Total Science – Notes of Blue EP [Metalheadz]

Metalheadz have been on quite a roll for the last couple of years; after arguably a little bit of a lull their recent release schedule has seen a stream of quality releases that even other labels of similar heritage have struggled to match. Their latest offering from Total Science continues that recent trend, bringing five tracks of crisp, forward thinking D&B to the table in typical ‘headz style.

Opener Notes of Blue is undoubtedly a nod to the legendary Blue Note sessions from the late 90s that proved such a formative time for so many notable D&B producers.  Eerie sound designs and the merest hints of jazz combine with deep dubby sub and beautifully processed breaks for a track that is at once playful and thoughtful.

That trend for “thinking man’s” D&B continues throughout the EP,  with one foot rooted firmly on the dance floor while the other meanders off into less genre bound territory. From the soft vocal manipulations of Soul For Sale through the tough jungle breaks and dubbed out echoes of Contraband, the EP works well both as a DJ tool and a selection of tracks for the listener alike.

Digital bonus tracks All Massive and Man Down round the selection out with two odes to the classic era of 90s D&B referenced in the EP’s title; the old school samples and the style of break manipulation still sound fresh today, and those polished modern mixdowns give them some serious punch.

We were pretty sure that Metalheadz and Total Science would prove to be a winning combination but this EP outstripped our already high expectations admirably. Check out the clips below and hit up the ‘headz store to grab a copy now.

March Roundup Part Two

As another fortnight slips away it’s time for another roundup of the best of the rest from the Dojo inbox. Read on for fresh releases from SpectraSoul, Philth, Quentin Hiatus, Dead Man’s Chest and more… Continue reading

Dojo Damager: Current Value – Biocellulose LP

We’ve got a Damager special this week, taking a break from our usual single track selection to take a look at Current Value’s new LP for Critical Music, Biocellulose.

As you’d expect from one of the brightest talents in the scene and an alumni of the likes of Blackout Music, the engineering and technicality on show here is of a ridiculously high standard, but that’s not what makes the album stand out from the mass of high sheen but ultimately cookie-cutter neurofunk available in 2016.

The atmospherics and sound design detail are what really make this album shine; from the majestic synth intro of Phace collab Thump, through the eerie bleep-led buildup of Footwork and into the technoid strains of Vigilant Minds, there are so many fantastic sonic elements in Biocellulose to contrast and complement the stomping beats and basslines. Heft, sure, but with a side helping of beauty and intrigue.

Asides from recruiting Phace and Mefjus for a collab each, Critical have also grabbed some tasty remixes; Enei delivers a tough, rolling take on the savage Jump while Anode takes the angular danger of Pneumatics and flips it round into a Raiden-esque techo-D&B roller of impressive relentlessness. Overall it’s a wicked album and ample proof that dancefloor neurofunk can still hold hidden depths. Check out the clips below and hit up the Critical Store to grab a copy now!

Premiere: Drifta – Antimatter (Concord Dawn Remix)

We’re proud to present another exclusive premiere and this time we’ve got the first listen on Concord Dawn‘s sick new remix of Drifta, AudioSketch and Chaksa’s brand new track Antimatter!

Taken from the forthcoming LP Playing With Fire, look for this one dropping soon on Soul Trader Records alongside some sick remixes and collabs!

Koronis – Weave

In case you weren’t aware Mar 28th is Piano Day (the 88th day of the year for the 88 keys on a full size piano) so we figured we’d take a break from the usual coverage to celebrate one of the oldest and best musical instruments around.

Experimental composer and multimedia artist Koronis has put together a beautiful minimalist piece entitled Weave for the occasion and crafted a unique animation to go with the piece; we think you’ll agree they’re both soft, understated and generally awesome. Check it out below and go find yourself a piano to play with!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7spwVfFZFQ

Lynch Kingsley & Block Mameli – Swinging Flavors #2 [Beat Machine]

Beat Machine continue their Swinging Flavors 7″ series with a cracking new Jungle/Footwork crossover from Lynch Kingsley & Block Mameli. From the hypnotic eastern-tinged string lick to the strong ragga vocal from Mameli the tune just oozes character, and we’re big fans of the syncopated beat structure that Lynch has been honing across his releases over the last few years.

Over on the flip Hungarian-born but now US-based DJ MADD flips the tune around, keeping the central character but taking the riddim in a different direction with elements of dub, socca and trap working their way into the mix for a slightly more laid back vibe. Another wicked entry in what’s proving to be a really innovative series from Beat Machine; check out the clips below and hit up their store to grab it on vinyl or digital right now!

Q&A – D Flect [Tesseract]

One year old and already sporting a quality roster of underground artists, Tesseract Recordings are just getting ready to drop their first paid release in the form of the Acid Rain EP Part One. To find out a bit more about the label and what they have in store this year, we caught up with co-founder D Flect for a quick chat.

Continue reading

Dojo Damager: Chroma – Intermission (Break Remix)

Break on the remix…need we say more? The hardest working man in D&B turns in a chunky new take on Chroma’s Intermission for their new EP on CIA Records and it features that magical combo of crispy funk breaks and teched out bass that always gets the dance moving. Big! Check out the clip below and look for this one on vinyl or digital from Friday.

Sam Binga & Om Unit – TransPacific EP

Messrs Binga & Unit are back with another cheeky slice of white label shenaniganery following the success of their Transatlantic EP. The pair have gone in on a selection of experimental beats for this one, with one eye on the dancefloor but probably another three eyes elsewhere.

Windmill Kick opens the salvo with a ruffneck slice of chopped up jungle sporting a distinctly grime-influenced synth melody. It’s a perfect example of the sort of genre-clashing production that makes their work so exciting, and it’s more than capable of moving a dancefloor to boot; wicked stuff.

Big Kev changes tack completely, bringing together footwork, hip-hop and a squelching acid line for an outing remeniscent of Fracture, Spinn & Taso’s recent Acid Claps; apparently great minds think alike! 1000 Cats keeps the riddims shuffling but airs things out with a fantastic psych-tinged melody, leaving it to Planetary Reboot to go full-mental and close the EP with a droning, beatless synth-noise wash.

We’re suckers for a good white label here at the Dojo and it’s fantastic to hear two producers as talented as Om Unit & Sam Binga flowing free with their sonic whims, unshackled by labels or genre pigeon-holes. Roll on the next instalment! Hit up the BUNIT Bandcamp to grab a copy now, but move fast; if this one sells as well as the first release did it won’t be on their shelves for long.

Premiere: Opex & CTB – Drive

We’ve got the scoop on another brand new track today as we present the premiere of the lead track from Step Forward Music‘s debut release. Slovakian duo Opex & CTB are on the buttons with the rolling tech groove of Drive; wicked stuff! Check out the clip below and look for the release dropping March 24th!