Current Value – Scalar EP [31 Recordings]

News that Current Value would be dropping an EP on Doc Scott’s much revered 31 Recordings imprint came as something of a surprise. For all that 31 has showcased dancefloor tunes over the years as well as deeper fare, they’ve certainly never been known for the abrasive, hyper-technical sounds which have characterised most of Mr Value’s recent output.

Perhaps it is to be expected then that the Scalar EP sees Current Value showcasing his softer side, though that’s not to say he’s betrayed his roots and put out an EP of liquid groovers. The tracks on show here almost sound like CV remixes of deep rollers; the trademark precision percussion is there, and there’s certainly some bassline grit, but there are also lush pads, and a general air of reservation. If the average Current Value tune is up at 11 on the energy scale, these ones weigh in more in the 6-7 range.

The resulting aesthetic makes for some of the most interesting material the German producer has come out with in recent times, with more emphasis on contrasting sonic elements and interesting grooves. The atmospherics in particular are top notch, particularly on EP highlights Bigger Picture and Reconsider. Here’s hoping Current Value decides to give us more of these delicate compositions in future! The Scalar EP drops May 5th; hit up the 31 Store to grab it on vinyl or digital.

October Roundup

October has seen an unbelievably large amount of music land in the Dojo inbox, so we picked out our favourite of the pack of recent and shortly forthcoming releases. Read on for new beats from Seba, Stoner & Dotter Poison, Moresounds and more! Continue reading

Best Albums of 2014

2014 has been a great year for D&B and another great year for LPs, so with the year drawing to a close we thought we’d run down our favourite full length releases this year. In no particular order…

Kimyan Law – Coeur Calme [Blu Mar Ten Music]

Kimyan’s debut LP impressed us greatly upon it’s initial release, and it’s an album that has only improved upon repeated listens. Blending influences from D&B with elements of soul, world music, ambient and plenty more besides, this is one of the most musical releases this year and a great start to what should be a promising career.

Tokyo Prose – Presence [Samurai Music]

Samurai’s reputation for quality and depth is legendary, and the debut LP from kiwi producer Tokyo Prose fits that MO perfectly. Featuring some excellent collaborations with the likes of Synkro, LSB and Lenzman, the album features a coherence and flow that many LPs lack, and some of the finest deep liquid tracks of the year. Essential listening.

Cern – Under Another Sky [Dispatch Recordings]

Cern’s LP slipped under the radar here at the Dojo on initial release, but thankfully we got the chance to catch up with it over the holiday season. The level of atmosphere and depth on show here is stunning, not to mention the precise engineering, intricate drum programming and overall detail that Cern has brought to the table. The album is an unapologetically dark, experimental release, with few (if any) of the tracks aimed at the dancefloor, and is all the better for it.

Future Beats: The Album [31 Recordings]

31 Recordings late entry to the 2014 LP battle has garnered near universal acclaim, and with good reason; few other compilations bring such a breadth of styles at such a high quality across such a massive selection of tracks. It’s great to see the label supporting new producers alongside old hands like Calibre and Klute, not to mention pushing the envelope with truly innovative sounds.

Ulterior Motive – The Fourth Wall [Metalheadz]

Last but by no means least, Ulterior Motive’s sonic journey through their experiences of Drum & Bass has provided both dancefloor anthems and deeper vibes. Tracks like Tape Pack and INTA-National have been killing floors at raves across the world since the LPs release, and the duos range has never been stronger.

Future Beats – The Album [31 Recordings]

The relaunch of Doc Scott’s 31 Recordings imprint has been the cause for much celebration across the scene, and the label’s output has been absolutely stellar. Rounding off 2014 in style, they’ve unveiled a massive 24 track compilation featuring artists from across the D&B spectrum, and frankly pretty much all of it is excellent.

The huge selection takes in half-time beats from Sinistarr and Ital Tek, future jungle from Moresounds, liquid rollers from Bungle and Calibre, rowdy techstep from SCAR and plenty more besides. Special mentions have to go out to the broody, militant syncopations of House of Lanterns’ Take Control, the ethereal atmospherics of Hidden Turn’s Dream of Tron and the bleepy, atmospheric vibes of Gremlinz Forlorn, but honestly the whole LP is of such a high standard that picking favourites is pretty tough. Check out clips of all the tracks below and head over to the 31 Recordings store to preorder the compilation on vinyl or digital now – the release drops on December 15th.

Vromm – Prototype EP [31 Recordings]

After a period of quiet for some three years Doc Scott’s 31 Recordings is back in full swing, and since last year the label has released a solid stream of great new music. The latest EP release comes from Vromm, the new solo project from one member of eclectic electronic collective Various Production.

The beats on show here carry a deep, dark, tribal quality; while they were clearly designed with big soundsystems in mind, there’s a definite “Room 2” vibe to the tracks. Intricate percussion, deftly crafted atmosphere and weighty groove define the EP through and through, and fans of the output on labels like Samurai Music and Nurtured Beatz are sure to lap this one up too. The EP is out now; check out the clips below and grab a copy from your favourite outlet.

You can also check out a guest mix from Vromm for KMag below, featuring tracks from the EP alongside beats from the likes of Dub Phizix, Gremlinz and Ink. Deeper beats!