This week’s Dojo Damager comes courtesy of Lincoln-based production duo Soligen & Type-2 who bring a wicked slice of modulated tech funk to Nurtured Beatz. Amping things up a bit compared to some of the imprint’s deeper releases, It Gets Lively rolls hard and heavy with crispy breaks and a moving, scuzzed up bassline. Punchy business! Hit up the Nurtured Beatz Bandcamp to grab this one right now, with full release coming next week.
Blendits are back and this time they’re bringing the liquid flavours with two new tracks from names that should be familiar to anyone who keeps an eye on the Fokuz release schedules. Impish brings a lush roller to the table in the form of Friday, combining crunchy bass and crisp beats with a cheeky selection of vocal cut-ups for a nice little outing with equal parts energy and soul.
Over on the flip production duo Soligen & Type-2 team up with vocalist Wednesday Amelia for another slick roller, amping up the melodic vibes to great effect. This one reminds me a lot of Naibu’s best work, with a great balance between the melodic elements and the tough beats and bass that drive the tune along. Check out the clips below and give the official video a watch – this one is out right now at all good digital stores.
Soligen & Type-2 continue their impressive assault on the D&B scene with a new beat for Rotterdam-based Blendits Audio. Showcasing their versatility, the duo lay down an unusual rhythm with heavy sub kicks and metallic percussion scattered across the mix. A conventional roller this is not, but deep, dark and exciting it most definitely is!
Over on the flip Young:G heads for slightly more predictable but nonetheless enjoyable territory with a grimey, stripped back techstepper in the form of Shantytown. Fans of Amoss will definitely enjoy this one. Check out the clips below and look for the release from September 22nd.
Citrus return with their first release in 6 months; an unusual lull for the generally busy Dutch label. Kiwi neuro duo State Of Mind kick off the 12″ with another slice of their signature rolling dancefloor business; big atmospheric pads and what sounds like glockenspiel on the intro give way to a typically savage bassline and a big fat kick snare rhythm. Dancefloor heft in spades; no surprises there given the SOM back catalogue.
On the flip Lincoln-based rising stars Soligen & Type-2 present Biology. Showing off their sound design chops on the intro with some weird and wonderful noises, we’re treated to a smooth flow from an unknown voice (possible one of the duo themselves) before the tune drops into a sub heavy bas and breaks workout. Check out the clips below and watch out for this on vinyl and digital from September 15th (pre-orders available now at Triple Vision).
Fokuz continue their 15 year anniversary celebrations with another three 12″ releases of crisp, rolling D&B. Plate one sees Spearhead boss BCee delivering two beautiful slices of his trademark uplifiting liquid funk, with Praying Man ticking all the lush melodic boxes while Magic Mirror goes in deeper with blues guitar on the intro and a slightly more muted tone.
Scott Allen graces the second single with a rolling slice of dubwize, replete with horns, reggae vocals and warm sub bass vibrations. Soligen & Type-2 provide the flip, showing their appreciation for classic hip-hop style loops on the intro before dropping into a hefty combination of jungle-style breaks and big gnarly bass hits. Danger!
Last but by no means least, the third piece of wax sees Lynx getting his remix on, turning in a jazzy relick of Enei & Intelligent Manners’ Midnight Runaway. The sheer funk and groove on show here is impressive to say the least, and as ever Lynx pushes the boundaries of what drum & bass can be. Finally Amaning & Dramatic turn in a disarmingly simple blend of rolling breaks, sub bass modulations and piano riffs to close out the triple pack.
As with part one Fokuz have truly outdone themselves both in terms of quality and originality. Check out the clips below and watch out for the 12″s dropping each week starting June 30th. There’ll also be a full CD and digital release dropping June 7th. Don’t sleep!
Celsius return with another pair of liquid rollers from their ever growing catalogue. Spearhead Records boss Bcee delivers the rich, deep, melow sounds of No Doubt on the A side, while Soligen & Type-2 head for slightly tougher territory on the flip, blending a heavy hitting break and twisted bass with a soulful vocal sample and soft atmospheres for a nice bit of “liquid with teeth”. Check out the clips below and grab this one on vinyl and digital now!
Rotterdam based Club Night and label Blendits return with their second release featuring two deep collabs. Soligen & Type-2 deliver an intricate and soulful roller with a hint of techstep teeth on Pretending, which proves detailed and rewarding on repeat listens.
Over on the flip dutch duo Mindmapper & Silvahfonk come correct on Polygraph, blending crisp, tough drums, airy synth work and warm sub for a roller that is danceable yet understated.
Check out the beats below and grab a copy from your favourite digital outlet!