Artist Collective LP [Conspired Within]

US imprint Conspired Within Music are back with a big release this month in the form of the Artist Collective LP. Featuring tracks from many of the best names in the dark halftime game, the LP is a pretty formidable statement of intent from a group of producers who share a passion for gritty, minimal beats and bleak soundscapes.

Tracks range from militant percussive steppers courtesy of Epilleptech, through to techno infused grinders like Tobe:n’s Shinigami. There’s a few seriously hefty tracks in the pack too, such as standout number Burning from Out of Fuel & Criba – the bassline on this one will shake your foundations! Elsewhere the LP contains thoughtful and interesting new beats from the likes of Kit Curse, Medika, Akinsa and label boss Conspired Within.

We could waffle on further about the tracks on here but you’re far better off listening for yourself; rest assured you’ll find a great selection of music bound together by an emphasis on percussive precision and atmosphere. One for the heads that know…check it out and hit up the label Bandcamp store to pre-order now on CD or digital; the LP drops there Feb 9th with all other stores following on the 16th.

Epilleptech – Recluse EP [Terra Null]

Fresh from some cracking collaborations with Red Army, Epilleptech brings his creepy halftime styles to Terra Null with four fresh new tracks full of character and atmosphere.

The running theme on the EP is definitely darkness, fear and danger, telling sonic tales of aggravation, withdrawal and isolation via the medium of heavy kicks, creepy pads and distorted bass. The results are impressive, making great use of intricate percussion and at times dissonant sounding chords. If you have a taste for the leftfield and an appetite for the darker side of human emotion, you should definitely check this release out.

Check out the clips below and look for the EP dropping from Monday at all good digital stores.

Red Army – Badmon EP [Nurtured Beatz]

Nurtured Beatz continue their fine tradition of heavy hitting halftime D&B with a new EP from US producer Red Army. Ranging from the up front bass driven stomper Badmon to deeper moody territory on Interline collab Solution the EP brings a range of styles to the table, with crisp percussion and atmospherics giving the tracks a consistent feel.

While the title track is probably the most dancefloor friendly and accessible, the EP’s best material arguably comes on the back end as Red Army teams up with fellow American Epilleptech for two fantastic new beats. Fear slaps the listener about with massive kicks and snares and a positively snarling bassline while Jungle Thief goes in on tribal percussion and creepy pads for a tidy swansong to a really strong EP.

You can pick this one up exclusively from the Nurtured Beatz Bandcamp right now with full release coming from Monday.