Breakage – Ric Flair Strut [Index]

Breakage is a man with some history in the D&B scene. From early singles on Reinforced and Bassbin, through the anthemic Staggered Dub on Critical and out into his later work for Digital Soundboy, James was a constantly inventive force in the scene for a decade, and his presence was missed when he began to eschew drum & bass in favour of explorations into other genres.

Thankfully in recent times he’s been back up at 170, although seemingly in no hurry with his output; Ric Flair Strut is only the second release on his newly minted Index imprint, following on from the February drop of Elmhurst Dub. The quality over quantity approach really shines through as a result, and both tracks on the new single are essential listening.

We’re not quite sure of the link to Ric Flair’s wrestling signature but the A-side certainly has a swagger; a deceptively simple combination of breaks, pads and bass, this one has a satisfying low-end wobble and more than enough punch to rock a floor. Flip-side Sanctuary meanwhile provides an ode to old school jungle, from the classic bleeps and echoed vocals to the basic sub hits and crispy breaks. Both sides are exactingly crafted, providing the antithesis to the hyperactive production found elsewhere in the scene.

Another great single from a master at work; check out the clips below and hit up your favourite digital store to grab a copy right now.

DNB Dojo Mix Series 12: G.H.O.S.T

MixSeries12_GHOST

We were so impressed with the last G.H.O.S.T release here at the Dojo that we just had to hit them up for an exclusive mix! The boys have obliged with a fantastic all vinyl/dubplate selection featuring some of their own beats alongside techy cuts new and old including classics from the likes of Dillinja and Kemal & Rob Data. Check it out via Mixcloud below or head to Hearthis.at for streaming and Dropbox for a download.

Tracklist:

G.H.O.S.T – Caught Slippin [Music House Dubplate]
Overlook – False [Narratives Music]
Spirit – Cobra [Ineractive Music]
Fracture & Neptune – The Limit [Astrophonica]
Om Unit – Timelines [Metalheadz]
Sicknote – Cold Chamber [Music House Dubplate]
Dom & Roland – Prisms [31 Records]
Stakka & K-Tee – Bad Influence [Liftin Spirits]
Lemon D – Break it up [Reinforced]
Dillinja – Threshold [Prototype]
Capone – Guess Who [Hardleaders]
G.H.O.S.T – Snatch [Music House Dubplate]
Kid Lib – The Rifle [117 Records]
Nucleus & Paradox –  Analogue life [Metalheadz Platinum]
Breakage & Jubei – Still Here [Emcee]
Kemal & Rob Data – Konspiracy [Industry]
Rhyme Tyme – Payback Part II [DISCI4]
Cause4concern – Research (Usual Suspects Remix) [Renegade Hardware]
Mampi Swift – Trippin [Charge]
Kemal – Re-Animation [Architecture]
Vicious Circle & Nocturnal – Skylark [Quarantine Records]
Cause4concern – Sensor [C4C Recordings]
Kraken – Side Effects (Stakka & Skynet Remix) [Underfire Recordings]
G.H.O.S.T – Soho [Music House Dubplate]
Ed Rush & Optical – Bacteria [Virus Recordings]
G.H.O.S.T – Rattler VIP [Music House Dubplate]

Classic Track: Breakage – Staggered Dub

Back in the early days of Critical Music and back when Breakage still made music at D&B tempo, Kasra’s then fledgling imprint offered up the veritable amen smasher that is Staggered Dub. Breaks that are tougher than aged leather, massive dub bass and that oh so memorable vocal snippet make this every bit as much of a weapon as it was ten years ago on release. Shake ya hips!

Win a Set on the Valve Sound System!

The legendary Valve Sound System rolls into Leeds on March 1st where Dillinja, Breakage and N-Type will be taking to the decks to apply some serious bass pressure. If you’ve ever fancied rocking the decks on this impressive rig, now’s your chance, as Valve are running a competition to win a set at the night.

All you have to do is record a 30 minute mix, upload it to the Soundcloud Dropbox for the competition and then email the download link to djcomp@vlvmusic.com. For those of you less musically inclined, there’s a seperate competition to win tickets to the event – just email luccompetition@vlvmusic.com with the message ’96k OF BASS for your chance to win.