Xenon returns to DSCI4 with his first solo EP following on from a collaboration on PRTCL’s last EP for the label last year. Suppressed Feelings represents the fusion of Berlin techno and classic techstep that defines Xenon’s sound; hypnotic, dark and groove-focused, this is the sound of dark rooms at 5am. Hit up Beatport to grab the EP now, with full release following from May 11th.
Trace’s return to Drum & Bass production over the last year has been most welcome. While his work as an A&R / label boss for both jungle-focussed imprint 117 and legendary techstep label DSCI4 has been thoroughly on point, his brand of no-nonsense rolling darkness has been thoroughly lacking from the scene until the surprising drop of the Zone EP last year. Clearly Trace is back on it with gusto, and this year we’ve got four new cuts courtesy of Kid Drama’s CNVX.
If ever it was possible for a release to sound both retro and futuristic, Trace’s productions here do. Stylistically they’re not dissimilar to his legendary output in the heyday of the late 90s techstep explosion, and they definitely hark back to that slightly forgotten sound…but at the same time the ethos of that material always drew on sci-fi for an ethereal, futuristic sonic palette, which definitely feels more than present here. Combine that with the razor sharp production available in 2019 and you’re back to the future in a big way.
For anyone sick of the ever-so-slightly-ADD hyperactivity of modern neurofunk, the Opaque EP is the perfect antithesis. Rolling breaks inject the funk, dark bass riffs give the tunes their weight, and the focus is very much a less-is-more aesthetic; groove and progression over endless variations and switchups. We don’t know what Trace has been listening to but maybe there’s a techno influence in the song writing creeping in here? Either way this is a delicious collection of techstep grooves, and a cracking take on a vintage sound. Hit up the CNVX Bandcamp to grab it straight from the source now…
PRTCL return to DSCI4 this month and today’s premiere sees him teaming up with Xenon to channel the influence of his new home into a firing tech roller that brings to mind some of the classic “technoid” sound pioneered by labels like Raiden’s now sadly defunct Offkey. Superb track! Look for this coming Apr 15th at all the usual digital stores…
Our latest exclusive guest mix comes from up and coming producer Lao Wai as he prepares to drop a fresh new EP for Delta9 Recordings. Following on from cameo appearances on DSCI4, Nurtured Beatz and Horizons (alongside Manchester’s Release), his recent solo EPs for Blu Saphir and Avantgarde have won him plaudits across the scene, notably from UKF who named him among their 18 to watch for 2018!
For his Dojo mix Lao Wai keeps things deep and rolling, blending liquid and tougher tech tunes from Monty, Calibre, Marcus Intalex, Submarine and more, and of course there are some brand new dubs from the man himself thrown in for good measure. Wicked stuff!
As always you can check out the mix via Soundcloud below or head to Youtube or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.
Our latest premiere comes from UK-born but now Berlin based producer Joe London aka PRTCL. His latest work has landed on Trace’s esteemed DSCI4 imprint in the form of six tracks of gritty techstep danger and we’re hyped to have the exclusive on EP title track Your City! Harnessing the vibe of mid-00s tech rollers, this is all about the heavy sub, ominous synth lines and militant, driving drums. Sick! Look out for the EP dropping Jan 15th at all the usual digital outlets…