Break – Symmetry Sessions Vol. 1 [Symmetry]

Break returns with the latest release on his Symmetry imprint featuring a quality selection covering all the styles of D&B. Calibre turns in two different remixes of They’re Wrong in his signature smooth liquid style, and DLR gets in the studio with break on the mighty tech destroyer New Design.

Elsewhere NC-17 & KC dish in another big bad slice of tech with the positively militant Slimeville and Break explores his deeper side on jazzy D&B stepper Wondering Why and dubby downtempo outing Dem Babylon. Overall it’s another essential release from one of the best labels in the scene! Check out the beats below and grab your copy on vinyl or digital now.

Nickbee – Empty Your Mind LP [Dispatch Ltd]

Nickbee is a producer we’ve been keeping a close eye on for the past couple of years here at the Dojo and 2013 in particular has seen him cementing his position in the scene with tunes on Noisia’s Invisible imprint, a single on Bad Taste and a huge EP for Jade’s Eatbrain label. It seems somewhat appropriate that his debut album sees him return to Dispatch Ltd, the label that put out one of his first releases in 2011.

The Ukrainian producer has taken full advantage of the scope of a full length release to explore other tempos, with interesting takes on Dubstep (Inspiration), Deep House (Kloe) and Garage (Subterra collaboration Black & White) appearing alongside the usual tough D&B rhythms. There’s even some downtempo on Moonlight, a track absolutely drenched in atmosphere and space, and album closer One More Breath.

The D&B doesn’t disappoint either, with highlights coming of the titular Empty Your Mind and Updown, both proving to be well produced slices of rolling techstep. The only criticism I can really level at the album is that the transition between tracks sometimes jars a little; some interludes or a mixed version of the album would have been a nice touch, but this is a minor complaint in the scheme of things.

Check out the clips below and grab yourself a copy on vinyl or digital now!

February Mixtape Roundup

Our favourite mixes this month span the range of D&B sounds from banging to experimental and everything in between. Kid Drama follows up his excellent Heart Drive podcasts with a mix for Hyp taking in his 170 sounds both old and new and keeping things deep and unusual as ever.

Tokyo Prose have mixed the latest volume of the Sun & Bass podcast series and deliver a deep, rolling mix featuring their own productions alongside tunes from the likes of Calibre, Mutt and Ivy Lab.

Automate return with podcast number 30 featuring a belting tech selection from Midlands DJ/Producer Critical Error.

Evol Intent’s Gigantor is on the controls for the second in their new Evolcast podcast series with a selection of typically up-front, no nonsense dancefloor neurofunk. Some nice new VIPs and mashups in here!

French D&B crew Vandal serve up the latest edition of their podcast with a storming mix from Miss Leia featuring heavy tunes from the likes of Mindscape, Audio, Prolix and Nickbee.

Last but by no means least Mako, DLR & Villem celebrate their recent release for Metalheadz with a tidy 30 minute mix featuring tracks from the trio and other members of the Metalheadz/Utopia/Warm Communications family. Deeper beats!

Macca & Hosta – New Beginnings EP [Celsius]

Fokuz sister label Celsius have prepped a tidy pair of deep liquid rollers from Macca & Hosta for the 77th release in their formidable catalogue.

New Beginnings is definitely a roller from a pair of producers who’ve been worshipping at the altar of Calibre, with a crisp, precise break, warm sub and soft pads dominating the composition. Nothing To Prove follows a similar pattern, with the vocal talents of Jodi adding extra atmosphere to the hypnotically smooth beats. Watch out for these dropping from March 10th.