Amoss & Fre4knc – Oxide [Dispatch Recordings]

1.-DIS088_digi_700x700_GENERIC_v1

It has been too long by half since the last Amoss release; with the exception of some appearances on the Horizons Ten LP it’s been nearly a year since their last output, and longer still since their last release for Dispatch back in 2012. Naturally news of fresh material was, ahem, music to our ears (bad-um-psh) and their latest work sees them at the top of their game.

Lead track Oxide comes with added Fre4knc, a match up that makes perfect sense given both parties tendencies in the direction of dark, militant sounding techstep. Growling bass detail and heavy kicks and snares laid over a backdrop of creepy FX and atmospherics make for a tidy little outing.

Hold Back proves to be all about the drums, with tense, insistent cymbal rolls shuffling between an angular rhythm. Last up, Skittles sounds like a homage to the classic late 90s techstep of Photek, stripping back the bass to dark punchy stabs  over a rolling break.

As usual it’s difficult to argue with Amoss and Dispatch! Check out the clips below and hit up the Dispatch store to pre-order this one on vinyl or digital ahead of the Mar 30th release.

Cirrus – Dark Skies EP [Alchemic Breaks]

Alchemic Breaks cement their reputation for quality, forward thinking beats with a fresh new EP from Terra Null Recordings boss Cirrus. The Dark Skies EP lives up to its name, with all four tracks bringing ominous, foreboding vibes with dark textures and plenty of atmosphere.

All four tracks are well worth a listen, from the punchy drums of of Dark Skies through the skittering glitches and rich, throbbing bass of Lost In The Desert. The Hannibal-sampling Ugly Variables proves the standout track, with it’s mix of perfectly programmed drums and spooky vocal clips, leaving Wind Like This to close the EP with something slightly more melodic.

Cirrus and Alchemic Breaks and definitely both on our “to watch” list for this year on the strength of this release! Check out the clips below and grab the release from your favourite digital store from Mar 16th.

Amoss – State of Suspension EP [Dispatch]

Since it’s inception way back in 2001 Dispatch Recordings have been crafting a niche for themselves as purveyors of top notch grimey techstep, and their recent output from artists like Break, Sabre, Silent Witness and Dabs has seen the label go from strength to strength. Their latest release comes from Hertfordshire-based production duo Amoss, who have been absolutely carving up the scene recently with releases on Horizons, Inside Recordings and the legendary Renegade Hardware.

Crisp breakbeats and dirty, warping basslines are the order of the day here, but the EP retains a deeper vibe than the full on face-smashing neurofunk of producers like Noisia and Phace. The tracks also show an attention to detail lacking from some drum & bass – every kick and snare has been deliberately placed for maximum effect, and the atmosphere across the EP is dark and brooding.

Check out the tracks below and grab yourself a copy from your favourite vinyl or digital outlet!