer for the recent Andy C 'Nightlife' mix CD, a clever marketing ploy from the Ram camp. Sci-fi strings combine with big distorted breakbeats and grinding bass. This one could prove to be a crucial floor killer, as Crowds will recognize the tune immediately. One the flipside is the sleeper "Big Love," and my personal pick of the tune tracks. A great female vocal over a hard programmed drum line, and energetic breaks and fills scattered through out the arrangement. The tune is full of hooks and switches that keep things moving.
9:51 AM_ ransom
various artists - 'Paranoia' EP - Renegade Hardware
Hardware ushers in their 50th release with the 'Paranoia' EP, putting the spotlight on some of the scene's most talked about upstarts. The title track "Paranoia" comes from The Militia, and is a tense stepper that has gotten a lot of airtime and play from numerous Djs, easily noticed by its "we are about to take you into the world of the LSD user" and synth hooks. Keaton continues his solo outings with "Influence," which is some thugged out dancefloor material with a great bounce to it that defines Keaton's catchy sound. "Trail of Sevens" is Pendulum's second official release, and it shows their flare for catchy intro's and dynamic shifts in the feel of the track. Be sure to check out Dj Ink's "Ghost Ship," as well as B-Key's "Final Conflict," and Concord Dawn's ode to metal as they bring the mosh with "Raining Blood."
9:51 AM_ ransom
Sonic - "Falling / Sunday Morning" - Space
Sonic, one half of the Accidental Heroes production team keeps 'em coming with this four release on his own Space Recordings label. A nice contrast in styles, as each side offers a different feel. "Falling" takes the epic route, with it's searing pads, echoing vocal effects, and a sweeping chant. Faint arpeggiated stabs and guitars give way to catchy bassline. "Sunday Morning" is made for just that, the time to chill after a heavy weekend. Strong drums, but nothing too abrupt or harsh, this tune instead makes use of nice piano builds and an interesting bass.
9:50 AM_ ransom
Matrix + Danny J vs. Toni Braxton - "Hit The Freeway" - white label
The surge in white label bootlegs the past two years has garnered some interesting releases, and this particular remix has been one of the most anticipated. The Toni Braxton vocal meshes nicely with Matrix + Danny J's production talent, with its delays gliding with the bassline, but the repeated "and we don't stop" male vocal detracts from the whole tune.
9:50 AM_ ransom
8/17/2003
Optiv + Bulletproof - "Camouflage / Black Cell" - 1210 Records
These NZ + UK producers have come together for another single of dancefloor destruction, and have been turning people out all summer with these two tracks. No one can quite put their finger on what it is with these tracks, some saying it's harken to jungle of old, while others liken these to 'Blazin' LP era Underfire tunes. "Camouflage" sets it off with the 'deep in the jungle' vocals, layered breaks, sharp piano stabs, and a dirty bassline. The breakdown in the middle builds up the suspense before this tune lashes out with well placed sound effects and the tune's nasty bassline. An incredibly catchy tune. "Black Cell" is a sinister sounding tune with dark sound effects, and a heads down vibe that a is mish-mash of influences. Think of a techy dub tune, with distorted 808s and techno stabs.
Hungary's drum'n'bass scene is serving as an incubator for some of the drum'n'bass scene's finest rising talent, and SKC + Chris.Su are leading the pack. Encrypted is DSCI4's sister label, to allow Trace to release singles quicker, and this cut was timed perfectly. "Yorke" is a great tune, full of energy and a nice driving feel, with its arpeggiated stabs, solid drum programming, and a gritty bassline that exudes funk. SKC's "Limelight" starts off with some intricate drum programming, space effect echoes, and a runnin' little percussive line before the big drums storm in. The first drop introduces an upright bass for the bassline, and really nice horn stabs. This tune is pure class, reminiscent of a big band in a soundclash with your favorite drum'n'bass Dj, while a funk keyboardist builds up the tension in the background.
9:27 PM_ ransom
M.I.S.T. - "Jam Hot / Outer Space" - Soul:r
Two long awaited cuts from Marcus Intalex + ST Files, "Jam Hot" lets you know 'this is jam hot' and delivers the funk. Packing in nice percussive work, flowing strings and horn stabs, the old vocal sample and some female vocal stabs, and a great bassline that will move crowds. Fans of M.I.S.T. will not be disappointed. "Outer Space" is one of M.I.S.T.'s newer tunes, and recently featured on Andy C's latest mix CD. A slightly harder edge, with nods to M.I.S.T.'s Detroit techno influence, the way it builds up is incredible. This song could fit into several different sets, and is a good tune to listen to with all of the influences as well as layers of sounds going on.
9:15 PM_ ransom
Artificial Intelligence - "Hooked On / 100%" - V Recordings
Continuing to spread their house influenced sound, A.I. debut on V Recordings with one of the labels first releases in 2003. "Hooked On" starts up with tight breaks, filtered pianos, and vocal stabs, rising into a feelgood summer tune that has a nice steppy feel to it and could easily win some new drum'n'bass listeners. Truly a fun tune. "100 %" is much of the same, but taking a slightly more disco feel to the filtered drum'n'bass sound A.I. is producing.
Taken from part three of the vinyl release of Klute's recent 'Lie, Cheat and Steal' LP, these two remixes did not feature on the CD release. Calibre's remix of "Now Always Forever" keeps the original vocals, and adds a great break popularized by A-Sides, and adds a new bassline, piano stabs, and structure to the original. The breakbeats used on this are a bit more runnin' and slightly harder edged than Calibre's usual fair, but he manages to to keep it soulful. Flip over for Keaton's remix of "Glue Sniffer," the third of four versions of that tune. Keeping the eerie vibes of the original, and twisting the original stab and bass, Keaton adds his signature drum pattern, an old hip hop sample, as well as a heavy sub bass, stutters and stops.
A one-sided promo that originally surfaced early this summer, Ed Rush + Optical take on Free*Land's "We Want Your Soul" and churn out a hard and funky piece. With chants of the title plus other various vocal bits and funk guitar samples, the breaks are frantic and intensify up to where the bass comes into the tune. One to bring to the dance.
The a-side version of "Forgive Myself," remixed by D.Kay (half of ill.skillz), parallel's the style of the previous D.kay & Rawful smasher, "Be There 4 U," with a vocal sample that adds a welcome human touch to the track. The track starts out with the vocals and relaxing melody which soon kick in to a slightly grindy bassline complete with, what seems like, a short yelling crowd sample, and a pronounced driving high hat line. The original version is a bit minor sounding and presented in a more laid back style. It shows us a bit of how simplicity can still be enjoyed in the form of quality. The track even has a bit of funk to it which can be heard in the simple bassline and the nice use of bongos in the main drum loop. I wouldn't consider it a floor filler, but still a nice addition as a transition in a set.
10:45 AM_ Heider
Paul B & Subwave - "Something Sick / Break Through" - DSCI4
Whatever electricity sounds like, these boys seem to have captured it nicely with "Something Sick." Within the first minute and a half the track is already charged up and flying full force with excellent drum layering on a track which brings the thought of industrial music to mind. The atmoshperic pads and strings used nicely throughout the track give it the slightly melodic touch I find necessary for my waxy repertoire. Overall it keeps an excellent balance between musicality and the dark energy we've come to know and love as drum 'n bass. I found the flip side, "Break Through," to be an excellent companion, though with a little less energy. The track seemed to be lacking in the mid range, and a little heavy on the high end with the filtered drum samples. The subtle but bouncy bassline could have improved the energy of the track if brought out more. Even so, I would still say that DSCI4 has added two more hit tracks to their catalogue.
10:44 AM_ Heider
Concord Dawn - "Slinky / Junglist" - Heavy Rotation
Following their trend of melodic/synthy tunes, "Slinky" starts off with a catchy high pitched synth, later followed by some softer strings to compliment. It doesn't have the usual dancefloor-friendly grinding bass as the previous anthems, but it kicks in a mellower bassline to complete the spectrum of the track. This is a good overall track for the recent "trance 'n bass" following. The aptly titled flipside, "Junglist," kicks it off with a classic sounding amen break which breaks down with a semi-cheesey midline. To give it even more energy and the classic jungle feel at the second breakdown, the hardcore sounding rave stabs become obvious, and slightly annoying. Overall, both tunes are Dj and raver friendly, as well as a good second release on the Heavy Rotation label set up by DJ Friction.
10:40 AM_ Heider
7/15/2003
Pendulum - "Spiral / Ulterior Motive" - Low Profie
Continuing with their catchy introduction trend, Pendulum's "Spiral" comes in with a winding and twisting synth, lush pads, a catchy male vocal, and nice drum programming, before hammering the listener with a distorted bass in the first breakdown. The main part of the track switches a few times between a heavy storming track with big drums, to an epic crowd pleaser bringing the pads and vocal back in. The second drop introduces a new growl, and drops heavy once again. Flip over for "Ulterior Motive," a moody roller filled with quirky sound effects, layered breakbeats, and a bouncy bassline. While not a show-stopper, this could be worked into a few different sets, and comes across like a fun dancefloor tune.
