NSA DUBS

Sad news

2010-12-20T21:18:00.000Z

To all NSA Dubs followers,

Phil Greaves, aka NSA Dubs, sadly passed away on the 2nd December.

This blog will be left on-line in his memory.

RIP Phil.

HCM and Pano. xxxxxx

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-10-06T12:34:00.000+01:00

The flux yields another bumper crop...

Julio Bashmore 'Chazm / Footsteppin' (Ten Thousand Yen TTY003)
Hot on the heals of his stunning 'Batak Groove / Around' on Soul Motive, Julio drops 'Chazm / Footsteppin' as part of the highly desirable 10" series of Ten Thousand Yen. 'Chazm' is a deeply moody affair, deep subs and hypnotic house groove itching forward at every step. 'Footsteppin' on the flip is no less immense, echoing Ian Pooley's 'What's Your Number' to drift the dancer into heightened emotive spaces. Melodic bass and a self-assured funk, make this track effortless. In stunning blue vinyl, with hand finished covers and strictly limited to 350 copies - you can't miss. Get it HERE or at any good dance music specialist. Out to Julio Bashmore, Ian Yeti, and Doc Daneeka - to Swansea with love.

Elegato 'Tonight / Blue' (Hessle Audio HES015)
Submersive tech-house from Elegato. 'Tonight' is a hypnotic atmospheric builder, clipped percussion built around a deep kick and a whisper that burrows deep into the consciousness. 'Blue' on flip ratchets up the bass pressure a notch further, with a deep rumble offset against mournful keys and a siren. Versatile and essential gear outta the Hessle Audio camp.

Roska & Untold 'Myth / Long Range' (Numbers NMBRS11)
Highly anticipated hook between Roska and Untold on Numbers. 'Myth' shakes up a grimey Arabic house shuffle with warped mid-range bass that is unmistakable in the dance. 'Long Range' extrapolates the fusion of Untold and Roska's styles pushing into deeper tech-house territory; pulsing bass and synths offer-up a call-and-response propelling this roller ever forward. Top hook, go get.

Seiji 'Seiji 2: Straylight / Weedkiller' (Seiji 2)
If I look back through my record collection, Seiji's name consistently appears, from a hand-written label on the future-jungle 12 'Close Encounters' back in 95, through to now and this slippery funky work-out. He deftly works up a hype-groove on 'Straylight' to make the dance flex like an automaton, pulling it back at the brink of carnival nausea to devastating effect. 'Weedkiller' comes on harder and darker, for the deeply funky with an acidic grime melody - heavy gear, vital for any box. Go get.

Sunday Roast 'Blue / La Nucia' (SoulSerious SSR040)
Sunday Roast ramp up the techier side of their sound for the infectious 'Blue'. Deeply swung, with their characteristic groove and clean heavy subs. 'La Nucia' pushes the premise to the nth degree, with a deep tech-funk roller... winding out like acid-house pushed through the dub chamber. The SoulSerious crew are on a roll, keep up HERE.

Hissy Fit 'Late Night On Parc Avenue / Kickstart' (Car Crash Set C/C/S2032)
Versatile uptempo roller from Hissy Fit on Car Crash set. 'Late Night On Parc Avenue' fuses dubstep, garage and house to generate a skippy, slinky feminine number. 'Kickstart' is my personal fave, coming on like classic broken-beat experimentation from the collapse of D&B in the 90s. Hints of electro, IDM across skittering drums and atmospheric synth lines. Weighty emotive stuff, I'll be caning for months to come. Get it/check it HERE.

Major Grave 'MajorBeatz_Vol.01 PROMO MIX'

2010-10-06T08:50:00.001+01:00

Still vibing on this 4-track grime-fest from Dublin based producer Major Grave. If you ain't heard it yet - have a blast and swing by his bandcamp HERE and buy it.

PROMO MIX- MajorBeatz_Vol.01 2010 by Major Beatz

SKIPS

2010-10-05T11:21:00.000+01:00

More label news, I am pleased to announce that SKIPS will be joining NSA Dubs for a split single ‘Butter Fingers / Get Sexy’ in the very near future. SKIPS’ beats totally threw me the first time I heard them, somewhere in the hinterland between dubstep, techno and breaks, he fuses sounds and rhythms into an overwhelming visceral funk. Although originally from Staffs he moved to Bradford/Leeds at an early age. A graphic designer, as well as a beat-smith, he currently resides in Leeds. He very kindly shared some words about how his influences.

“...anything from the latest pop No.1 to the deepest darkest Berlin dub techno to the house gods of Daft Punk to the words and lyrics of Mike Skinner to the squelchiest acid line to the little percussion noise on that Ministry of Sound compilation from 15 years ago to the dub my dad was listening to in the kitchen. “

You can check how this all distils out in the mix he's contributed and the previews below:

SKIPS '138.00' - Tracklisting

01 Throwing Snow 'Un Vingt'
02 Blawan 'Iddy'
03 Ike Release 'I'm Gone'
04 Spatial '81012'
05 Dave Clarke 'Way Of Life'
06 Scuba 'Reverse'
07 NKC 'Ghettotechno'
08 Sepalcure 'Down'
09 Green Velvet 'Flash'

138.00 by SKIPS

SKIPS 'Butter Fingers / Get Sexy' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs NSA007)

bodymusik

2010-10-05T11:20:00.000+01:00

H.U.D. (HangUpDJ) delivered another killer set for his show, bodymusik, on Radio 23 Channel A, last Thursday. Listen/download to 2 hours of emotionally charged swung techno, that dwells somewhere between house and dubstep. It's the epitome of the flux we're in right now...

Visit bodymusik HERE

Catch him each and every week 2200-2400 hours GMT HERE; I'll be there

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-10-03T07:54:00.012+01:00

DVA feat. Fatima / DVA 'Just Vybe (Soule:Power Mix) / Step 2 Funk' (Hyperdub HDB040)
Massive mutant-bruk beats from Scratcha DVA. The soulful tune of the year. 'Just Vybe' is a prime heart-felt slab of broken beats that pulls at the gut and heart. The rhythm lurches forward with an upward trajectory fully entwined with Fatima's perfect vocal. The only comparisons that spring to mind are that prime 4hero remix of D*Note's 'Waiting Hopefully' and Jazzanova's renumber of Ian Pooley's 'What's Your Number?' - eternal classic. 'Step 2 Funk' on the flip is a sub-heavy funk work-out, all rolling drums and hypnotic groove. Absolute killer 12 from Scratcha and Hyperdub.

T. Williams 'Chop And Screw E.P.' (Deep Teknologi DTR004)
Following on from his Local Action release, T. Williams (aka DJ Dread D of Blacks Ops fame) drops a mammoth 3-tracker on Deep Teknologi. 'Chop & Screw' sounds like filtered disco forced through the filthiest of squat systems, deep, moody and just a little sleazy it funks and shakes the rafters with the deepest of bass. 'Hard Cash' takes us into deep dub-techno spaces, a bass as heavy as sludge plummets through clipped minimal percussion and menacing synths. 'In The Deep' further distorts the rhythmic framework of house, with an effortless clash of Augustus Pablo meets Tech-Itch within a slippery drum pattern. Vital.

Doc Daneeka 'Television E.P.' (PTN Ramp PTN005)
Hefty 2 by 10" pack from Doc Daneeka on Ramp's PTN imprint. 'Mario's Mushrooms' kicks it off with an 8-bit infused funk work-out, before we dive into the sub-heavy instrumental soul of 'Electric Sandwich Rhythm' - an extrapolation of that endless house groove that is still burrowing into my consciousness. 'Copz', features Rodski of C.R.S.T. notoriety, and flex's out with heavy subs and an atmospheric swung house-groove. 'Like A Fool' drops the vibe and intensifies the pressure with a mournful sticky groove and big synth pads. Deep deep house. Essential pack.

Mr Solo 'Padenka' (Mista Solo 006)
Deep funky from Sols, using his characteristic clipped percussion pallet. 'Padenka' jerks and lurches through darker bass territory. A minimal, hypnotic and versatile cut... go get it/check it out HERE.

Terror Danjah 'Reinforced E.P. (Rwina RWINA009)
Hyperactive TD drops another slab of grimey wax, this time for Rwina. 'Reinforced' opens peppered with ear-bone shattering snaps and discordant synths and a tricky rhythmic structure, before flexing out with synth sweeps and deep meditative vibes before compressing back into the fray. 'Peanut Punch' featuring D.O.K. is a killer whiplash piece of 80's funk inflected grime with the occasional 4x4 step-out - heavy versatile s**t. 'Stomp Test' wraps it up with a steppa's funk work-out. Crucial.

Major Grave 'Major Beatz Vol. 1' (Major Beatz)
Standard Crew stalwart Major Grave drops his 'Major Beatz Vol. 1' on the world. 'Better Days' swings into action with characteristic grimey swagger, before 'To Hold' reveals a more melodic emotional side, more closely associated with dubstep in all it's variants. Personal pick is the colossus 'Part Ways' that swoops and dives with a deep emotional intensity driven home by sharp snares and deep kick-subs. 'On The Rise' wraps the pack up neatly with more shotgun swagger and gangsta strings. Get grimey - go get it HERE.

DJ Taye 'So Many Places' (B.YRSLF Division BYLF-PRM002)
Serious future-leanings from DJ Taye and B.YRSLF Division with a free-to-download slab of soulful juke. Released to promote the launch of the new 'B.YRSLF' label, the track inhabits the uneasy dream world where shuddering juke is counterpointed by the twisted saccharine soul vocal. Miss at your peril HERE.

DJ Hilti 'Back In The Day E.P.' (B.YRSLF Division / DJ HIlti BYLF-PRM001)
Whilst I'm on with B.YRSLF, don't forget that DJ Hilti's immense 'Back In The Day' is still available from Hilti's bandcamp HERE. Punishing subs and relentless purpose underpin this killer slice of juke.

DJ Foster 'Viralbass Podcast #2'

2010-10-02T20:23:00.003+01:00

Out to Foster for the support.... Show him your love each and every Monday on SUB FM 2pm - 4pm UK Time. Head on over to Viralbass whilst your on.... HERE.

Tracklisting
01 Lapo Numa Crew Feat. Sistak Kinky 'HC Youth'
02 Marcus Visionary '2012'
03 Pepesoup 'Liberian Jokes'
04 Hackman 'Made Up My Mind'
05 Katy B 'Katy On A Mission (Roska Remix)'
06 Zoltan 'Saline'
07 Zoltan 'Still Around'
08 Grievous Angel 'Move Down Low V.I.P.'
09 Sines 'Z Riddim'
10 Hackman 'Always'
11 Bobby Dozen 'Shrub Riddim'
12 Mista Men 'Ashanting Dub'
13 Distal & Hxdb 'Typewriter Tune V.I.P.'

Viralbass Podcast #2 - Dj Foster Funky Mix by Viral / Roma on Mixcloud

MPulse 'Automn Session'

2010-10-02T20:10:00.000+01:00

Bit slow upping this, with one thing and another, but here is another prime slice of Manu MPulse

Tracklisting
01 DJ Oddz 'Strung Up V.I.P.'
02 Hardhouse Banton 'Reign (Roska’S Ard Food Remix)'
03 Julio Bashmore 'Batak Groove'
04 Saanko Jäädä Yöksi 'Regina (Ghosts On Tape Remix)'
05 Modeselektor 'Art & Cash (Bok Bok Remix)'
06 Youngsta 'Bongo (Dubbel Dutch Edit)'
07 Hindzy D 'Target'
08 Machinedrum 'Carry The Weight (Darling Farah Refix)'
09 Lone 'Pineapple Crush'
10 Benjamin Damage 'Always Have Me'
11 Jackal Youth 'Broken'
12 Kingdom 'Hottest In America'
13 J Sweet 'Kerb'
14 Optimum 'Max Power'
15 Damu 'Beat Of Zen'
16 Zomby 'Strange Fruit'
17 Bateman 'Tephra Riddim (Grievous Angel Remix)'
18 Cedaa 'Justine'
19 Sines 'Hater Blockas'
20 Ramadanman 'Fall Short'

Mpulse - Automn Session by Mpulse on Mixcloud

Download HERE

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-09-23T11:22:00.002+01:00

Slackk 'Hotfoot E.P.' (Slackk / Hotfoot)
Vital release of Slackk's 'Eski Clicks' and 'Packet Flash'. Grimey 8-bit house flex underpinned by a devastating sub-roll - 'Eski Clicks' is a punisher for the heads-down crew. 'Packet Flash' in-contrast has a long-meditative build-up and a tribal feel to it's reconstruction of grime. Absolutely 100% essential - visit Slackk/Hotfoot and get it bought.

Youngstar 'Bongo (Dubbel Dutch Remix)' (DDJs Productions DDJSDD001)
Still on a grimey-house tip, the long overdue release of Dubbel Dutch's remix of Youngstar's 'Bongo' has finally dropped. Every inch a classic, from the low-end rumble of the drums and subs to Youngstar's mid-range bounce, and then there is the drop. Even the tail-out is pure classic on it's own. You can get it HERE.

A Made Up Sound 'Demons' (A Made Up Sound AMS004)
Deepest tech-house vibes spat through an echo-chamber. A Made Up Sound offer up a spacious and complex 3-tracker on his own imprint. 'Demons' is tricky work-out and reminds me, in spirit, of Source Direct's 'Mind Weaver' with it's overlaid patterns and deep deep bass. 'Extra Time' is in that stick and move framework that I love, with punishingly driven kick-subs and elevated by upwardly mobile synth-pads. 'Demons Reprise' cements the dub-ascetic to round-off a stunning release.

Foreign Beggars feat. Audra Nishita 'Higher (Diverse Concepts Remix' (Dented DNT047)
Emotional dubstep flex from DiverseConcepts on his remix of Foreign Beggars 'Higher'. I can't get enough of this tune, Audra's vocal float and weave among the propelled subs, synths and drums. Go listen and buy it. Out to Foreign Beggars, show 'em your love.

Cooly G vs Scratcha DVA 'Dis Boy' (DVA Music DVA006)
Dark, hugely anticipated 12 dropped on Scratcha DVA's own DVA Music. Scratcha's ethereal sub-heavy ghost of Cooly's 'Dis Boy' swoops and dives around perfectly honed percussion - deeply meditative and hauntingly essential. L-Vis 1990 and Bok-Bok's remix of Scratcha's 'Jelly Roll' lurches sparingly around the deepest of subs before Scratcha drops his heavy-as-s**t '32Da4', grimey dub inflections and relentless forward momentum. Versatile and diverse 12 - go get.

Mr Solo 'No Rush E.P.' (Mista Solo)
Deepest tech-house vibes on the 'No Rush E.P.' The title track 'No Rush' works up a funky shuffle from a characteristically clipped percussion pallet, before the synth stabs kick-in and the bass drops in true dub-head foundational style. Big track. 'Amazon Soul' flexes out on the deep-house vibe with lush synth-pads before 'Want You' rounds out this essential E.P. with it's warm driven swing for those 3am moments . You can check it/get it HERE.

Mr Solo 'Congo Play' (Mista Solo)
Insistent tribal roll and muted rhythmic synth line underpinned by a solid funky sub-line. Deep vibes - get it HERE.

Mr Solo 'Frustration' (Self-released)
I nearly signed this track, deep sub-heavy funky work-out with a trance inflected synth-line. Deep and dubby - listen/buy HERE.

Sunday Roast 'The Way Back E.P. Vol. 4' (SoulSerious SSR038)
Sunday Roast and SoulSerious drop the fourth instalment of 'The Way Back' series. 'Little More' compresses huge subs and synth-sweeps with deep-house vibes and a delicious roll - serious addictive vibes. 'Help Me Understand' drops in a conga shuffle over a swung house track before 'Free Step' rolls out with the deep tech-house ascetic half-way between Chicago and Berlin. Essential, get it HERE.

Tropical!

2010-09-22T09:30:00.001+01:00

Tropical! returns to Leeds on Wednesday, 30th October 2010 featuring Jera, Jangle, Mella Dee (Mista Men), Doc Daneeka, Martin Kemp and Blawan... to celebrate they've started a blog with a series of free mixes, the latest being from Blawan.

Show 'em your support and visit them at they're blog HERE

Ital Lion 'Your Love / Part Of Me'

2010-09-20T21:19:00.001+01:00

Being cut at Transition along with DiverseConcepts. Special thanks due to Ital Lion for the amazing support he's been giving this project on his radio show.

Check out his latest dubstep mix with Shaka Zulu on Mixcloud

Ital-Lion Vs Shaka Zulu. 2010 Dubstep Mixtape by Ital_Lion on Mixcloud

DiverseConcepts

2010-09-19T14:36:00.002+01:00

If you read this blog regularly you are probably aware that I’ve been mining a solid seem of music from South Wales, thanks mainly to Didz. Alongside Ital Lion’s tracks I was struck by another unsigned track that Didz included on his ‘Head In A Shed Mix’ HERE – that being DiverseConcepts’ stunning ‘Beautiful Ugly’. Anyway Diverse and I hooked-up and I’m pleased to say that this track will be dropping on my label backed by another stunner of his, ‘Timeless Journey’. Dai Verse (as he’s widely known) has recently relocated from Barry/Cardiff to Bristol and has had a recent run of releases including his blinding collaboration ‘Baduka’ with Chesus/Metabeats of C.R.S.T. fame on Doc Daneeka’s Ten Thousand Yen. Review HERE, buy direct from Ten Thousand Yen HERE or any good independent dance retailer.

Making music since 1998 he started off like many other producers on the PlayStation using Music and Music 2000 before settling on Reason in 2001 which to this day he still uses as his core software; although to be honest, in the short time I've known him, he'll use anything to hand to make music. Living up to his name – he makes tracks in a wide arrange of styles but always infected with his own personality and a incomprehensible sonic precision, check the previews to get a measure of it – cos I don’t think I can quite put it into words. To quote the man himself “[I make] Music, not the kind you know but the kind your familiar with”

Also check out his remix with Chesus of Ty's 'Heart Is Breaking' (BBE 132SDG2) and his achingly good remix for Foreign Beggars on 'Beggattron E.P.2 (Remixes)' (Dented DNT047)

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-09-17T11:18:00.001+01:00

This weeks round-up

Smoove Kriminal 'Intel' (Smoove Kriminal)
Electro-carnival flavours from Deja Vu's Smoove Kriminal. Damn funky and infectious groove and 100% free if you visit HERE and sign-up to his mailing list. Don't forget his '24 Hour E.P.' drops 18th October 2010 - more info to follow on that one shortly. Out to Smoove for keeping the funky faith.

The Clairvoyants 'Modern Day Slavery' (Wonderland WND005)
DJ Wonder re-animates his Wonderland imprint with the stunning dark-house 'Modern Day Slavery' from The Clairvoyants. Seriously swung and deeply moody, it tugs at the heart, head and feet with an irresistible funk groove before Wonder flips the script for a heavy dubstep refix. Essential purchase.

Nochexxx 'Rital In Love / Timepiece' (Ramp RAMP039)
Distilling the flux into two distinct tracks Nochexx pulls in juke and house into a broken framework for a killer 12 for Ramp. 'Rital In Love' delivers juke-inflected ghetto-tech with queasy uneasy subs before 'Timepiece' drops a blend of unsettleing house vibes on the unsuspecting listener. Sinister.

Julio Bashmore 'Batak Groove / Around' (Soul Motive SMR007)
Deep grooves from Julio Bashmore. 'Batak Groove' rolls out with a laid-back house groove submerged in a spacious dub environment. 'Around' brings in the jazzier and more soulful vibes but is no less compulsive. Versatile in the mix, this 12 will stick in my box for some time to come.

'Quality Street' (Butterz BUTTERZ002)
Long-awaited E.P. from the Butterz camp. Terror Danjah, Royal T, SRC and Mr Mitch all on one 12 - absolutely essential grime purchase. Terror drops his 'Creepy Crawler RIP.' that staggers and bristles with ear splitting tops and rabbit-punch subs, before Royal T weighs in with his hard-as-nails 'Hot Ones Remix', a sub-heavy 4x4 work-out that would slay any squat party. SRC gives us his 'Goomba V.I.P.' with an 8-bit middle-eastern vibe, characteristically melodic and inflected with the spirit of 80s funk. Mr Mitch's 'Skittles' rounds-off the E.P. in fine-style with more 80's funk and a breakbeat slant. Support GRIME visit BUTTERZ.

Hitman 'Love2Strong' (Dubting DUBTING019)
Sub-pressure, quick steps and 90's jungle vibes abound on Hitman's 'Love2Strong' on Dubting. Backed by the more metallic and abstract 'Nasty Dread' and 'Bad Man Sound'. Seering dubstep vibes and above all this 12 swaggers. I'll be caning this.

Humanleft 'Arnaud & Bernard' vs Benjamin Damage 'Zeppelin' (50 Weapons 50WEAPONS#005)
Twisted tech-grime from Humanleft, metallic, edgy and damn tricky - this is hard. Backed by Benjamin Damage with the broken-funky of 'Zepplin', fat subs and collapsing drums. Vital future moves.

Jook 10 'House Jack' (SoulSerious SSR039)
Deep tech-house of the darkest order on 'House Jacks' and 'Rocks' - both with Jook 10's characteristic sub-pressure. 'Olskl Nwskl' brings in garage-house flavours for another versatile cut. You can get it HERE

DJ MA1 'September 2010 Mix'

2010-09-15T07:47:00.004+01:00

DJ MA1 drops a blinder... listen/download below:

DJ MA1 September 2010 MIX by djma1

Sines 'Do It Up / Z Riddim'

2010-09-13T15:52:00.001+01:00

To celebrate the completion of lacquer cutting at Transition (thanks Jase and Karen) of Sines 'Do It Up / Z Riddim' and NKC's 'Marie / Ghettotechno' here are previews:

***NOTE: These are my rough-cut masters, if you want the Transition masters you'll need to bag a 12 or the digi when it drops***

NKC 'Marie / Ghettotechno'

2010-09-13T15:47:00.001+01:00

To celebrate the completion of lacquer cutting at Transition (thanks Jase and Karen) of NKC's 'Marie / Ghettotechno' and Sines 'Do It Up / Z Riddim' here are previews:

***NOTE: These are my rough-cut masters, if you want the Transition masters you'll need to bag a 12 or the digi when it drops***

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-09-07T10:24:00.001+01:00

This weeks distillation of the flux....

Fis-T 'Night Hunter / Deep Mover' (502 Records 502 001)
Harsh, heavy essential electro-grime flecked funky from Fis-T on Oneman's new 502 imprint. You've heard it, you love it, it's finally on wax - now open your wallet and buy it. Deep deep brutal grooves.

Breach 'Fatherless' (PTN PTN004)
Ben Westbeech's rightly-hyped 'Fatherless' drops on Ramp Recording's PTN imprint, a deep swung groove imbibed with the spirit of intoxicated dancing by the fire - instant classic. 'Man Up' delivers another slab of tribal tech-funky before Doc Danneka weighs in with his reinterpretation of 'Fatherless' - all plummeting bass and skittering percussion.

C.R.S.T. 'Revival' (Well Rounded WRND006)
C.R.S.T. drop a much-anticipated joyous garage four-tracker on Donga's Well Rounded. 'I Need You' steps out with a butt-shaking flex and sets the agenda. The tempo and pressure increase with 'May Not Be Real' before 'Dial The Operator' dives into subbier breakbeat-garage territory. The sublime 'Walk On' rounds out the EP... joy-in-a-bottle, go get. Vinyl coming soon.

DOK 'Golden Axe / Slip Stream' (Hardrive HDR001)
DOK kicks-off Terror Danjah's Hardrive Records in fine style. Hard-as-nails electro-funk grime of the highest order, swooping and sweeping into the recesses of the brain. Absolutely essential purchase.

DJ Johnny Pistol 'Violin Riddim' (Self-released)
The ever productive and generous Johnny Pistol fires-off the grimey broken-funk of 'Violin Riddim', a shuddering bass-quake of a tune. One for the steppas. Go listen/get it HERE.

LR Groove 'The Key' (Dirty Sounds)
LR Groove dish out a five track funky work-out including the shook essential 'The Groove'. Deep funky house-vibes throughout, check it/get it HERE

Undisputed 'Sunglasses E.P.' (Undisputed UR003)
Mammoth pack of remixes (14 in total) from Undisputed of their funky anthem 'Sunglasses' including the stand-out remixes by JP Styla and Smoove Kriminal. Take your pick HERE

Undisputed 'War E.P.' (Undisputed UR004)
Another mammoth pack of funky from Undisputed including the stonking sub-fests 'Fya' and 'Ice Breaker'. Also includes 'War' in it's original form, a VIP, a Fis-T and Greyman remix. Check it HERE

Jook 10 'Funktion' (SoulSerious SSR036)
Latin vibes from Jook 10 on 'Funktion', chopped horns, a subtle shuffle and his trademark subs - delicious gear. Backed by 'Get Low' that ramps up the soul and electro-bass vibes, and the ecstatic 'Ibiza' on the out. Another killer EP from the SoulSerious crew. Get it HERE

Sunday Roast 'Fusion / Gain High' (SoulSerious SSR037)
Deep tech-house vibes on 'Fusion' backed-up by the trippier 'Gain High'. Sunday Roast plough a furrow that ties-in funky to classic sun-up raves of yesteryear. True house-heads and proper techno exponents take note. Check-it HERE

Ital Lion 'Flex In The City'

2010-09-06T16:42:00.000+01:00

Another fine slice from Ital Lion - tune in to his show Tuesday's 9-ish onwards at InnerBassRadio

Tracklisting

01 Pariah 'Orpheus'
02 Burial 'Unknown'
03 Metabeats & Diverse Concepts 'Baduka'
04 Para 'Phobia'
05 Para 'Fututre'
06 Para 'Aurora'
07 Ital Lion 'Future Sound'
08 Ital Lion 'Your Love'
09 Ill-Diddz & Chico 'Sumthing New'
10 Ital Lion 'Maybe Someday'
11 Droid 'Scottie'
12 Ital Lion 'Inner City Life Remix'
13 Joker 'Tron'
14 Joker 'Unknown'
15 L-Wiz 'Girl From Codeine City'
16 Ital Lion 'Raggamuffin Bizz'
17 RSD 'Jah Rain'
18 Black Rhyno 'Affraid Of Me'

"Flex In The City" Future 2/Dubstep by Ital_Lion on Mixcloud

Stop Look LISTEN... Digital Dubstar '2012 Riddim (Babylon Shall Fall)'

2010-09-05T08:57:00.000+01:00

The promos for this dropped this Friday gone... absolutely stunning funky house work-out from Digital Dubstar, soon to come on his own Skip To My Loops. His veteran pedigree shines through, with inflections and techniques derived from years in the game... hardcore/jungle (remember Fusion - one and the same), dub-reggae, dancehall and bashment flecks; he builds his tracks to pull at your gut. That bass-line would make any junglist proud; serious moves and massive respect due. Check in HERE

2012 Riddim - (Babylon Shall Fall) by DigitalDubstar

Sines Juke MIx

2010-09-05T07:00:00.029+01:00

Sublime, heavy juke pressure from Sines

Sines Juke September Mix 2010 by Sines on Mixcloud

Tracklisting

01 Juxta 'Foundations (Sines Lose Myself Rmx)'
02 DJ Rashad 'Drop Juke Out'
03 DJ T-Rell 'Rsnu'
04 DJ Rashad 'In Da Club'
05 Lloyd 'Get Shawty (Juke Jams Rmx)'
06 DJ T-Rell 'Fantasa'
07 DJ Rashad 'Right N Yo Arms'
08 DJub 'Juke That Voice'
09 DJ Slugo 'Juke That Back'
10 Sines 'Danceflo'
11 DJ Hilti 'Back In The Day'
12 Sines 'Southside Still Holdin'
13 Distal 'Chit Chat'
14 Wheez-Ie 'Bak It'
15 Major Lazer 'Pon De Floor (Starfoxxx Remix)'
16 Twista 'Give It Up'
17 Machinedrum 'Lemme F_Ck It'
18 DJ Spinn 'Let Me F.U'
19 Jaime Grind 'Footsteppin Bass Rmx'
20 DJ Rashad 'K-Swiss'
21 Hunger Pains 'In The Middle (Slugo Rmx)'
22 Gantman 'J.U.K.E.I.O.U.'

Mista Men 'RVRSE / Ashanting Dub'

2010-09-04T14:35:00.003+01:00

Fresh previews are up... artwork is coming...

Mista Men 'RVRSE' (forthcoming NSA Dubs) from nsa dubs on Vimeo.

Mista Men 'Ashanting Dub' (forthcoming NSA Dubs) from nsa dubs on Vimeo.

Dropping very very soon...

Don't forget to pick-up their recent singles on Bass Tourist and Car Crash Set HERE

Piracy

2010-09-04T08:46:00.001+01:00

This is a difficult one for me being at heart a generous fella, I don't approve of it but I also understand there are a range of reasons why people download/share music and I feel I need to address the subject.

I've recently signed up for a well-known file-sharing site to post and promote the free material that I put up on the blog - I'm not going to name it, but you all know which site I'm referring to. I've done it because it's about time we acknowledge and accept that it exists (elephant in the room syndrome) and make some attempt to understand why people steal and share music; and work-out how to live with it because it isn't going to go away.

(a) They're broke (been there and understand, although that doesn't result in an entitlement to steal)
(b) They're from a country whose economic ranking makes obtaining western luxury goods financially prohibitive (understand, although that again doesn't result in an entitlement to steal - much bigger moral issue)
(c) They're from a country we as an industry largely don't do business with, making obtaining our products legitimately very difficult
(d) They already bought the music but lost it, had it nicked, hard-drive crash and wanted to replace it (fair argument? are licensing arrangements for personal use out-of-date)
(e) The item is out-of-print or on restricted supply (i.e. limited) - this is particularly problematic from a business point-of-view as this is a device we use to drive sales
(f) They are passionate about music and want to share/reach-out to others who like this style/track/whatever (you know like you used to do a tape for your friends)
(g) They're a crook by-nature and expect everything for free

Anyway I haven't sussed a policy for dealing with this, but because I sympathise with some of the motivations and circumstances that lead people to use such sites (even if I don't condone it - trust I work very hard to bring you good music and need to earn a living) I will be continuing the debate and reaching out to connect to 'that' community. Maybe we can thrash out a solution.

Holla ya thoughts on the subject

Didz 'Hot Gal / Missing Memory' NSA001 Update + FREE DOWNLOAD

2010-09-02T22:42:00.005+01:00

To celebrate the fact that the lacquers have been cut by Transition and are being Galv'd as we speak, I thought I ought to repost the forthcoming release Didz 'Missing Memory / Hot Gal' NSA001. Dropping very very soon. Massive thanks to Grant Discord for the help with the artwork.

Didz has also very kindly contributed a free-to-download tune called 'Feelin Soul' - listen/grab it below:

Didz - Feelin Soul by Diddy Dub

Don't forget you can still get 'Rum Dream / Memory' on Step2Records HERE

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;T&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Filthy Yello

2010-09-02T12:32:00.000+01:00

Filthy recently dropped these in my inbox following a good-natured to and fro about him giving away his amazing 'Perspectives' track on SoundCloud (basically I bought it when it came out) - always felt his electro-sub-heavy take on funky, so here's a sample...

Filthy Yello - A406 by Filthy Yello

Filthy Yello - 800 & 8 Obsessions by Filthy Yello

Filthy Yello - Perspectives by Filthy Yello

You can check out more releases at Juno HERE and his SoundCloud HERE (where you can also pick-up a copy of 'Perspectives' for free...)

Mpulse

2010-09-02T10:50:00.000+01:00

Out to Manu MPulse for these - have a blast and head over to his mixcloud page HERE for more...

Parklife Bench Comp by Mpulse on Mixcloud

Mpulse - Effects Of The Pressure by Mpulse on Mixcloud

Special mention that Discord & Contact's 'Concrete Riddim' is now forthcoming on NSA Dubs, more info to follow...

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-09-01T15:46:00.001+01:00

DJ Naughty 'Goosebumps' (Roska Kicks & Snares MR009)
I've been feeling this track for such a time and it has finally seen the light of day on Roska's Kicks & Snares label. Grimey 8-bit synths over an itchy shuffle, taught and infectious. You get a Jamie George and Gemmy remix to boot, but for me it will always be about the original. Hopefully on vinyl real soon, digital available now.

Cedaa 'Tiffany / Simba' (Car Crash Set C/C/S2029)
Cedaa weighs in with his debut release on Cosby's boundary stretching Car Crash Set. 'Tiffany' which got billed on DSF as 'half-time-juke' opens with dread chords before flexing out in every which way direction - massive tune that will grow and grow. 'Simba' is the more subtle yet no less devastating of the two tracks... taking elements of funky, juke and dubstep; infusing them with sublime bass pressure and a one-too-many tropical vibe. Get it HERE

Aramac 'Hurt Inside / Intruder' (Sticks 'N' Stones SNS001)
The previously only available from BM-Soho CDR get's slappped on to wax. 'Hurt Inside' is a darkly sexed-up steppa's slice of funky. Primed for a heads down groove. 'Intruder' takes on the original techno-ist pallette and moulds it into something indefinably funky and flexible. Top 12 you gotta check.

Chesus & Diverse Concepts 'Baduka' vs C.R.S.T. 'Bump' (Ten Thousand Yen TTY002)
Now on general release but ya really ought to buy it HERE. 'Baduka' rolls out with a taught jazzy swung-house vibe just to sucker the dancer into shedding a few pounds after the switch into spacious sub-heavy garage-techno - absolutely stunning stunning moves from D(a)iverse and Chesus. 'Bump' ramps up the summery garage pressure with tricky bass and a straight all out flex; C.R.S.T. proving yet again that styles are there to be moulded and adapted, not conformed to. Bust a move and buy it.

Stop Look LISTEN... DJ Johnny Pistol

2010-08-27T09:45:00.000+01:00

DJ Johnny Pistol 'I'll Give You Pleasure' (Self-released)
The ever generous Johnny Pistol drops another free-to-download killer. 'I'll Give You Pleasure' is a sub-heavy electro-funky work-out, low slung with deep deep vibes. Get it HERE

DJ Johnny Pistol 'Redrum Riddim' (Self-released)
Absolute killer from the man... stick and move rhythm, distant horn stabs and shuddering bass - don't pass-up on this dark stunner and mistake generosity for lack of quality. Out to Johnny, keep'em coming bruv. Get it HERE

DJ Johnny Pistol 'Revive Riddim' (Self-released)
Back on a soulful funky-tip for another big slab of horn-stabs, pads and a locked-in groove. Go get it HERE

Mercurial Myrmidon 'The Warm Up E.P.' FREE DOWNLOAD

2010-08-24T11:22:00.000+01:00

Mercurial Myrmidon are back after locking themselves away in the studio for a fair while. They have very kindly put out a free-to-download EP of future tech-funky and dark house. I've been following them since they dropped 'Adjusted Funk' and 'Hey Bongo' on the world.

On this EP you get 'Apathy (LDN Mix)' a deep swung dark house number that I've been consistently caning since they fired it over - it's perfectly balanced and ultra-versatile. 'Hey Bongo' gets reprised with an insistent synthetic swing for the darkest corner of the club on 'Hey Bongo (Deep Mix)'. 'No Sense Of Feeling' is a solid minimal deep house outing that would be fully at home in Shindoe's sets. Last up is the the infectious 'Pataptoon (Conga Mix)' - the epitome of tech-funky and is sheer minimal tribal goodness. True househeads and technoheads should be supporting this. I'd have dropped my wallet to buy this EP.

Download it HERE

Out to Mercurial Myrmidon for the generosity... add them on facebook HERE

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-08-22T08:25:00.001+01:00

Quick-fire catch-up of stuff that has floated my boat and caused me to part with cash...

Jook 10 'Niteryda E.P.' (SoulSerious SSR034)
Jook 10 rolls in with a sub-heavy funky 3-tracker. 'Niteryda' pulls in the dread-soca and juke influences into a tech-funky template for devastating tribal effect. The dark carnival vibe is further expanded on 'Congo Bass' and out to tough flex-out 'Do It Right'. Essential moves, check it/get it HERE

Sunday Roast 'The Way Back E.P. Vol. 3' (SoulSerious SSR033)
SoulSerious rack-up another strong release with Sunday Roast's third installment of 'The Way Back' EP series. 'Point Taken' ups the soul quotient to new heights echoing previous installments before 'Don't Stop' elaborates the 4x4 vibe with a dash of pre-95 techno evolving seemlessly into a full soulful house number. Last out is 'A Feeling' infused with the sunday scene ascetic within a tough funky framework laced with electro overtones. Another strong release you can get it/check it HERE

214 'Short Stack' (Car Crash Set C/C/S 2026)
Absolutely stunning EP from 214 on Cosby's Car Crash Set. 'Tork Shuffle' constrains IDM elements within a delicate swung landscape, 'Coconut' toughens the brew adding in those crucial funky and juke vibes. 'Why Don't You' rounds it off with a deep electro-flecked work-out - I've waited since 1993 for someone to evolve Autechre's 'Lowride' into a unique emotive sound and at last I think we have a winner. I'm hooked, get it HERE

Cooly G 'Up In My Head / Phat Si' (Hyperdub HDB038)
Absolutely 100% certified and guaranteed essential purchase. Cooly notches up her second single for Hyperdub and proves she's the master of all things dub-funky.'Up In My Head' is a warm dark space split only by the occasional shaft of vocal sunlight, deep vibes. 'Phat Si' is a fractured uptempo flex-out and the perfect flip to 'Up In My Head'.

Sines 'Stuff Dreams Are Made Of' vs Distal 'Tortelli's Slave' (Embassy EMB003)
Deep grime inflected dubstep vibes from Sines on 'Stuff Dreams Are Made Of' paired with Distal's deeper mutated funk on 'Tortell's Slave'. Released on Distal and Mite's own Embassy imprint. Strong future-leaning stuff that's got to be got.

Doc Daneeka 'Hold On' (Ramp RAMP037)
Swansea's Doc weighs in with a single-sided 12 for Ramp. Deep soulful house - bottled sunshine for definite.

Terror Danjah 'Bruzin VIP' vs DOK feat. Terror Danjah 'Hysteria' (Hyperdub HDB037)
Terror revisits his and Bruza's Aftershock classic 'Bruzin' (is it really 6 years?) - amplifying the soulful electro influence to maximum effect. DOK's 'Hysteria' is back on classic 4x4 grime flex that we haven't seen for a fair-while. Two masters at work. Go get.

Ital Lion

2010-08-21T10:08:00.000+01:00

More news, I stoked to say that Ital Lion is joining NSA Dubs for the first, of what I hope will be many, releases. First out the gate will be 'Part Of Me / Your Love'. He's got that Dark 2-Step thing locked down, like he (alongside fellow Cardiff fella Didz) picked-up the baton from the Ghost Camp all those years ago and moulded it into something of his own that's indefinably moody and funky. Jazz licks and jungle strings are offset against handcrafted beats and serious bass-lines. Though don't forget he crafts top dubstep to boot.

Ital Lion's trajectory has carried him thru acid house, hardcore (proper not 4-beat ya' dig?) and jungle and out through drum and bass before switching out to Garage, Grime and then Dubstep... He's a veteran DJ - Marlon 'Killa' Bee (remember?) and long-time stalwart of Cardiff's Inner Bass Radio, his Tueday night 'Dutty Skank' show has become a fixture of my week - as he sweeps through the swung and the dark in equal measures. You've got appreciate his hard-won skills - check out the mix, his tunes and get ready to embrace the smooth and the dark.

Connect to the Ital Lion dimension through the portal HERE

Stop Look LISTEN... Chesus & Diverse Concepts vs C.R.S.T.

2010-08-20T17:49:00.000+01:00

My oh my what a day, after a bit of difficult week Ten Thousand Yen's latest arrived in the post and has given me something to smile about again. Chesus & Diverse Concepts 'Baduka' vs C.R.S.T. 'Bump'... Absolutely top-notch gear delivered on a translucent purple 10" and strictly limited to 350 copies so do not sleep... you can hear and then buy it HERE

Out to Doc and the producers, huge huge release... Keep watching this space as D(a)iverse will be dropping a two tracker for my label in the next coupla months.... more info to follow.

Sines

2010-08-11T16:24:00.000+01:00

I'm extremely proud to announce that Sines will be dropping their funky 12 'Do It Up / Z Riddim' on NSA Dubs in the very near future. It came as a bit of a shock when I discovered that Sines, owners of Formant Recordings and Texas dubstep lynch-pins, not only made that strand of dubstep that you typically see branded as 'future garage' these days but they also made funky house. I guess that's says more about my UK perspective - niche-ism abounds in these parts as all the UK heads will understand.

Formant has been running since early 2008 and has featured/introduced a slew of new talent over the past two years (AC23, Daega Sound, Shortstuff, Hyetal, xxxy, Late, Phaelah, HxDb, Psychonaught, XI...). Sines has released material on their own Formant, Whistla's L2S, Distal & Mite's Embassy and Untitled! out of Belgium. Go check 'em out if you haven't bought 'em already.

You can get to know Sines a little better by reading the recent interview with Fundamental: Future Sound Directory HERE

Check Formant's blog for info HERE on their releases and a slew of amazing free tracks including 'Games', and their remix of John The 3rd's 'Sexin' that I featured in the last Future Beats. Tune in to Mixcloud HERE to check out their mixes.

Previews coming real soon...

NKC 'Webstarr Guest Mix'

2010-08-11T13:38:00.002+01:00

NKC teamed up with Webstarr for a guest mix on his Melody One show last week - here's the audio to stream via Mixcloud and to download HERE.

Hull-based Webstarr hosts a weekly radio show on Melody One playing varying styles of UK underground music. He also runs the Forefront club night in Hull which has previously featured guests such as Youngsta, Ben UFO, LD & Spyro.

Tracklisting

1. NKC - The Pyramids (unreleased)
2. NKC - Tongue On A Razor (unreleased)
3. Didz - Call Of Warrior (unreleased)
4. NKC - Marie (forthcoming NSA Dubs)
5. NKC - You Lied (skit)
6. NKC - Partisan Efforts (unreleased)
7. Hackman - Made Up My Mind (unreleased)
8. Notion - Rhaatid! (unreleased)
9. NKC - Ghettotechno (forthcoming NSA Dubs)
10. Saab 900 - Donna (unreleased)
11. The Nightcrawlers - Push The Feeling On (NKC edit) (bootleg)
12. Actress - Hazyville (NKC edit) (bootleg)
13. NKC - Stung (unreleased)
14. Mistamen - Ashanting (unreleased vocal version) [dub version forthcoming NSA Dubs]

Nkc 'Webstarr Guest Mix' by Nsa Dubs on Mixcloud

Modulate Summertime Mix

2010-08-10T07:02:00.000+01:00

Modulate (Leeds) drop their first promo mix ahead of their October launch...

"Louis Saville and Jamie Grind team up to bring you a fresh summery mix to get you warmed up for October 19th. Expect up-front dubs from Doc Daneeka, Jamie Grind, VVV and Hackman amongst a sick selection of house, uk funky and garage to get you through…"

Go have a listen and give 'em your support HERE

Mista Men 'Automatic Groove / Water Melon' (Car Crash Set CCS2027)

2010-08-10T06:01:00.000+01:00

Cosby's Car Crash Set unleash a killer 2 tracker from the Mista Men. 'Automatic Groove' is the Mista Men track that first caught my attention and I would have loved to release it on my own label but CCS beat me to the punch (fair-play matey). It has all the mood of prime 95 welded to a steppy, yet house friendly garage frame. Deep deep subs and tricky chords perfectly arranged - I can't express how much I love this tune. It represents the sound of summer 2010 and I've been blasting it out for months. 'Water Melon' is a fine compliment, deep swung and essentially a heavy groove. Absolutely essential purchase... get your copy HERE

Out to the Mista Men for the amazing music and out to Cosby - keep them coming matey, you've got some blinders in the pipe....

Stop Look LISTEN... OUT NOW on Step2Records...Ill Diddy 'Rum Dream' / 'Memory'

2010-08-09T10:45:00.001+01:00

***OUT NOW*** Didz has teamed up with Dan Edward's Step2Records to release 'Rum Dream' / 'Memory' under his Ill Diddy guise...

I'm going to be all over it like a rash... you can get it HERE

***REVIEW TO FOLLOW***

Visit Step2Records at Facebook HERE or at the new website HERE

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-08-09T10:21:00.002+01:00

I'm well behind on my reviews, but here's a few more to be going on with, all vital...

Bakongo 'Amhara' (Brain Math MATH09)

Bakongo weighs in with this single-sided deep funky 12 for Brain Math. A shimmering work-out with rolling bass, and a meditative vibe. Broken beat gets fixed by the funky technician. Vital vital 12 and worth every penny.... This is my favourite 12 on Brain Math to date and that's saying something after the Untold 12 last year.

Noah D 'My Vitamin Pillbox Nikes' (Rwina RWINA008)

Noah D steps out with a acid-grime 2 tracker for Rwina, deep saw-tooth basses and skittery xerox'd drums abound on the fantastically titled 'My Vitamin Pillbox Nikes'. Meanwhile 'The Love' shakes up a 'purple' dread-march and deploys a drop melody to maximum effect. I hope Noah D makes more stuff like this cos it's strong. Out to Rwina... keep 'em coming.

Jam City 'Refixes' (Night Slugs NSWL004)

Jam City weighs in with three stunning remixes on Night Slugs. 'Ecstasy Refix' is a deep cavernous tribal flex-out, light and airy underpinned by a sparing Reesian bass - big track and a much-needed shot of joy. 'Let Me Bang Refix' turns up the funky drums, and ghetto-garagetech vibes offset against an IDM synth sweep, moody yet strangely ecstatic. 'Shut The Lights Off (Devil Refix)' brings the electro-grime influence to the fore for a dub-grime transmission. Tidy tracks buy yours now.

Kidkut 'ILove04 / Lilt' (Apple Pips PIPS013)

Kidkut rustles up a joyful breakbeat-garage work-out on 'ILove04', stick and move, it rattles along with a driven bass and soulful drop out - emotional stuff. Flip the wax and we're treated to the ultra-funky 'Lilt', deeper vibes but still swung. This is essential and should have a home in every bag.

Sunday Roast 'Mogo Jam / Com On' (SoulSerious SSR031)

Deep tribal house from Sunday Roast. Funky and flexible 'Mogo Jam' shapes up with a structure indebted more to techno than funky or house, built around rhythmic progressions and deep soulful synth sweeps and stabs. 'Com On' ratchets up the swing and sub-bass for a subtle shook throb. Deep vibes throughout, get it HERE.

SMOKE/LESS/FUELS: Standard Radio Saturday

2010-08-07T13:15:00.010+01:00

Standard Radio is back on the air tonight. Lock in from 9PM (GMT) till 10.30PM - I will be...

***EDIT*** I wound up listening to this in a haunted house in the middle of Chester (strangeness) - blinding show as ever you can check it HERE

or download from SMOKE/LESS/FUELS HERE

Cardiff heads check this... Maxx Roach Blogspot

2010-08-06T11:51:00.002+01:00

Maxx Roach has set-up a blog to document, well, whatever takes his fancy, including what's happening in and around Cardiff. He is also showing off some of his sounds including a tidy bit of freeness - his stunning 'Firewood'

Go look see HERE

FUTURE BEATS Part Two

2010-08-04T14:27:00.003+01:00

Goin' in faster on this one, out to all the producers, remixers, labels, and Ital Lion (Dutty Skank, Inner Bass Radio), and Colz & Bob (Standard Radio) for the inspiration to go faster... - Part Three coming real soon...

To be clear this is a studio edit of numerous attempts at doing the mix in a single cut BUT my skills just ain't that good,

Tracklisting

01 Didz 'Movement' (Unreleased)
02 Spectacles 'Novavon' (Unreleased)
03 Major Grave 'Memories (A-Force Remix)' (Unreleased)
04 Spektrums 'We Plant Pumpkin Seeds' (Unreleased)
05 RLM 'GO' (Unreleased)
06 SKIPS 'Butter Fingers' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
07 Ital Lion 'Don't Hold Back' (Unreleased)
08 Blind Prophet 'Wondering Why' (Car Crash Set C/C/S2023)
09 Didz 'Missing Memory' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
10 John The 3rd 'Sexin' (69 Ways Sines Remix)' (Self-released/unreleased)
11 NKC 'Ghettotechno' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
12 Mista Men 'Lengthy Riddim' (Bass Tourist BT009)
13 Jamie Grind 'Keep Wondering' (Self-released/unreleased)
14 DiverseConcepts 'Beautiful Ugly' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
15 Kode9 feat. The Spaceape 'You Don't Wash (Vocal)' (K7! DJ KICKS K7-262EP)
16 Mista Men 'Ashanting Dub' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
17 Bobby Dozen 'Snake Skin' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
18 Mista Solo 'Solo Chords 3' (Unreleased)
19 Mista Men 'Lengthy Riddim (Secret Agent Gel Remix)' (Unreleased/Forthcoming Bass Tourist)
20 Ital Lion 'Your Love' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
21 Didz 'Alright SJ' (Unreleased)

Download HERE, or listen at Mixcloud...

Nsa Presents Future Beats Part Two by Nsa Dubs on Mixcloud

Part One is still up and available for download

Tracklisting (Please ignore the timestamp on the Mixcloud Player)

01 (Scratcha) DVA 'Freakout (Dub)' 00:00 (XLR8R)
02 Chimpo 'Spektrum Skank' 00:13 (Off-Road Recordings OFFROAD006)
03 DJ Johnny Pistol 'Air Invasion Riddim' 02:02 (Self-released/unreleased)
04 Cooly G 'Dubplated' 02:32 (Self-released/Dub Organizer Vol 2)
05 DJ Naughty 'Gearshift' 04:34 (Roska Kicks & Snares MR009)
06 Pacheko & Pocz 'Zarbak (Mr Gasparov Remix)'05:20 (Senseless SENSELESS013)
07 Hutchy B 'Rinse Out' 07:04 (Self-released/unreleased)
08 Mista Men 'Water Melon' 08:24 (Forthcoming Car Crash Set)
09 Don Haffer 'Phone Home' 09:28 (Self-released)
10 Mista Men 'RVRSE' 10:56 (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
11 Jook 10 'Thunder' 11:55 (Soulserious SSR021)
12 DJ Johnny Pistol 'Joker Riddim' 14:05 (Self-released/unreleased)
13 Major Grave & Bob 'Imperial (Colz Remix)' 15:02 (Standard EP3)
14 Fis-T 'Bouncer' 15:48 (Self-released/unreleased)
15 C.R.S.T. 'Mighty Music (Mista Men It's A Lot Remix)' 16:18 (Forthcoming Car Crash Set)
16 Gremino 'Be & See (Grievous Angel Remix)' 18:20 (Car Crash Set CCS2017)
17 NKC 'Partisan Efforts' 18:50 (Unreleased)
18 Sunday Roast 'Love Is' 19:40 (SoulSerious SSR024)
19 Altered Natives 'Crop Duster' 20:10 (3024 Records 3024009)
20 Major Grave & Bob 'Imperial (Gon Remix)' 21:26 (Standard EP3)
21 Fully Kurrupted 'Comet' 22:59 (Self-released)
22 Altered Natives 'Cold Shower' 23:43 (Eye4Eye Recordings E4E0009)
23 Mista Men 'Longer Riddim' 24:44 (Unreleased)
24 NKC 'Marie' 26:16 (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
25 N10-Tainment 'Shadowy Whisperz' 26:36 (Unreleased)
26 Didz 'Movement' 30:10 (Unreleased)

Download HERE or listen at Mixcloud...

Nsa 'Future Beats Part One' by Nsa Dubs on Mixcloud

NKC 'Ghettotechno' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)

2010-07-31T08:10:00.003+01:00

Last month I announced that NKC was joining the NSA Dubs fold for a split 12 'Marie' / 'Ghettotechno' - so here's a taster...

NKC's tunes bristle with an energy that reflects the musical flux that we're going through right now. I'd love to give you more information but to be honest I don't know a great deal, apart from an email address and a name on a piece of paper (which I'm bound not to reveal) it's all a bit mysterious and vague. But as any music-junky knows that has just whetted my appetite even more and has left me to imagine how this indefinable raw funk comes into existence. Check the track for yourself and brace yourself for more to come.

NKC 'Ghettotechno' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs) from nsa dubs on Vimeo.
'Vimeo' white-label special of forthcoming NSA Dubs - for information purposes only - note: clip is interrupted every 30 seconds

***UPDATE*** NKC weighs with a guest mix for Webstarr on Melody One tomorrow 8 - 10 pm BST http://melodyone.com/ tracklist looks heavy... features NKC, Didz, Mista Men, Hackman, Notion and Saab 900 dubs...

Stop Look LISTEN... Kromestar

2010-07-28T12:54:00.002+01:00

Kromestar / Kromestar feat. Metal Mouf 'What Else / Stratosphere' (Together As One TA002)

Dark, dark stuff from Kromestar, delivered with his trademark swagger. 'What Else' is a brooding heavy slice of dubstep tinged with more of that jungle ascetic that's floating around, backed by the skewed and oddly melodic 'Stratsophere' featuring the talents of Metal Mouf - don't doubt this is a must have 12.

Kromestar 'Thru The Blinds / Love' (Anti-Social Entertainment / Clockworq ASC004)

A further outing from the man with the highest work-rate... delving deeper into dub he rattles out another mighty step-out. The depth is shear and subs clean as-you-like. The funky roll-up after the break further emphasises the blissed-out swagger. Flip for the meditative jazz-step of 'Love' - soulful and deep all the way this has gone straight into my top dubstep tunes of all time. If you dismiss Kromestar you need to get new ears - 2 drops in one week, well...

Stop Look LISTEN... 'Dub Organizer Vol 7'

2010-07-28T12:20:00.002+01:00

Cooly G 'Dub Organizer Vol 7' (Self-released)

Absolutely stunning dub and house mutations from Cooly on the seventh instalment of her Dub Organizer series. 'Darrn' is a precise spacious dub - flowing, it oozes into the corners of my house in the way of Dub Syndicate or African Head Charge at their finest. 'Full Ah Sensi' further expands the vibes with inner city chords over a steppy framework - I'm glad to hear more of that Reinforced/Metalheadz ascetic of the mid-90s creeping back in - a perfect compliment to LHF's recent EP. 'IC' sees her return to her trademark territory of hyper-minimal-dub-funky - flexible and perfectly-pitched at the centre of your brain and body - utter class. Last out the gate is 'Well Mi Seh' a summation of the dub and the funky rolled into one - heavy steppy stuff. If this is an indication of the range on her forthcoming album, well what can I say... If you want a copy you need to find Cooly on facebook or twitter...

Forthcoming Car Crash Set ....C.R.S.T. 'Mighty Music'

2010-07-23T09:45:00.000+01:00

Massive moves from Cosby's Car Crash Set; C.R.S.T. (the 'Diff's favourite street gang) land the killer punch that is 'Mighty Music'. I've been waiting for this, the previews of this EP that I've been lucky enough to hear have each been better than the last.

'Mighty Music' drops with fully swung garage effect and bloopy sub bass, but somehow manages to border on the ultra-tech and funky all in a single move. It's a slinky war of the worlds. The Mista Men then promptly rub-it-up in two contrasting directions, a tougher funky remix and the 'It's A Lot' Remix that I featured in the first Future Beats - all backward subs and slink... seriously good stuff.

Rooflight steps up to deliver the '10 Mile Refix' of 'Walkin' Tall & Mighty' further deepening the garage vibes with skittering hats over twisted vocals, before the devastating Girl Unit remix of 'The Bells' - this is for the big system, trancey and pounding. Last-up is Distal's remix of 'The Bells' - a fully warped revision, and absolute class.

Drops next Tuesday, 27th July 2010. Go check the previews HERE and click the 'email me when available' button.

NSA Dubs likes... Mercurial Myrmidon

2010-07-21T09:31:00.000+01:00

Massive tech-funky showcase mix from Mercurial Myrmidon... I knew they were cooking some new material up, but I think they've been cooking-up the finest crack and curried goat - Fierce.

House-heads take note, show 'em your support.

Tracklisting

1.Mercurial Myrmidon 'Rising Up'
2.Mercurial Myrmidon 'Step Into My Zone'
3.Mercurial Myrmidon 'Ground Level'
4.Mercurial Myrmidon 'We Built This House'
5.Mercurial Myrmidon 'Hey Bongo (Deep Mix)'
6.Mercurial Myrmidon 'Enter The Congo'
7.Mercurial Myrmidon 'The Warning'
8 Mercurial Myrmidon 'Just A Beat'

MercuryMix by Mercurialmyrmidon

Didz 'Hot Gal' (Vimeo 'white-label special')

2010-07-20T14:08:00.017+01:00

To mark the announcement of his release on Dan Edwards's Step2Records here is the other half of Didz first release on NSA Dubs.

Didz 'Hot Gal' (Forthcoming NSA Dubs) from nsa dubs on Vimeo.
'Vimeo' white-label special of forthcoming NSA Dubs - for information purposes only - note: clip is interrupted every 30 seconds

Stop Look LISTEN

2010-07-20T10:21:00.006+01:00

Ill Blu 'Bellion / Dragon Pop' (Hyperdub HDB036)

Long-awaited plate from Ill Blu. This is funky over house, 'Bellion' itches and flexes with the clipped drum palette I associate with the scene that first inspired me, reinforcing bass stabs and a minimal marimba shake - a neat and versatile work-out. On the opposite we get the future leaning 'Dragon Pop' - oh my gosh! - tuned subs and rolling drums, stripped minimalism executed to a T. This has been long-overdue but well worth the wait. 'Dragon Pop' codifies some fundamental internal rhythm in me in the same way jungle did back in the day - Big up Ill Blu, glad you are still with us and big up Kode/Hyperdub for making it happen. Top notch, go get.

Blind Prophet 'Open The Cut' (Car Crash Set C/C/S2023)

Second outing for Blind Prophet on Cosby's Car Crash Set with the 'Open The Cut EP' - We get two versions of the ethereal 'Open The Cut' an IDM-flecked dubstep number, that I can see flicking many peoples switches, just right for the festival sunrise crew. 'Lag' toughens the blend with a garage step and kick in the gut whilst still maintaining the IDM gloss. Personal pick has to be 'Wondering Why' an immense sound scape of blue chords reminiscent of Speed anthems and heavy rhythmic bass that underpins and propels the tune. The drums drop around the bass like rain... lush, atmospheric and expansive. One for old rave and trip-hop heads and the post-dubstep crew alike, Get it HERE

Jook 10 'Ride It' (SoulSerious SSR027)

Jook 10 lands another killer punch in the form of the tech-funk 'Ride It'. Clipped drums and a minimal synth hook dominated by massive massive bass. Dark-house at it's finest. The SoulSerious camp just keep on giving. Go get it HERE

Jook 10 'Growler' (SoulSerious SSR028)

As if 'Ride It' wasn't enough, he drops the slinky dark funky of 'Growler'... rolling and flexible, an addictive extrapolation of funky and proper techno. I dropped my wallet to buy it. Get yours HERE

Lapo Numa Crew 'HC Youth' (FakeID ID600)

Thanks to DJ Foster of SUB FM for turning me on to this one. Italy's Lapo Numa Crew weigh-in with 'HC Youth' a funky ravey flex-out with exemplary toasting by Sista Kinky. Rolling drums, heavy kicks backed by clean stab subs, simple effects and a live-feel with all the energy and dynamics that that implies. To follow you get the instrumental of 'HC Youth' and the even ravier, speed funky work-out that is 'Ghetto Youth'. Good move by the FakeID camp.

Kode9 feat. the Spaceape 'You Don't Wash' (K7! K7 262EP)

Kode9 and the Spaceape return with this slung dread number that inhabits the space between dubstep and funky. I've missed Kode9's tunes ( a lot) - his 4D vision of a textured future was a massive draw to me from day one. Everyone has been caning the dub version, but I guess that is 'cos it got given away by K7! as 192 mp3. The vocal version surpasses the dub, with the Spaceape's unique delivery to deepen the tunes vibes - he's definitely my favourite dubstep vocalist. I can't imagine the sound without his claustrophobic, incisive narration. I don't need to tell ya, ya need to buy this.

Mella Dee 'Tropicana Mix'

2010-07-17T21:27:00.011+01:00

Mella Dee, one third of the Mista Men and Tropical! mainstay, weighs in with a mighty mix of exclusives...give it your fullest support 'cos it's the perfect compliment to a sticky summers evening...

Catch Mella Dee with Tropical! cohort J Angle each and every week on Radio Frequency (link in the sidebar) Friday 1800 - 2000 UK time. Want to book a Mista Men Deejay email direct mistamen@googlemail.com or holla me and I'll pass it on

"...come-in Mella Dee, Woozee and Burdenski - your time is now..."

Tracklisting

1. 24hr Experience - Together
2. The XX - Shelter (C.R.S.T 'Dub' Mix)
3. Jamie Grind - Bad Attitude
4. Breach - Fatherless
5. JG & Soultonic - Flying Saucer
6. Mista Men - What U Do To Me
7. Kidkut - My Sound
8. C.R.S.T - The Bells
9. Mista Men - Longer Riddim
10. Smoove Kriminal - Darkwing
11. JG - The What
12. Jera - Out In The Cold
13. SIA - Little Man (Exemen Works)

Download HERE and/or listen at MIxcloud

Mella Dee - Tropicana Mix by Mistamen on Mixcloud

Forthcoming on Step2Records...Ill Diddy 'Rum Dream' / 'Memory'

2010-07-15T11:52:00.012+01:00

Didz has teamed up with Dan Edward's Step2Records to release 'Rum Dream' / 'Memory' under his Ill Diddy guise...

I'm going to be all over it like a rash... you can hear it HERE

Drops 9th August 2010 details to follow...

Visit Step2Records at Facebook HERE or at the new website HERE

NSA Dubs likes... Dubbel Dutch

2010-07-15T09:42:00.004+01:00

Dubbel Dutch weighs in with some freeness... URB Presents: Dubbel Dutch - loose-limbed house without the stifling niche-isms that dominate the UK scene, hats-off fella this is seriously good, taking in the expanse of what dance music can and should be - ultra-positive mix.... Get it HERE while you can, pop the top on a beer, hang the speakers out the window and enjoy....

Personal moment is definitely Munchi's Remix of Dubbel Dutch's own 'Throwback'

FACT Presents: Parson 'I Rep The Dirty South (Dubbel Dutch Remix)' Much plated refix finally sees the light of day, but only for a week, so grab it while you can... I will be hammering it. Get it HERE

FUTURE BEATS Part One

2010-07-13T14:06:00.011+01:00

Tracklisting (Please ignore the timestamp on the Mixcloud Player)

01 (Scratcha) DVA 'Freakout (Dub)' 00:00 (XLR8R)
02 Chimpo 'Spektrum Skank' 00:13 (Off-Road Recordings OFFROAD006)
03 DJ Johnny Pistol 'Air Invasion Riddim' 02:02 (Self-released/unreleased)
04 Cooly G 'Dubplated' 02:32 (Self-released/Dub Organizer Vol 2)
05 DJ Naughty 'Gearshift' 04:34 (Roska Kicks & Snares MR009)
06 Pacheko & Pocz 'Zarbak (Mr Gasparov Remix)'05:20 (Senseless SENSELESS013)
07 Hutchy B 'Rinse Out' 07:04 (Self-released/unreleased)
08 Mista Men 'Water Melon' 08:24 (Forthcoming Car Crash Set)
09 Don Haffer 'Phone Home' 09:28 (Self-released)
10 Mista Men 'RVRSE' 10:56 (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
11 Jook 10 'Thunder' 11:55 (Soulserious SSR021)
12 DJ Johnny Pistol 'Joker Riddim' 14:05 (Self-released/unreleased)
13 Major Grave & Bob 'Imperial (Colz Remix)' 15:02 (Standard EP3)
14 Fis-T 'Bouncer' 15:48 (Self-released/unreleased)
15 C.R.S.T. 'Mighty Music (Mista Men It's A Lot Remix)' 16:18 (Forthcoming Car Crash Set)
16 Gremino 'Be & See (Grievous Angel Remix)' 18:20 (Car Crash Set CCS2017)
17 NKC 'Partisan Efforts' 18:50 (Unreleased)
18 Sunday Roast 'Love Is' 19:40 (SoulSerious SSR024)
19 Altered Natives 'Crop Duster' 20:10 (3024 Records 3024009)
20 Major Grave & Bob 'Imperial (Gon Remix)' 21:26 (Standard EP3)
21 Fully Kurrupted 'Comet' 22:59 (Self-released)
22 Altered Natives 'Cold Shower' 23:43 (Eye4Eye Recordings E4E0009)
23 Mista Men 'Longer Riddim' 24:44 (Unreleased)
24 NKC 'Marie' 26:16 (Forthcoming NSA Dubs)
25 N10-Tainment 'Shadowy Whisperz' 26:36 (Unreleased)
26 Didz 'Movement' 30:10 (Unreleased)

Further info to follow... Download HERE Listen at Mixcloud

Nsa 'Future Beats Part One' by Nsa Dubs on Mixcloud

Terror Danjah 'Power Grid' (Planet Mu ZIQ278) OUT NOW

2010-07-12T18:18:00.002+01:00

OUT NOW - DON'T SLEEP

***REPOST*** Finally got my mits on the plastic, so here's the review reposted again... with the additional bonus of a Terror mix-up to celebrate. The opener 'Space Traveller' leads you into the EP with a characteristic top-notch grime number - all swagger & funk BUT does nothing to prepare you for 'Menace' - epic epic funk underpinned by massive subs - Terror delivers on the innovation front (again) - I'll be caning this for years (and I mean years). 'Pulse' sweeps in proper-electro overtones to deliver a versatile cut, before the ramp up into sheer-aural-carnage that is 'Twisted'.

'Power Grid' itself fuses jungle into the grime template, and I do mean jungle (the type you feel at the back of your head and used to make me sprint from the car to get to the stack back in the day - god I want to hear this on a rig outdoors or in a warehouse). 'Upton Lane' roughs-up hip-hop, funk and orchestral synth sweeps into a joyous swirling stepper's number. 'Horror Story' drops heavy dub subs and bone snapping snares before 'Ride 4 Me' leads us out via a funky uplifting grime number.

I hear 'next level' bandied about all over the place but this, THIS IS NEXT LEVEL INNOVATION.

Power Grid Ep Planet Mu Terror Danjah Dj Mix by Terror Danjah on Mixcloud

Stop look LISTEN

2010-07-07T10:26:00.008+01:00

This weeks essential purchases..

Altered Natives 'Serial Vendetta' (Eye4Eye E4E0009)
Unquantifiable goodness from Altered Natives. Whereas the stunning 'The Bitch / Crop Duster' 12 was out and out rough-house, this the second (!) album of 2010 sees a collage of breakage and beats sucking in the references of the whole tapestry of dance-music. With no regard for politics or phony-wars between sub-genres, we get a 13 track funk flex-out with multiple future musics contained within. I found it hard to review because the references are so vast, no single reference sufficient to describe any track entirely let alone the whole album.

'Mother' pulls in dread atmospherics from prime-era tech-step, offset against broken breaks and Reesian bass - for my money this is where drum and bass is really at, true-junglists take-note. 'Cut Slash Mutilate' shakes up an acidic electro-broken-beat funk-out - relentless and supple it flexes straight into the tricky acid-jazz of 'Eating Drinking Fucking Suckin'. 'Cold Shower' picks up another tricky soul beat and warps into a UKF step-out - currently one of my favourites to mix - switch-in, switch-out, switch-in, switch-out, drop the bass.

'Skankysket Riddim' picks up the keys of 'Cold Shower' and further drives home the funk, zone-out and groove - perfect track sequencing, and you don't even need to cut-away - just leave it go. 'Fuck Your Couch' is out-and-out ghetto house - itchy and claustrophobic. 'Out Of Existence' is an immense slab of house for the sunrise crew... reminds me of being on top of the Titanic warehouse feeling the vibration of the rig(s) under my feet and the cool morning-air on my face - turn to my gal and say 'I love you'.

'Distances' marks-out the emotional centre of album for me, Reinforced chords and tricky post-jungle drum patterns. Majorly expansive vibes to lock into, underpinned by relentless wrap-around BASS.

'Immortality' deepens the mood with a rave indebted woozy break-house track. 'The Claart' ratchets-ups the acid quotient before 'Shankle' drops sub-heavy broken-beats all-over the shop. 'Mothership' ties back-in the rough-house vibes I associate with the Natives - swirling, intoxicated, deep.

Queue the close-out fanfare of '5 Deadly Venoms' like a late-night ninja-film, a manga assault on the senses, as broken as the funk can get... don't think about it, find your groove and bounce.

The key thing for me about this album is that it never looses sight of it's function - every tune is aimed at your body, pure funk weapons. Like George Clinton versus 4Hero in the mightiest sound-clash.

If you don't get it, buy it anyway 'cos it will make sense later...

Listen and buy at Juno HERE or Boomkat HERE

Sunday Roast 'The Way Back EP (Vol. 2)' (SoulSerious SSR024)
I'll comeback to Volume 1 at a later date, Sunday Roast and the SoulSerious crew seem to be on it at the moment with a string a top-notch releases heading our way. The EP kicks-off with 'Old Steps' a 4x4 Garage-House swing with the handbag ditched in favour of moody Metalheadz production vibes and a heavy heavy drop sub. 'Rio's Theme' shakes up an itchy minimal tropical number again bolstered by deep, clean drop subs. On the out 'Love Is' a deep soulful jazzy number, rolling drums and the super clean subs - I have been caning this, a real stand-out track perfectly constructed. Buy it HERE

Out to the SoulSerious Crew... I've been checking the forthcoming and I can't wait...

Mista Men 'Lengthy Riddim' (Bass Tourist BT009)
I've been championing this from the second I heard it. SecretAgentGel's Brooklyn based Bass Tourist drop a massive funky mutation from the massively talented Mista Men (yeah, I know I'm biased - but think about "I loved it so much I bought it"). The original is a lithe flexible step-out, deep drums and subs, sharp switches and tropical flourishes - it's paired back to minimum to deliver it's function wholly and resolutely - strangely for a house track it put me in mind of Photek's "Ni - Ten - Ichi - Ryu". Hackman then flips the script to deliver a disco-flecked warm house remix with deep deep vibes and deeper subs. I couldn't chose between the two as to my favourite. Buy from Juno HERE or at Bass Tourist HERE

Mista Men 'Ashanting' (forthcoming NSA Dubs)

2010-07-03T06:53:00.008+01:00

To celebrate their 'Lengthy Riddim' release, the second half of the double A forthcoming on NSA Dubs.

Mista Men 'Ashanting' (forthcoming NSA Dubs) from nsa dubs on Vimeo.
'Vimeo' white-label special of forthcoming NSA Dubs - for information purposes only - note: clip is interrupted every 30 seconds
Usual drill - mail me for specials...

***Video replaced 01/09/2010 - due to legal reasons relating to sample clearance 'Ashanting' will now be released as 'Ashanting Dub' - the video reflects this change***

NKC

2010-07-02T19:55:00.002+01:00

I'm very happy to announce that the massively talented NKC have joined the NSA Dubs camp for a AA 12... the tracks are under wraps at the moment - previews coming real soon.

Watch this space...

Mista Men 'Lengthy Riddim' OUT NOW

2010-07-02T09:29:00.004+01:00

The Mista Men's on-spot debut is OUT NOW on Bass Tourist - the GIRL UNIT FACT Mix featured 'Lengthy Riddim' backed by a full-on Hackman remix.

As the Juno Player won't embed you can check/buy the 'Lengthy Riddim' release HERE or at Bass Tourist HERE

LHF 'EP1: Enter In Silence' / DVA 'New World Order'

2010-07-01T15:23:00.002+01:00

Two slabs of essential plastic have officially dropped and I felt I should give them a fuller treatment than I usually do. Both encapsulate the shifts in the scene and set new benchmarks.

First-up is LHF's 'EP1: Enter In Silence' on Blackdown's Keysound (LDN018). I was gripped by the previews that Blackdown featured last month, but nothing prepared me for the full vinyl experience. The wax on the platter revealed a supple, deep and dynamic 4-tracker. I don't know what to call this...which is a good thing. This is way beyond dubstep.

Out the gate we're treated to deep blue pads and ghosted vocals of Double Helix's 'Deep Life' - like the echo of mid-nineties Reinforced and Metalheadz forced through an analogue dub-weapon mixing desk - heavy heavy distorted subs and sharp snares - it's a dissection of an earlier time reconstructed into it's basic elements. This is dub.

The vibe extends out across Low Density Matter's 'Blue Steel', spliced junglist atmospherics allied to a steppas garage rhythm - vintage keys, dub syndicate vs dub syndicate, urban style majik, a bitches brew. I haven't heard anything that has come close to this in a long-time. Fit for the dance, fit for the head.

'Steelz' by Amen Ra & Double Helix oozes round the corners like grime rendered by Ornette Coleman in a sound-clash with Prince Far-I at a brooding sub-tropical tempo. Oh my days, I'm gonna be caning this.

Amen Ra's 'Broken Glass' featuring Double Helix tops of this set, the hardest cut, exploiting polyrhythmic shunts to create a swirling miasma to cocoon the dancer. I suspect this could make me turn green under the right circumstances.

The whole-set wears the burden of history with pride, reshaped for the future. I make no secret of my admiration for Blackdown's mission with Keysound and I hope he won't object but I think this is the best to date (until the next one).

The second platter is (Scratcha) DVA's 'New World Order' (DVA005) - like Blackdown he's always at the cutting edge of the sound, but this is by far his best release to date. He nails 4 funky mutations aided and abetted by Roska in his Bakongo pseudonym for remix duties on 'Lost'.

I've taken exception to other reviews I've seen of this EP because they haven't grasped it's significance. The opening track 'New World Order' distills and quantifies the future-dark-house vibe. Not since Reinforced's proto-jungle days has such moody-house been committed to plastic. This is a template - plummeting subs, sub-grime synths all rolling and falling away from the dancer's feet. This is a white-out, everything is fine just don't ask me "Are you OK?".

'Schizophrenic' further stretches this approach fused against the funky rhythmic structure - heavy hitting kicks and upbeat snares flex forward only to lurch back in grimey face-offs. This is such a claustrophobic experience, like being stranded in Kidbrooke or Belvedere after the last train.

Bakongo's remix of 'Lost' is monolithic and spacious. The sub kick is so far forward in the mix it folds round the listener. The rhythm evolves and shifts with each element precisely defined and given due room to breath.

'Quickfoot Revisted' throws funky into the kill-chamber and loops it into a myriad of rhythmic offsets.

This is the definition of dark-house/dark-funky. Hats Off, wallet out, buy it...

Taking both releases together it's time to recalibrate or get left behind.

Mista Men 'RVRSE' (Vimeo 'white-label special')

2010-06-22T15:56:00.016+01:00

I'm going to hold-off giving you the full lowdown on the Mista Men just yet, but here is a taster of their double-A dropping on NSA Dubs sometime soon.

***EDIT*** Looks like I f**ked up and put up an alternative version of RVRSE - correct version is now up...

Mista Men 'RVRSE' (forthcoming NSA Dubs) from nsa dubs on Vimeo.

Specials available upon request

Forthcoming...

2010-06-22T07:51:00.011+01:00

On Keysound... LHF 'EP1: Enter In Silence'

Check it HERE

Drop date: ~~28th June 2010~~ IN THE SHOPS NOW - I bought mine go buy yours...

On Random Trio Productions... Cyrus 'Minimal / Underworld'

Check it HERE

Drop date: September 2010

NSA Dubs likes...

2010-06-21T11:33:00.004+01:00

More stuff worth your time to stop and check...

SBTKT & Sampha 'Break Off' (Ramp RAMP033)

Massive broken-funky-house flex-out from SBTKT & Sampha. This has anthem written all over it - bassy, wonky, it feels like it may collapse under it's own tension and weight. Crisp Crisp vocals - tight tight production. How far can you stretch an elastic band? Go buy it. Big-up Ramp.

Altered Natives 'The Bitch / Crop Duster' (3024 Records 3024009)

Altered Natives and Martyn's 3024 join forces for a solid rough-house flex. Both sides ooze with the raw vibe I associate with the Altered Natives. 'The Bitch' flecked with an original electro vibe, dark & itchy. 'Crop Duster' will be spun by me for month's to come - dark dark rough-house, possibly my favourite Natives tune to date. Essential plastic purchase.

Major Grave & Bob / Standard Crew 'Imperial (2007)' (Standard EP3)

Standard crew alert... EP3 is here. Major Grave & Bob's 'Imperial' is a seriously infectious grime groove and has been caned in my house since it dropped. All bravado strings and swagger, backed up by dubbed-out effects and heavy heavy subs. Gon then racks-up with his remix taking us into funky territory delivered at a swift swung pace. I'm a particular sucker for the wobbly bass. Last-up and by no means least is Colz who treats us to a true dub - dissecting and layering the original into a mutant hybrid before slamming the subs at the heart of the controls. This is top s**t and what's more it's FREE. Get it HERE

Hackman 'The Always E.P.' (Shifting Peaks SPEAKS001)

I've been meaning to up a review of this for some time... Hackman's relentless work-rate and expansive production style delivers something unique and truly very special. 'Always' appears in three versions here; original vocal, instrumental and remixed by Brackles plus the stunning 'Multicultural' finally sees wax. My pick has to be the original vocal of 'Always' which should be at the top of the charts all summer long as it's a seriously astute tune.

One of my big complaints about dance music these days is that since the demise of the proper underground warehouse circuit, the tunes have become smaller and less emotional - mainly due to the dynamics of the spaces they get played in. As a result, tunes like this are a brave rarity.

Hackman has captured a heart-felt longing and offset it against fluttering tropical drums all within the framework of a R&B vocal tune - and they are stunning vocals to boot. This tune should be all over Radio 1, I should be sick of hearing it by now - like the Source's 'You Got The Love' or Massive Attack's 'Protection'.

One for the elitists and the populists - hats off.Hackman, hope you get the recognition it deserves.

Mr Mageeka 'Different Lekstrix / Different Lekstrix (L-Vis 1990 remix)' (Numbers NMBRS6)

Nothing to say apart from...You've heard it, you like it go buy it.

Joe 'Claptrap / Level Crossing' (Hessle Audio HES014)

True minimal funky goodness from Joe. 'Claptrap' is a percussive step-up and build cut, instantly recognisable from the get-go and irrepressible in the mix. 'Level Crossing' takes us on another rhythmic trip, where latin flavours abound. Vital for your box, Steve Reich fans should also go-look-see...

LV feat. Josh Idehen '38' (Keysound LDN017)

I've been hooked on this EP since Blackdown upped a preview mix on his blog HERE. It's got swing, soul, step and a narrative - what more do you want? Go get a vinyl copy, the wear of time will only add to the atmosphere. Highly recommended. And don't heed the other reviews - the tracks on this 12 mix superbly and will add a live-dynamic to any set...

Policy 'Emotional / Speed Of Life' (Car Crash Set C/C/S 2019)

Policy bravely takes on Burial's sonic template and whips up some bass-heavy future garage/2step fit for any dance-floor. Both tracks are deftly executed, throbbing flexes and need to be checked - go get it HERE

SRC 'Gold Coinz' (Numbers NMBRS5)

SRC come with more future-funk inspired grime for the in-vogue Numbers imprint. Thank f**k for grime - this 5 tracker lurches and swaggers all the way to the bank in joyous technicolour. It's nice to hear unfettered enthusiasm spill-out my speakers. Personal pick, though it's all good, 'Brakedance'

Jamie Grind vs Gon 'If You Want' (Infrasonics INFRA12003)

4 Tracker split between Jamie Grind and Standard affiliate Gon. Grind's 'If You Want' kicks of the EP with sub-infused future garage designed to make the dance flex, 'Balloon' steps-up the future-funk quotient with blue tinged chords. Gon then rattles in for his two tracks with 'Chakka Mad'; a more tech-flavoured funky cut, steppy and lively all the way with a bassline reminiscent of ravier days. 'Riddance' wraps up the EP with a house cut shaded with echoes of classic detroit... Very tidy EP from Jamie Grind, Gon and the Infrasonics camp.

RINSE FM

2010-06-17T12:33:00.010+01:00

Congratulations are due to RINSE FM who finally, after years of hard graft, were granted their broadcast license today...

True staying power.

To celebrate Terror Danjah has upped a mix from 1999...

Listen HERE

Didz 'Missing Memory' (Vimeo 'white label special')

2010-06-16T10:37:00.005+01:00

Didz 'Missing Memory' (forthcoming NSA Dubs) from nsa dubs on Vimeo.
'Vimeo' white-label special of forthcoming NSA Dubs - for information purposes only - note: clip is interupted every 30 seconds

Specials available by request to nsa.dubs@gmail.com

***EDIT*** Video replaced 01/09/2010

Mista Men 'Lengthy Riddim' (forthcoming Bass Tourist BT009)

2010-06-16T10:18:00.005+01:00

The Mista Men's on-spot debut will be released on Bass Tourist on 1st July 2010 - the GIRL UNIT FACT Mix featured 'Lengthy Riddim' backed by a full-on Hackman remix.

I'm also proud to announce that the Mista Men have joined the NSA Dubs fold for a double-A 12 - there will be a full feature and further information in due course, keep it locked...

You can check their 'Ashanting' in Didz' 'Head In Shed Mix' HERE

As the Juno Player won't embed you can check the 'Lengthy Riddim' release HERE

NSA Dubs likes...

2010-06-15T09:58:00.003+01:00

F**k I like a lot stuff at the moment, but that's good ain't it... when I started this just over a month ago it felt like there was a drought on but it's turning into a monsoon...

Lil Silva 'Night Skanker E.P.' (Night Slugs NS004)

Bok Bok's Night Slugs deliver a hefty 6-tracker from Lil Silva.

Lil Silva vs Youngstar 'Funky Flex vs Pulse / Funky Pulse' (DDJs Productions DDJS030)

The original plate on Youngstar's DDJs available on download for the first time - It's Younstar's stand-out classic 'Pulse X' roughed-up by Lil Silva to an even more hyped pitch than the original (some feat), what's not to like? Get it HERE

Johnny Pistol 'The Joker Riddim' (self-released)

Free download from his SoundCloud - rude boy, nasty bass, funky assed.... from the dread horn intro onwards I'm gripped. Go listen, download and cane... HERE

Jook 10 'Thunder' (SoulSerious SSR021)

Ultra-functional dark tech-funky from Jook 10 and the SoulSerious crew - deep subs and a enviable roll. Seriously propulsive stuff that I'm looking forward to dropping in a mix. Go check it/buy it HERE

NSA Dubs likes... SMOKE/LESS/FUELS & Standard Radio

2010-06-15T08:11:00.002+01:00

Standard Radio's exemplary mix on Saturday night hit all the right spots for me and is pretty much on constant rotation whilst I work...

Go listen (if you missed it) or download (if you caught it) HERE

Tracklisting

01 Friends From Rio 'Escravos Do Jo (Da Lata Remix)'
02 4Hero 'Naima'
03 Seiji 'Elevator'
04 John Tejada & Titonton Duvanté 'Only For The Freaky Ones'
05 Napihedz 'Jah Bless'
06 Hackman 'Dusk'
07 DJ Naughty 'Gear Shift'
08 Doc Daneeka 'Swine Flu'
09 Scuba Feat. Alma Horton 'Give It All (Domu's 'Got To Give' Mix)'
10 Kaidi Tatham Feat. Izzy 'Betcha Did (Son Of Scientist Remix)'
11 Girl Unit 'IRL (DVA's Hi Emotions Remix)'
12 MJ Cole 'Flux Riddim'
13 Mr Huevo 'Rejalate (Em Vee Remix)'
14 Egyptrixx 'Everybody Bleeding'
15 Baobinga 'Ride It'
16 Da One Away Feat. Bembé Segué 'The Mind (Son Of Scientist Venture)'
17 Mark Force 'Gypo (Doasulikey)'
18 Zed Bias 'Neighbourhood (El-B Remix)'
19 Joe 'Claptrap'
20 Sepalcure 'Love Pressure'
21 Blawan 'Fram'
22 Burial 'Versus'
23 VVV 'Project X'
24 Untold & LV 'Beacon'
25 Naphta 'Jungle Republic (Ramadanman Remix)'
26 Kasrave 'PClart'
27 Joker 'Tron'
28 Ghost 'Think Ur Greezy'

Dub Organizer Records

2010-06-15T08:02:00.004+01:00

Cooly G's Dub Organizer Records will be back real soon, if you want to know more follow on twitter

Didz

2010-06-12T21:57:00.002+01:00

It's easy to forget in a world of pan-cultural options that are focussed in and around London, that this fusion of global cultures we thrive on is not a new or recent event to our islands but a tradition that stretches way-back and that it's London focus is in fact a fairly recent historical event.

The Welsh capital, Cardiff, has been at the heart of this revolution from day one, with all the pain and joy that that brings, and it comes as no surprise to me that we're all suddenly discovering a wealth of talent from that neck of the woods. The sonic fusions we're chasing are at the heart of a certain section of the Cardiff population and it's culture to the core - the ability to adapt, mould and invent in the face of cultural change is deep rooted there, much as it is in Bristol - albeit most people get that now, I hope.

The list of the new great and good emanating from beyond the Severn Crossing just keeps growing. Just listen to the buzz around C.R.S.T. at the moment or Swansea's Doc Daneeka.

On that basis I'm proud to announce that Cardiff's own Didz has joined the NSA Dubs fold for a double A hitter dropping soon. The man is immensely talented and flies the flags of three cultures on his MySpace page - Dominica, Barbados and "BadBoy cold Arse Wales". I jumped at the chance to release his tunes as they draw in so many threads - liquid funk atmospherics, solid 2-step swing, dread bass and step-up funky house switches... he can run it smooth but more importantly, take on dissonance that can edge a tune and elevate it - check out 'Hot Gal' in the mix. To celebrate he's rustled up a mix that's the perfect compliment to a summer afternoon - kick back and have a beer and check a rake of exclusive tracks...

Didz 'Head In Shed Mix' by Nsa Dubs on Mixcloud

Tracklisting

01 Ital Lion 'Maybe Someday' (unreleased)
02 Diverse Concepts 'Beautiful Ugly' (unreleased)
03 Mista Men 'Ashanting' (forthcoming NSA Dubs)
04 Didz 'Hot Gal' (forthcoming NSA Dubs)
05 Metabeats & Diverse Concepts 'Baduka' (forthcoming 10,000Yen)
06 xxxy 'Just For Me' (forthcoming Fortified Audio)
07 Chico & Didz 'Sumting New' (forthcoming 10,000Yen)
08 C.R.S.T. 'Redeye' (unreleased)
09 Hackman & Jamie Grind 'Saw The Light (Mista Men Remix)' (unreleased)
10 Didz 'Good Love' (unreleased)
11 Ital Lion 'Your Love' (unreleased)
12 C.R.S.T. 'Inside' (Bigger Than Barry BAZ005)
13 xxxy 'Flew' (forthcoming Fortified Audio)
14 Chico & Didz 'Lucid Space Dust' (unreleased)

More info on Didz and the forthcoming 12 very very soon...

Coming soon on Planet Mu... Terror Danjah 'Power Grid E.P.'

2010-06-12T15:12:00.008+01:00

Can't wait for this to drop and slide the shiny black discs from the cover, 8 tracks of future-grimey business - check the previews HERE - 'epic' is the only word I can think of having had a listen.

Drop date: 12th July 2010 on Planet Mu ZIQ278

***Update*** Now I've got over my initial-shock, figured I should come-back and give you a proper review. The opener 'Space Traveller' leads you into the EP with a characteristic top-notch grime number - all swagger & funk BUT does nothing to prepare you for 'Menace' - epic epic funk underpinned by massive subs - Terror delivers on the innovation front (again) - I'll be caning this for years (and I mean years). 'Pulse' sweeps in proper-electro overtones to deliver a versatile cut, before the ramp up into sheer-aural-carnage that is 'Twisted'.

'Power Grid' itself fuses jungle into the grime template, and I do mean jungle (the type you feel at the back of your head and used to make me sprint from the car to get to the stack back in the day - god I want to hear this on a rig outdoors or in a warehouse). 'Upton Lane' roughs-up hip-hop, funk and orchestral synth sweeps into a joyous swirling stepper's number. 'Horror Story' drops heavy dub subs and bone snapping snares before 'Ride 4 Me' leads us out via a funky uplifting grime number.

I hear 'next level' bandied about all over the place but this, THIS IS NEXT LEVEL INNOVATION. 12th of July seems along way off, I want my plastic now...

Further round-up...

2010-06-12T11:21:00.003+01:00

XLR8R Podcast 143: MJ Cole

Massive raw funky / crack-house mix from MJ Cole - get it HERE

Don Haffer 'Spaceboots E.P.' (Self-released)

Released back in April and hotly tipped by both Roska and Marcus NASTY - solid funky tech minimalism, deftly executed. Massive subs and swung rhythms - all 6 tracks all vital tools for the box. Go check and buy it now before the rush starts....HERE

Hard House Banton 'Reign (Roska's 'Ardfood Mix)'

Major freebie remix from Roska Roska Roska chopping up Banton's original to stunning effect - shame it ain't being cut to plastic, so if you want it visit and follow ROSKA

Roska '124 Mile' (bleep.com)

A prelude to the SONAR pay-to-rave festivities, a low slung detroit funky number and totally free to bleep account holders - Roska's been in one generous mood lately.

El-B & Roxy 'Deep Deep Love (Remix) / Music In The Night' (DAT Pressure / Groove Chronicles)

Long-sought dubplate only tune dropped by El-B at >FWD back in the day finally sees a release (albeit digital only) via Noodles' DAT Pressure / Groove Chronicles label backed by the stunning forward looking 'Music In The Night' - like the darkest coffee and deluxe ice-cream, a proper treat. Get it HERE

Groove Chronicles 'Anytime (Noodles Remix)' (DAT Pressure / Groove Chronicles)

Massive and criminally overlooked refix of 'Anytime' - I've been caining this since in dropped in March. Get it HERE

NSA Dubs likes... SMOKE/LESS/FUELS & Standard Radio

2010-06-11T14:36:00.002+01:00

Check Standard Radio this Saturday 9PM (GMT) 'til 10.30, I'm still reeling from part of the mix 2 weeks ago where Colz' took it dark, grimey and funky post Addison Groove's 'Dumbshit'...

Direct link to livestream HERE

Link to SMOKE/LESS/FUELS Less one hand, hope you mend soon... HERE

NSA Dubs likes...

2010-06-09T08:06:00.014+01:00

More stuff to go seek...

DJ Naughty 'Firepower E.P.' (Roska Kicks & Snares MR008)

Long overdue return of DJ Naughty with deep confident minimal productions, 'Firepower' is a stripped flex aching with sharp hats and melodic rise and fall bass - this will be in a lot of boxes/on hard-drives for a long-time to come. 'Gearshift' delivers more of same precise refinements for a plethora of rhythmic outcomes harking back to proper detroit/berlin and put me in mind of Frankie Bones' 'Ghetto Technics' series. Added to that you get the bonus of Roska Roska Roska's remix of Quicktime pressed on plastic for the first time, Naughty's original chopped into a swirling, swerving dub. Vital 12 with staying power...

Fully Kurrupted 'Fully Kurrupted E.P.' (Fully Kurrupted / UKFunky.com)

I don't know the proper running order of this spot 6-track download-only EP so I'll take it as I find it. 'Comet' lurches forward, propelled with an envious carnival energy. 'Dark Times' works up the 90s warehouse rave sound pallet against a stick and roll funky rhythm. 'Do Not Attempt To Leave The Dance Floor' is an exercise in patience and build, very detroit and very useful. 'Funky Mac' takes on clash-era grime tones and sets them-off against a steppers funky framework - the '...it's fully kurrupted...'. vocal-tag used to hype-up the clash vibe. 'The Feelings Right Dub Mix' is an ascendent electro flecked groove. Last-up 'Time 2 Shine' offers a straight piano-led tune spiced with dub reggae vox. This is an ultra-functional and cohesive EP and well worth the spend. Get it now - get it HERE

Gremino 'Be & See (Grievous Angel Remix)' (Car Crash Set C/C/S 2017)

Speed-garage gets a face-lift from Grievous Angel on the remix of Gremino's 'Be & See'. This has immediate grip on the floor from the first drop. Ultra-supple and flexible, wind-it back and drop again and again... light-up the dance. Killer look from Cosby's 'Car Crash Set', buy it HERE

NSA Dubs likes... N10tainment

2010-06-07T11:29:00.003+01:00

N10tainment 'I Pray' (N10tainment / UKFunky.com)

I've been waiting for someone to take on the funky riddim and make a true blues/soul 3am tune and N10tainment wins the prize hands down. This is a seriously bold move and damn fine - low slung and swung with perfectly pitched vocals and controlled use of echo-chamber dynamics to tug at the heart of the dance. You could drop this at any point of your set to change the temperature. This tune will make memories, guaranteed. I haven't asked (yet) but I hope there are more versions of this tune to come 'cos the underlying rhythm is major and I can feel the potential. This is why I keep listening - what a great way to start the week.... BUY/CHECK IT HERE

The producer is everything

2010-06-02T08:59:00.006+01:00

Well I'm a month down the line with this project and I figure it's about time I explained what it's all about.

'NSA Dubs' was conceived as a label to release next generation bass music from the UK. Fired-up by the UKF explosion from 2008/09 and the diaspora of post-dubstep sounds I felt I wanted to create a brand that could encourage the production of better and better music - built upon the principle that music at it's best is evolutionary, revolutionary and connected to the context of it's time. It's a selfish enterprise in as much as I'm a long-term punter who wants to see this grow and develop..

Because I can, I've gone back to drawing board and thrown-out the Dickensian contracts that persist in this industry. I want to encourage producers to take good risks both from a business and creative point-of-view. Some of the practices that are still used in this industry are shocking. I've worked in bigger much more competitive and cost-heavy industries; largely these out-moded 'business' practices would be frowned-on and were abandoned long ago as counter-productive.

The producer (composer) is everything in music - make no mistake, without them we are f**ked. I/we can write all day, DJ, chat, tw@t and blog but without them there is nothing. I'm offering a realistic and fair deal that treats producers with the same level of respect I would expect them to have. I'm not anti-everyone else, I just don't think we look after our assets well enough for this business to flourish. I believe in cooperation and collaboration - the sales figures are too low to adopt pseudo-business apprentice-like non-sense - it doesn't work and no-one wins. Hoodrats are not welcome here. Protection rackets are bogus.

I work on a licensing basis strictly under contract. The producer gets paid for their contribution on an ongoing basis, in perpetuity. I make money from product and business acumen. Don't doubt I have a track record for profit and cost-down. Yes, it has to be well-managed, sustainable, profitable and realistic OR there won't be a next one... there is no merit in going bust.

Creatively, I believe in context and communication - Apple's 'Siegalizer' is an amazing production that is good in it's own right but in context it's a year zero statement of the future, the same goes for Doc Scott's 'Drumz 95' or countless others. I'm not into the journalistic concept of the 'nuum because it's subjective, but any serious punter has their own personal list - I will be publishing mine in due course ('cos it's about time someone did) - context is vital. That's why I promote others, regardless of whether I like/know them personally or vice versa. I don't care whether they care I'll still feature they're products.

I'm not arsed with technology and snobbery, if it's got 'it' it's got 'it'. Whether it's made on the 'best' software or an old mobile I don't care. Production-values are exactly that 'values' i.e. subject to change. Most are led by the software-houses and their forums (impressive business lads). Most every fault that obscures a good tune can be fixed in an hour for f**k all good enough to take to be mastered.

Anybody tell you that 'that' amazing tune is s**t 'cos it ain't well produced needs to see a therapist and work-out their self-esteem issues, period. If that is you and your offended - good for you.

Anyway I think that's enough for now (I feel my soapbox calling), if your interested mail me, point me at some tunes, ask for a sample contract, talk, do business - take a chance, because I will.

NSA Dubs likes...

2010-05-26T09:25:00.003+01:00

When I started this blog, it was partly out of a desire to champion the increasingly rare selection of good new releases, but this month has yielded a bumper crop - here are some more you ought to check... (and for the record - no-one pushes this stuff to me - I go and find it and buy it like a regular punter...)

Maniac 'Thug / Wreckage' (Terrorhythm Recordings TERR007)

Plastician drops Maniac's 'Thug / Wreckage' on his revived Terrorhythm Recordings. 'Thug' taken from Maniac's 'New Age Grime' release, transition mastered and pressed loud on plastic, swoops, dives and plummets - a true stepper's delight. 'Wreckage' is an out and out flex riddim - contort yourself and buy it

Doc Daneeka 'Deadly Rhythm' (PTN Ramp Recordings PTN001)

Ramp initiate their new PTN imprint with a massive 4-tracker from Doc Daneeka - an out and out coup. 'Deadly Rhythm' is a flexible funky house riddim, versatile and able to impart a slew of polyrhythmic outcomes on any mix. 'Dizzeeheights' elaborates the steppy feel with tech-house and echoes of early 90's raves - sophisticated DiY? 'BumblebeeRiddim' is probably my pick if you forced me - massive bass drops and dubby polyrhythmic rhythms - an anthem - I tried it out with MJ Cole's 'Volcano Riddim' at the weekend and it wrecked me - I nearly forgot to mix out. Last-up is 'Swine Flu' a smoother techier number infused with the energy of bashment. This EP is major, don't sleep - buy it on plastic.

Cyrus 'Beatwise / Scanner' (Random Trio Productions RTP006)

Cyrus drops another transition-mastered blinder on his Random Trio Productions imprint. 'Beatwise' is the more 'friendly' of the two - utilising the characteristic precision of Cyrus's production style to devastating effect - slung, swung and deep. 'Scanner' is rhythmically the more challenging of the two, all echo chamber swing and step underpinned by massive bass and moody chords - switching and dropping back on itself - it took me awhile and leap of faith to sus how to mix it... but both are a joy to mix - keep it dub and keep in plastic.

SRC 'Goin Out EP' (Rwina RWINA007)

Elijah & Skilliam championed SRC EP on Rwina. If you want a selection of synth driven themes to drop and accent any set - this is the pick for you, whether funky, house, dubstep, wonk or grime. All 80's funk sweaty and heavy. If this and the Maniac 12 are the 'new' Grime then I'm sold. Big-up Butterz for the heads-up...

NEW LABEL - Further tracks sought...

2010-05-24T12:15:00.002+01:00

The new label 'NSA Dubs' is going ahead and strictly plastic not download - I'm looking for more tracks to sign.

Demos, part-finished tunes, links, 128s will do - email me at the address in the sidebar - please check the PRIZEFIGHTER MIX HERE to see if you fit.

Dark House / Grime / Grimey House / UKF / 2 Step / Dubstep (not heavy metal) / Whatever-U-Call-It / Future Beats - Join the dots...

If it swings, flexes or drops - get in touch. No timewasters.

Esko Beats

2010-05-19T10:37:00.007+01:00

Up until this week if you mentioned Milton Keynes to me I instantly got a flash memory of the J15 crew and everything that that became (that an' the obligatory concrete cows...) - I've now got to update my fading memory bank, Milton Keynes is Esko's patch.

When I included Esko's 'Funka' in 'the PRIZEFIGHTER MIX' I knew nothing about him but I loved that tune. It was, for me, one of the stand-out tracks of 2008/09 because it mixed so well with other styles of music whilst imparting a forceful UKF vibe on the results - any tune that can go head-2-head with Eastwood & Oddz 'Champion VIP' and still exert such pressure has got to be good. The only shame was it was never commercially cut to plastic and probably never will be....

Esko got in-touch following the publishing of 'the PRIZEFIGHTER MIX' last-week and we hooked up this week to bring you 'Esko Beats vs NSA Dubs - the CARD MIX'. He kindly gave me access to an extensive selection of released and unreleased tunes, both current and archive. I've selected a few that I think showcase the breadth of his talents and inflected/inflicted them with my own take on his sound.

All the tunes are Esko's with no added effects, normalisation, compression.

I've included a bit to represent the past, the grimey but definitely Funky 'Stush' and 'Shook' from the 'Dutty Soul EP' and the previously unreleased 'The Way You Make Me Feel' that draws on his extensive hip-hop/R&B/Soul influence. (To note the man has an amazing selection of unreleased hip-hop/grime productions to draw on). I've included both sides of his Car Crash Set single (released just last week) 'Deception / Faithful' and a couple of new unfinished tunes that he played me over the phone... 'Deep Concerns' with a warm lush tech-house vibe and 'Hype' which is grimey as hell. In a way I feel that the mix not only shows off Esko's styles but also shows some of the divergent directions that UKF is taking.

It's probably my influence and the memory of the J15 crew permeating through but the mix has, for me, echoes of the early 90's in particular, Nookie circa 93/94, and Villalobos' 'Contempt' - You know the one... "We control the mountain"... but it is definitely now not then...

I've kept it brief and heavily mixed to ensure that I haven't abused his hospitality, needless to say I could have posted several hour long mixes based on what he gave me access to.

In terms of the man himself, Esko has a fair bit on the go at the moment, both business and personal, including a hook-up with MC Creed, the new single on Car Crash Set, and a D-Malice remix of 'Deception' that is currently exclusive to the mighty Supa D.... Regardless he is fully connected and on it... If you want to talk business contact Esko direct or send me an email and I'll pass it on.

Hook up with Esko on: Twitter SoundCloud Mixcloud Facebook MySpace YouTube

Listen to the mix here:

Esko Beats Vs. Nsa Dubs - The Card Mix by Nsa Dubs on Mixcloud

Tracklisting

01 Esko 'Stush' (Esko Beats) 00:00
02 Esko 'Deep Concerns' (intro) (unreleased) 00:15
03 Esko 'The Way You Make Me Feel ' (unreleased) 01:01
04 Esko 'Faithful' (Car Crash Set) 02:18
05 Esko 'Hype' (unreleased) 03:19
06 Esko 'Shook' (Esko Beats) 04:20
07 Esko 'Deep Concerns' (unreleased) 06:30
08 Esko 'Deception' (Car Crash Set) 06:31

Total running time: 10:20

Links to purchase...BUY 'EM DON'T STEAL 'EM...

'Deception / Faithful' (Car Crash Set C/C/S2015 May 2010) HERE

'Dutty Soul EP' (Esko Beats 3661585176435 October 2009) HERE

Get it while you can...

2010-05-19T08:58:00.007+01:00

Terror Danjah 'Bipolar' (Butterz BUTTERZ001)

Released back in April and nearly out-of-stock, this is a vital slice of prime-grime back on the 2003 to 2005 quality level but 100% 2010, i.e. all tune not talk. This is damn smart, 'Bipolar' is a muscular flex with searing synth hooks and deep steppy bass, 'Airbubble' is funky as hell and will gel/accent any set you drop it in, last-up is DOK's remix of 'Sidechain' - absolute and total hype - Get it while you can as you'll pay big later if you miss it. Support GRIME visit BUTTERZ HERE.

Cyrus & Tunnidge 'Lights / Ding Ding' (Origin Audio ORG001)

Prime stripped dubstep from Cyrus & Tunnidge, simple and focussed with the emphasis on rhythm. 'Ding Ding' is my personal choice - heavy and rare for dubstep these days, developing it's own rhythmic progression. 'Lights' has received more attention and is the more 'traditional' of the two cuts but devastating none the less. Go get...

NSA Dubs likes...

2010-05-14T08:23:00.010+01:00

This weeks round-up...

MJ Cole 'Riddim EP' (Prolific Recordings PROPH119)

Future goodness from MJ Cole. 'Volcano Riddim' floors me with it's balance of late-night bass hype and swung strings - this is an out and out anthem, mixing bashment, UKG, grime into the funky template hence it's place in the centre of the PRIZEFIGHTER MIX. The remaining three tunes are all exemplary of a man in charge of his art 'Flux Riddim' steps and flexes like nobody's business, rising and falling and ratcheting up the pressure. 'Thekla Riddim' brings in acidic electro overtones to a swung UKF rhythm. Last up is 'Phoenix Riddim' that rounds up the set with a steppers delight. Above all this EP has swagger and hype - if you haven't bought it yet go get it now, and buy it on vinyl as this is a joy to mix. Blackdown talks to MJ Cole HERE.

FootSteps 'Tip Toe' @ UKFunky.com

FootSteps comes correct with a low swung UKF electro outing called 'Tip Toe' available now at UKFunky.com HERE.

Ghost Recordings - Back catalogue available on download

Go to DAT Pressure (Groove Chronicles) NOW...

Lil Silva 'A Million / No Hooks' (Night Slugs NSWL003)

Raucous righteous stuff from Lil Silva and the Night Slugs Crew - 'A Million' bristles with late-night carnival energy - few tunes can match this weight for weight which is why it went straight into the PRIZEFIGHTER MIX. 'No Hooks' is a slung grimey game-boy tune with plenty of swing and bounce. Vital - buy it on sight.

Elijah & Skilliam '8 Bit Grime' Mixes @ mixcloud

Part 1: Elijah HERE

Part 2: Skilliam HERE

The PRIZEFIGHTER MIX

2010-05-13T09:11:00.014+01:00

REPOST NOW HOSTED @ mixcloud - I've always liked SoundCloud but it was never designed for broadcasting mixes so all multi-artist mixes will be hosted at mixcloud from now on - you can find them HERE ... additionally all the producers involved can claim mechanicals for each play so all round I'm happier with this solution...

New project, new name NSA, new blog NSA DUBS.

I’m not a DJ; this is the reference mix I’ve made to mark the start of this project. People who’ve heard it liked it so I thought I’d blog it rather than keep it on my hard-drive – web presence an’ all that eh? It represents the starting point for what I’m trying to achieve - focused next generation bass music.

Why make a reference mix? I’ve found that during the production process I can easily lose track of what I'm trying to do, getting sucked into the technology – sometimes this results in happy accidents and inspiration – too often it results in just s**t, so I pulled together the tunes that I’m feelin’ (that have had a full release) just to help me keep focused on my goal – to make/promote/release tracks that work within this framework.

In terms of style, its got to be pan-cultural like London and the UK at its best - 'Immigration built the nation...' - a bit of this an' a bit of that. Largely I've been feeling the more rhythmically challenging end of UKF for the past year but rather than anchor around a house framework I'm using funky as the frame itself and overlaying a variety of whatever-u-call-it, grime and dark garage to shake-out different structures with echoes of older and newer, even unmade tunes.

All the tunes are heavily mixed but without added effects, equalisation, normalising or added compression. The only tool used is cross-fades/volume. All the combinations were discovered mixing without headphones - in 'free-air', something I’ve always found liberating – I’ve then edited down using Audacity to what you have here. The tempo is circa 125-126bpm to allow emphasis on swing, step, flex, bump and off-beats, etc. It also makes sure the bass has room to breath. I’ve use leading and trailing beats, and flaring (subtle speed convergence/divergence) to add dynamism. I also tend to cut on the swing and work by ear – I never use a grid.

Listen to the mix here...

Nsa The Prizefighter Mix by Nsa Dubs on Mixcloud

More info on the project to follow shortly…

Tracklisting

01 F1 Track 1 from ‘F1 Dubs’ (Southside Recordings SS59 2005) 00:00

02 Dubplate Wonder ‘Anthem Hype Dub’ from the ‘Wonderland EP’ (Self-released / UKFunky.com 2009) 00:01

03 Kode9 ‘2 Far Gone’ (Hyperdub HDB018 2009) 01:09

04 Geeneus ‘Yelowtail VIP’ (Rinse FM 2009) 02:10

05 Spyro ‘Napkin’ (Rinse FM 2010) 05:28

06 Mr Fidget 'Fidgestrumental' (Social Circles JKSC038 2003) 06:29

07 Esko 'Funka' from the 'Dutty Soul EP' (Eskobeats / UKFunky.com 2009) 07:30

08 Eastwood & Oddz ‘Champion VIP’ (Southside Recordings SS62 2005) 08:14

09 N.B Funky ‘Childs Play’ from the ‘Riddim Box EP’ (UKFunky.com 2008) 10:43

10 Hard House Banton 'Siren' (Spoilt Rotten Ent. SR019 2008) 11:43

11 El-B feat. Antoinette ‘Back2Me (Vocal Mix) (Ghost GHOST004 2002) 13:14

12 Pearson Sound ‘WAD’ (Hessle Audio HES009 2009) 15:01

13 Geiom 'Eyl Booty' (Berkane Sol BRK011 2009) 17:08

14 Eastwood 'Elastik' (Black Majik MAJIK3 2004) 19:04

15 N.B Funky ‘Remix Box’ (UKFunky.com 2009) 20:33

16 Terror Danjah ‘Jelly Bean’ from the ‘Industry Standard EP’ (Aftershock ASF006 2004) 22:31

17 MJ Cole ‘Volcano Riddim’ from the ‘Riddim EP’ (Prolific PROPH119 2010) 23:48

18 Lil Silva ‘A Million’ (Night Slugs NSWL003 2010) 26:13

19 Mercurial Myrmidon ‘Adjusted Funk’ (Self-released / UKFunky.com 2009) 27:46

20 Apple 'Siegalizer' (SLIM001 2008) 28:14

21 Roska ‘Holograph (Beats & Bass Mix)’ (Roska Kicks & Snares FF001 2009) 30:16

22 DJ Marsta ‘Gridlock (4x4 Mix)’ (ARMY Bullet BULLET001 2005) 32:18

23 Terror Danjah ‘Acid’ (Hyperdub HDB031 2010) 32:18

24 French Fries ‘Predator’ (Young Gunz 5769 2010) 32:33

25 DVA ‘God Made Me Phunky (Remix)’ (Fantastic Four FF001 2009) 33:35

26 Apple ‘Mr Bean Remix’ (MR BEAN 2009) 34:05

27 Dubplate Wonder ‘Rite Here’ from the ‘Wonderland EP’ (Self-released / UKFunky.com 2009) 34:35

28 Geeneus ‘Thunder’ (RK001 2002) 38:32

Total running time 39:44

If you like the tunes go BUY them...

Downloads:.Kode9 '2 Far Gone', Pearson Sound ‘WAD', Geiom 'Eyl Booty', MJ Cole ‘Volcano Riddim’, Roska ‘Holograph (Beats & Bass Mix)’, and Terror Danjah ‘Acid’ available at Juno, Boomkat and all good online retailers. French Fries 'Predator' HERE, Esko 'Dutty Soul EP' HERE
Exclusive to UKFunky.com: Dubplate Wonder 'Wonderland EP' HERE, N.B Funky 'Riddim Box EP' HERE, 'Remix Box' HERE, MM 'Adjusted Funk' HERE, also 320kbps mp3's of Hard House Banton 'Siren EP' HERE, Esko 'Funka' HERE and DVA 'God Made Me Phunky (Remix)' HERE

Released/give-aways by Rinse FM: Geeneus 'Yellowtail VIP' and Spyro 'Napkin' HERE

Vinyl: See listing in the sidebar detailing all the shops I have or would use regularly... feel left out drop me a mail...

Inspirational thanks to Martin 'Blackdown' Clark, Marcus NASTY, Apple, Kode9, Roska, UKFunky.com, all the producers/labels/distributors/retailers of the tunes in the mix, Geeneus and the RINSE FM family, JJ Louis, Alex Bok Bok, Heatwave, Hatcha, Doc Scott, Krust....