TARIQ ZIYAD (UK)
facebook - soundcloud - mixcloud
Free Breaks Blog - Future Jungle Blog
twitter - youtube
TARIQ ZIYAD: It's been a great year for 90's rave influenced music in general, although I'm a little saddened by the slow down in terms of 140BPM Jungle Breaks, I refuse to accept that it's 'dead' as some claim. Labels like Top Drawer Digital, Boomsha Recordings, Warehouse Wax and their new sister label Ghetto Dub have put out consistency quality tracks and I'm certain that the 140 sound will start to flourish again in good time. If anything, things semed to have slowed down in tempo but the Hardcore/Jungle vibe is very much present in productions by the likes of Special Request, Nuvaman,
Hypho & Mella Dee plus the return of the legendary 2 Bad Mice, so, I'm going to break up my faves in the following way:
'TOP 5 130BPM Rave Influenced Tracks'
01. Bodhi - 88 (Shadow Child x SPY Remix) [FOOD MUSIC] (LINK)
02. Special Request - Amnesia [XL RECORDINGS] (LINK)
03. Vinyl Junkie & Sanxion - Mustard [PASSENGER] (LINK)
04. Mella Dee - Trellick [LOBSTER BOY RECORDS] (LINK)
05. With You - Speak (2 Bad Mice Remix) [HYPERCOLOUR] (LINK)
'TOP 5 140-150BPM Jungle Breaks Tracks'
01. Indigo Virus - Plenty Of Fish [TOP DRAWER DIGITAL] (LINK)
02. Indigo Virus - Sideways Manoeuvres [36HERTZ] (LINK)
03. Morf & Roll Authority - Hold On [BOOMSHA] (LINK)
04. Ben Venom - BulletProof [WAREHOUSE WAX] (LINK)
05. DiGiTroLL - Touch Me [BAD HABIT] (LINK)
'TOP 5 Nuskool Breakbeat Hardcore Tracks'
01. DJ Seduction - Solid Bass (Stormski Remix) [STAY ON TARGET] (LINK)
02. Insomnia - Down To Earth (DJ Jedi remix) [JEDI RECORDINGS] (LINK)
03. 2 Rotten Scoundrels - State Of Mind [KODE 5 RECORDINGS/ENDOR] (LINK)
04. United States Beat Squad - Shelter Me [MUSIC RASCALS] (LINK)
05. DJ Fav - I'm So Scared [SWITCHBLADE DIGITAL] (LINK)
'TOP 5 Jungle/DnB Tracks'
01. Durban - Rave [ASBO RECORDS] (LINK)
02. DJ Hybrid - Mix & Blend [AUDIO ADDICT RECORDS] (LINK)
03. Dapz, Gappa G & Hyper Hypa - River Nijer Revisited [PSYSMATICS MUSIC] (LINK)
04. SKMA - Exodus Blue [SUB SLAYERS] (LINK)
05. Lenny De Ice - We Are IE (Dramatic Remix) (LINK)
Asides from these, there have been countless great tracks in all the above genres, if I played them on my show or wrote.
BREAKBEATSCIENTIST (UK)
facebook - soundcloud - youtube
BREAKBEATSCIENTIST: 2015 has been such a vibrant year for all forms of breakbeat based music, which in turn has made my target for picking a Top 5 out of all the great music out there very difficult. However I've finally managed to whittle my favourite tracks of the year down to a (kinda!) quintet now...
Luna-C + Reeve - A Million Miles [KFA] (LINK)
As a bonus addition, I've included a track that I had intended to add to my Top 5, but couldn't find an audio clip so am gonna cover the official video for Kniteforce's Luna-C + Reeve, 'A Million Miles'. An astoundingly powerful and emotive, vocal D&B track set to decievingly simplistic, yet effective animated visuals featuring Luna-C himself and a plethora of iconic Kniteforce logos and mascots.
01. Necrotype - The Stranger [JUNGLE ROLLERZ] (LINK)
A harsh, mentasm fuelled fusion of 1993 style darkcore and 2015 junglism from the Jungle Rollerz camp. This one goes deep and moody, whilst still maintaining a balance of musicality. A must for all jungle vinyl headz.
02. DJ Nexus - A Ride (LINK)
Veteran producer, DJ Nexus implements his instantly recognisable talent for creating massively catchy riffs with this solid piece of breakbeat hardcore that's 1992 all the way, and a freebie release too. Watch out for those emotive strings two thirds of the way through!!!
03. FOTH - High Noon [DARK TIL DAWN RECORDS] (LINK)
FOTH courtesy of Dark Til Dawn Records delivers some next level junglism with 'High Noon'. Combining gentle piano melodies, Summery atmospherics and psychedelic samples with a tearing amen break. It feels like a real soundclash between cut & paste ambient and ruffneck jungle. As the track asks, 'Like a trip?' Hell yeah it is!!!
04. Fringe - Is This It [7th STOREY PROJECTS] (LINK)
Fringe takes us deep into the darkest of jungles with his track which featured on the 7th Storey Projects, 'Dark Arts Vol 2' 12" EP this Summer. Frantically chopped up breaks? Check!Sinister movie samples? Check! Booming bassline? Check!
05. Master Mash - The Psyco [PARANOID RECORDINGS] (LINK)
And lastly, but certainly not least, the ever prolific Master Mash and Paranoid Recordings does frantic, breakbeat hardcore just as it should be with massive, nerve-shredding stab patterns combining with clattering breaks and pulsating bass throbs.
DAMAGE INC. (UK)
website - facebook - soundcloud - youtube
bandcamp - house-mixes
DAMAGE INC: But i have to say top 5 hardcore breaks stuff!
01. Big bad trio of Bassraver, GL0WKiD and Tariq's radio and blog work.
02. Tornado Records, without doubt the biggest & baddest label in Hardcore Breaks.
03. DJ Faydz, the best DJ in the scene, pushing things forward all the time.
04. Motiv's Circle and Nefti's Medicine EPs,my favourite releases this year. Absolute quality productions from 2 very talented producers
05. Abyss and Rave In Peace. Two very different producers that I have enjoyed release after release throughout 2015.
I look forward to seeing what these guys bring in 2016!
A naughty but well deserved bonus #6 for Pete Walton's continual work for the scene!
01. Redshift - Nice One (LINK)
A simple drum n bass track with a sick wobble bass and a whopping beat makes it chug along nicely. Don't hear many others playing this out, it's a tune that really deserves to be top of the tree so here it is!. This one for the real dnb heads out there, ruff tuff and tearing!
02. Paul Cronin - Orange (LINK)
Yet more anarchy and manic sounds is what made this a firm contender for the top 5. Paul Cronin really is a producer to look out for who constantly brings the energy and obscure sounds to take you into a different world. Pure eargasm!
A throwback to the old ragga Breakbeat tunes of the early 90s, shades of SL2 in this with plenty of a clout! Perfect summer roller.
04. Exit Point - Rock Ya Soul [KODE 5 RECORDINGS] (LINK)
Another track packed full of energy that's been doing the rounds all year on stations. A firm favourite of many also mine. You want rugged and raw you have just that!
05. Nicky Allen - NAD #23 (LINK)
Packed full of old skool goodness with a reminder to those old Silk Cuts releases which sampled different dance tunes
DJ ROCKSTED-E (UK)
soundcloud - youtube - website
ROCKSTED-E: After 2014 being a great year in the Nu-Skool scene I was hoping 2015 would be just as good if not better, And I wasn't disappointed. Once again I find my self with the difficult challenge of picking a top five as there has been so many top tracks to choose from. In no particular order here they are below.
01. Stormski - The Rain (Sunny Days) [KODE 5 RECORDINGS] (LINK)
From the superb album Stormski Junglist Wars: The Lion Awakens - Courtesy of Kode 5 Recordings. This my pick from a great collection of jungle tracks.
R'n'B fused jungle. Now I'm not a huge R'n'B fan, but Stomski nailed this. Great vocal harmonies layered over with jungle breaks and a heavy rolling bassline.
A proper summer vibe of a track, which I've rinsed out this year.
02. High Speed - Vel Curve [DARK TIL DAW RECORDS] (LINK)
Uplifting hi tempo jungle, pure emotion of a track here, full of energy, lovery string's, synth melodies, Great atmosphere accompanied with a rolling Reese bass and a fast paced amen break. A class track.
03. Mr Sin - Gimmie A Mutha Fuckin Break! (LINK)
Mr Sin has been knocking out some class hardcore/jungle for quite some time and its a SIN (terrible pun I did there) I didn't put him in my top 5 last year as I was playing some of his track on a regular basics back then just as I have now. He's continued to make more slammers in 2015 and picking one form huge collection again was tough, But I have chosen this one. Starting off with a oldskool hip hop break vibe and the classic Lyn Collins Think "Oooh, Yeah!" sample which features through out the track with more vocal sounds bites, then onto a heavy and catchy bassline followed with a punchy amen break at the drop that rolls nicely through the track, leading to the hands in the air synth breakdown before dropping once more for a final tearout. A top track full of energy and quirky sample stabs makes for a great hardcore track.
04. Lovvers Return - About You - [EXPERIMENTALBASS RECORDS] (LINK)
This track has summer vibes written all over it, As was the case for me as I didn't stop playing it when ever the sun was out. Featuring classic oldskool hardcore breaks which I best know from the track Infect Me by Future Primitive and a accompanying bassline but the main attraction to this track is the piano riff. Goose bumps in effects,pure hands in the air bizness, I first heard this melody in the Desired State - Dance the Dream. I'm sure there's a more original source for that riff,But that's where I first heard it any way. This is not to take the shine from this track, Far from it. This is a great example that some times less is more if the right elements (Bass,breaks,melodies) fit together nicely and this it does indeed.
05. JDubz - People of The Earth [PARANOID RECORDINGS] (LINK)
JDubz featured in my top 5 last year with a storming remix and he's in it again with a track of his own, Part of 'The Future EP' from Paranoid Recordings. This is a journey of a track, Starting of with some heavy break familiar to those who have heard 'Flatliner - No Boundaries', It then rolls in to a warm uplifting pad/synth that takes it to the first breakdown that features a piano sound Jdubz has started to put his own stamp on, followed by the famous truly one sound bite and then on to the drop with amens to add to the flatliner break and a nice driving bass that leads to a Good looking records style middle section, Another cool breakdown before the final roll of all the elements of the track. A truly stunning piece of atmospheric intelligent jungle that would comfortably sit in a 94 jungle set.
I would just like to send a shout to some of the other artist who are just as worthy of featuring in my top 5 of 2015.
Shouts to 1stScience, Jam-One, Gareth Monks, Impact Beat, Gav Ley, Hamster, DJCrip, T.W.G., Renagade Genius, Abyss, Billy No Mates, Wislov, Ant To Be, New Koncept, K3bee, Fav and Rinston. So many great artist to name so sorry to the one's I have missed out, A huge BIG UP to all. Plus a shout to the labels. Paranoid Recordings, Switchblade Digital, KODE5, HWNDarkside, ACME BASS RECORDS, Strictly NuSkoolBlog, Endor Recordings plus many more.
And finally a massive to all who had supported HC Recordings again in 2015.
The artists, the bloggers, DJs, followers, fans etc., maximum Respect go out each one one ya.
Here's to 2016 toping it once again for the Nu-skool crew.
Peace.
DJ TONY - D (UK)
facebook - soundcloud - housemixes
DJ TONY - D: Made a point this year of keeping a note of my fav tunes this year. Had every intention of doing my top 5 for last year’s blog but brain went completely blank trying to think back haha. There are many styles of Nu Skool that make up our scene, but for me I hark back to the great days of banging ‘hands in the air’ amen driven rolling killer synth style tunes that always filled the floor and got the best response from the audience. For me anything less than that was great but not excellent. I’d much rather here ‘Pennywise’ or ‘The Horn Track’ back then that rocked than ’31 seconds’ or ‘Just 4 u London’ that was lifeless. With all that in mind all helps explain my love these tunes listed below . The type of tunes that get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up…
01. DJ Rave In Peace- Into Rhythm [STRICTLY NUSKOOL BLOG] (LINK)
This has been my favourite track of the year. It ticks all the boxes in what I want in a tune. From solid amen breaks to killer synths and rumbling basslines not to mention 4 beat and a tune that just rolls. First class.
02. Paul Cronin- Back By Public Demand
Paul Cronin’s tunes makes absolutely excellent tunes, and this one, very much like Ian [Rave In Peace] track ticks all the boxes. Hardcore for me works best when it is in yer face with rolling killer beats, killer synth stabs, wicked basslines and great piano breakdowns, and Paul delivers that every time. His use of samples and the way it rumbles along is excellent.
03. Paul Cronin- Mentalism [RAVESKOOL RECORDINGS] (LINK)
Been playing this every week since paul uploaded this a few months back, which was a good sign this should be in my top 5. Yet another hazy crazy in yer face banging track that lives up to its name and with a ‘don’t take no prisoners’ attitude. No one twists and turns a tune better than Paul and his ingenious imagination of samples and breaks always amaze me. Hardcore don’t get much better imo.
04. DJ Wislov- Feeling You Is My Rave [RAVENOYZ RECORDINGS] (LINK)
I could have put anyone of many tunes from Wislov as he is such a proficient producer of so many quality tunes this year, and from years gone past. Just like with all in my top 5 this aint no mambi pambi lightweight tune but some heavy tuneage that I can just imagine back in the day buzzing listening to this mainstage at midnight. Such a great track. Fantastic tune by a first class producer.
05. JEM 77 - Never Felt This Way (Gareth Monks Remix) (LINK)
I just can’t have a top 5 without featuring another one of my fav producers. For me Gareth’s tunes have that element of class attached, and like Paul Cronin he looks outside the box when making tunes. You kinda never know where he is gonna go with a tune but yet will always build it to roll big with plenty of classic elements. He makes remixes with that fine balance of staying near the original but yet freshened up with different elements, and this one is no exception.
This has been another great year of fantastic tunes, and this top 5 represents my fav producers. Shame Dj Flow wasn’t a bit more productive this year as I am sure he would have squeezed in my top 5 somehow. Laters taters , Oi Oi
BASSRAVER (UK)
soundcloud - facebook - housemixes
BASSRAVER: It's been another great year for Nuskool labels, artist and djs.
Picking 5 tracks was a hard task as there were so many to mention. So I want to give a massive shoutout to the following labels and artists that made so many great tracks that it was impossible to pick from them.
Paul Cronin - another great year of mental hardcore tracks
Dj Wislov - Ravenoyz Recordings - top notch e.p.'s all year
Dj Abyss - Switchblade Digital Recordings - keeping the darkness alive in 2015, brilliant
Nicky Allen - NADS and remixes - so many great choons this year
and of course the Strictly Nuskool Blog crew with all the e.p.'s this year.
Here is my top 5 of 2015
01. DJ Rave In Peace - Lost Angels [RAVESKOOL RECORDINGS] (LINK)
This was a epic track and had so much emotion to it and hopefully we will see him return in 2016
02. Damage Inc - We Love Charly (LINK)
One of my favourite mashups of the year from the Sonic Fortress crew
03. DJ Rave In Peace - Cafe By The Sea
A staple on my radio show this year, another great track
04. Gareth Monks - On A Subba Dub Tip [STRICTLY NUSKOOL BLOG] (LINK)
A wicked mashup from Gareth, one of many great tunes hes made this year
05. United States Of Beat Squad - Free [HARDCORE LIVES] (LINK)
This is a full-on piano, hands in the air track. A nuskool belter
It's been a great year, cant wait to see what 2016 brings!
BREAKFORCE ONE (GER)
soundcloud - facebook
Breakforce One: Here's my Top 5 (No Order)
01. Synthakt - Memento Mori [Culture Assault] (LINK)
I got into alot of 175bpm music in 2015, finding my love for Darkstep and Crossbreed, and this release right here might be the best Darkstep/Crossbreed Release i have ever heard period.
The title track is my favourite, nailing everything from Arrangement to Mixing (i still dont get how he made this mixdown, kudos), making it (probably) my favourite Track of the Year.
"Kharon's Obol" is a perfect Crossbreed Track that flows really well and "Tartaros" is another Snare Massacre just how i like it. Only the Cooh-Feature is a miss for me, unfortunately.
Synthakt will definitely go far, because he can already compete with legends like TOA and Limewax.
02. F000L - Luds Wig [Self Released] (LINK)
F000L posted this one into a Breakcore Group and it was love on the first play. I immediately added him and was all like "Lets collab bruv" like the over-excited child i mostly am.
Long Story short, we formed a band. And all because of this tune. Perfectly arranged, with some mindblowing Break-sequencing its definitely one of the very best Breakcore Tracks i heard this year.
03. Audio88 & Yassin - Normaler Samt [Heart Working Class] (LINK)
What? A *german* Rap Album in a Top 5 List written by a Breakcore Artist? Yes. So much. This Album represents everything i love about Hip Hop and Rap, refueling my Hope that it will get better in Germany real soon.
Its geniusly crafted, with Beats played 100% on a MPC by Audio88 & Yassin's Friend Torky Tork, Dope Cuts by DJ Breaque and of course the incredible Lyrical Craftmanship of Yassin and, more importantly, Audio88, who i think is the best thing that has ever happened to German Rap ever.
Now, its a shame that you guys wont get much out of it since you dont understand the lyrics when youre not German but let me tell you - its FUCKING PERFECT.
04. weyheyhey !! - Throw It Down [Self Released] (LINK)
Obscurely put on soundcloud multiple times by secret accounts that were deleted soon after, its now available in full, for free download, on soundcloud and its glorious. This Guy is my main inspiration for a Reason.
Teasing his upcoming "Kissing In The Rain EP" (of which i hope the title wont change until its release), its a wonderful Track representing everything i love about his music. Happy Rave Vibes, beautiful Pads, "peng" Kicks and the perfect Edits, all in One! YES PLEASE?!
05. Anorak - Hexci On The Choppage [Ransaked Records] (LINK)
This represents all the other great Breakcore releases this year, but this one takes the cake in comparison to them. Wonderful Music. Just check out "Amens over Palestine". You need to know nothing more than that, trust me.
DAVE SKYWALKER (UK)
website - soundcloud - facebook
twitter - Endor Recordings -
DAVE SKYWALKER: So here's my top 5 tunes of 2015 (and three honourable mentions!) Firstly, I wanted to include 3 honourable mentions (so this is more of a top 8 really, haha!). In no particular order:
* Metrik - Make the Floor Burn (VIP)
* Goreshit - The Pain of Relief (We Have Our Vices One And All)
* Lapsley - Falling Short (Sonis Bootleg)
There were so many tracks in 2015 that I ended up listening to over and over again throughout the course of the year. No small feat when I probably purchase/get sent around 20 tracks a week on average. Of those, these three stood out when I was going back over all the tracks this year. All three are worth checking out if you haven't heard of them.
But this is a top 5, and a top 5 only! So here we go..
01. MOZDJ - This Version [CWR] (LINK)
When I was working out my top 5, I went through the 994 tracks I'd amassed - and kept - through the course of this year, and if I saw the track name and thought "THAT'S ONE!" I wrote it down. Then, I listened to my shortlist again, and again, and worked out which made me as hyped to listen to now as it did then. This is the track that topped that list. Is it jungle? Is it footwork? Hardcore? Techno? Whatever genre this is, the energy in this track is ferocious. The second half of the track is crazy, and the whole track start to finish is uplifting, and RAVEY, and just brilliant. It took me a long time, and throwing out shouts in every direction, to get in contact with MOZDJ to get him to allow me to include it in my mix for Breaking Free II.II, and I held back doing the mix until I got his permission, because it just had to be in there. Check out his other tracks too, especially the Sound Gun EP, which this is from, all the tracks on it are wicked. Responsible for quite a few raving-in-the-drivers-seat-fist-pumping-the-air-on-my-way-to-work-at-8.30am moments, this is my track of the year. Huge huge biggups!
02. The FaDe - Get Rowdy [DIFFERENT MUSIC] (LINK)
I make no qualms in saying this year I got into footwork/jungle in a big way, starting an alias (which I've only ever done once before) specifically to focus on this music. When I put everything together, this track worked in whatever set I was doing, whether hardcore-focused, jungle, footwork, or the eclectic stuff. It's got a real hyperactive vibe to it, makes me dance like a lunatic, and the sub-bass in it is wicked.
03. Sub Focus - Timewarp (DJIPE Remix) (LINK)
I'd never really heard of DJIPE until this year, but two immense bootlegs/remixes put paid to that. Firstly was the absolutely firing remix of Mr Happy that hit at the start of the year, but the follow-up was even better - it's all about the drop when it finally hits - the drums are absolutely fucking ferocious and every single time I've played it out the crowd has gone absolutely balls on fucking ballistic. One to start a mosh pit on the dancefloor for sure - last time I played this out I was DJing in a cage in a basement with the crowd hanging on the bars and shaking the whole thing off the bolts that was holding it to the concrete floor. Insane! You just want to play this louder and louder and if you've had a really bad day putting this on full pelt gets all the aggression out. Immense.
04. Gammer & Whizzkid - Love You Everyday [TOGETHER WE RISE] (LINK)
The video link unfortunately doesn't include the great 4-Beat intro, but you'll have to take my word that every second of this tune is ace. It's got uplifting vocals, amazing pianos, a great bassline, and those drops are immense! Everytime I play this out, the crowd proper skanks out when the beat kicks in. Also the trumpets on the second breakdown are wicked, I never thought something like that would work, but it proves again why Gammer is one of the kings of UK hardcore.
05. Feint feat.Laura Brehm - We Won't Be Alone [MONSTERCAT] (LINK)
This feels like a track that I should have been hearing everywhere, but (maybe it's just me) I never seemed to hear anywhere. I love the introduction, the vocal, and the drumstep section towards the end. I know this is really dnb, but to me it seems a great breakbeat hardcore track, and I'd quite like to hear a hardcore version of this, maybe by CLSM, Fracus & Darwin or Luna-C. Great tune.
FFF (NL)
website - facebook - soundcloud
bandcamp - youtube - twitter
FFF: ....TOP 10 releases of 2015 [in no particular order]
01. Christoph de Babalon - Short Eternities [LOVE LOVE RECORDS] (LINK)
I am always excited when Christoph de Babalon releases new music and this year was great! Both his "Invocation Of The Demon Twin Vol. 1" ep on the Giallo Disco label and this full length album are simply beautiful. In my opinion the perfect soundtrack for the end of times!
02. Fifth Era - Complex Trauma E.P. [AcidCore RECORDS] (LINK)
Legendary doomcore producer Fifth Era releases something slightly different for the AcidCore label. Amazing oldskool sounding doomcore infected acid house tracks. Euphoric darkness!! Limited to only 100 copies
03. DMX Krew - RAM Expansion [LAST KNOWN TRAJESTORY] (LINK)
No electro or freestyle on this DMX Krew ep but Dark pounding 90s techno. Sounds like some lost Caustic Window/Joyrex tracks!!
04. Missqulater - They Rave Us [CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT] (LINK)
Can't go wrong with Missqulater!! Happy to finally see his music released on vinyl. Great 4 track ep of beautiful braindance. Make sure to check his other 2015 release Battlefield Heroes Volume 1 (split with Mopfunk) out too!
05. Various - Colundi Every0ne [Colundi EVERY1] (LINK)
Compilation issued for the Colundi Benelux Tour. featuring tracks from the performing artists:
Aleksi Perala, Krzysztof Oktalski, Wisp, D'Arcangelo, Jodey Kendrick, Todd Osborn and Monolith. Great collection of amazing braindance tracks.
06. Green Bay Wax - [LUCKYMUFF001, GBBL01] (LINK)
The Green Bay Wax crew never dissapoints with their authentic jungle. The output of the label and all it's sublabels is immense. True hardware junglists!
07. MNLTH - Time EP/Flektro [WeMe Records-Central Processing Unit] (LINK)
Just love Monolith/MNLTH's output! Such lush sounds. This takes me back to the early days of braindance. Amazing!!
08. FFF/Coco Bryce - Massiv 01 [MYOR MASSIV] (LINK)
Not talking about my own tracks but I love the Coco Bryce tunes on this first Myor Massiv release. Especially "Runnin"!! That tune has been on constant rotation here since the release of the Euphoria ep back in 2013. Such a killer rave anthem!!
09. Heroes of the Third Kind - The Conspiracy Heroes [H3K Self released] (LINK)
Amazing atmospherical new album from H3K that ranges from ambient, jazzy, funky and dubby science fiction electronics. For me the standout track is "Rephlex" .Been listening to it a lot for months now. So beautiful!
10. Apzolut - Fierce Dynamite [ENCOUNTERS RECORDS] (LINK)
Amazing jungle/breakcore release by the Dutch/Aruban producer Apzolut. Expect no obvious sample choices, crazy edits and overall just great vibes!!
GORESHIT (UK)
website - facebook - soundcloud
bandcamp - youtube
GORESHIT: Truth be told, I'm so fuckin out of touch with the current music scene, and I'm sure I'm missing out on a whole bunch of great stuff. in no particular order, here's some of my favourite shit I've heard this year:
01. Ansome - Hells Bells and Buckets of Blood [MINDCUT] (LINK)
Found out about Ansome through a youtube video of him doing a completely analogue techno piece, and it blew me away. reminds me of a much heavier Basic Channel.
02. Imil - Hypnagogic Myoclonus (LINK)
I had the pleasure of playing a show with him this year, which is a rare chance to hear his new tunes. He doesn't release stuff often, but when he does, it's the best speedcore out there.
03. Machine Girl - Gemini (LINK)
Literally found out about Machine Girl few weeks ago from a fan recommendation. I love the mix of 90s rave sounds with footwork styling. Currently battering the shit ouf of my car's subwoofers.
04. yeongrak - b careful boy (LINK)
yeongrak's stuff is always brilliant - the whole footwork and 'trap' thing has gotten tired as fuck this year, so it's nice to hear someone have their own take on it. Proper lo-fi, proper fucked up, proper awesome.
05. Vaenus - The Fuck/Someone (LINK)
'Crossbreed' is another of those genres that seems to be saturated with uninspired cliche bullshit, but Vaenus' stuff has always stood out to me. This EP is standard Vaenus, and that's exactly what I wanted from it.
GRAZ (US)
website - facebook - soundcloud
twitter - Ravertooth Tiger - youtube
GRAZ: Here is my list:
01. HarleyLikesMusic - Game Changer [CHEAPBEATS] (LINK)
Amazing release from chiptune newcomer Harley (LikesMusic). Completely produced on a Nintendo Gameboy, this album exceeds any expectation or preconceived notion about the chip music genre. Solid dance floor bangers!
Favorite Track: Get Da Bleach
02. ヘデナー & Raveman - FOTVÆRK RÆV [COCK ROCK DISCO] (LINK)
A return release from underground breakcore label Cock Rock Disco. Album boasts a ton of future rave sounds with an old school junglist feel set to a Footwork backdrop.
Favorite Track: Juke It, Werk It, Break It
03. Electro Ass - Rave That (LINK)
Big bass sound from San Fransisco. This release is a great mix of 90s rave rhythms and ghetto booty hype. A great secret weapon for any DJ.
Favorite Track: Rave That
04. Superior Cornrows - Hardcore Will Never Die [OFF ME NUT] (LINK)
This album sounds like it is straight out of 1999. Relive the height of Breakbeat Hardcore without having to import it on vinyl.
Favorite Track: Badfellas (Nice Day Vibes)
05. VA - Jungletekmafia Vol 1 [AMEN4TEKNO] (LINK)
Breakout album introducing many to the sounds of Jungletek for the first time. Great sampler of this recently defined genre.
Favorite Track: GUNS OF KINGSTON-Mikkim & Zareb (T-Menace & Heatzy Remix)
KEN MASTERS/FUTURESHOCK (UK)
soundcloud - facebook - twitter
Future State Music FB
Future State Music SC
KEN MASTERS/FUTURESHOCK:
My TOP 5 HC Tracks for 2015 are:
01. Scott Brown - Touched By Technology [EVOLUTION RECORDS] (LINK)
Everything Scott Brown touches turns to gold! 2015 has seen a real surge of exciting new material from this Hardcore heavyweight & for me, this is the pick of the bunch. That sparkling piano & initial lead, building & breaking into that trademark second lead make this an absolute must buy for any true fan of the music.
02. Fracus & Darwin Feat' Poison Rain - No Matter What [HARDCORE UNDERGROUND]
(LINK )
Seriously creative & one of a kind! This track is like no Hardcore I've ever heard before, the vocals are unique combined with the driving lead & second to none production standard make this my second favorite track of 2015.
03. Sc@r - One Night In Belgium [SCARRED DIGITAL] (LINK)
I'd call this musical Gabber. Gabber with heart, feeling & depth. The haunting melody works extremely well with the hard edge gabber sound, both compliment each other extremely well!
04. M-Project - Savage [TERRAFORM MUSIC] (LINK)
I love the intensity of this track! The combination of Makina & Powerstomp create a relentless energy that charges on from the start to finish. One of my favorite M-Project tracks to date.
05. Greg Peaks - Deadly Nightshade [Tesla Tracks, FREE track from album Future State Hardcore V2] (LINK)
From the moment Greg sent me the working samples of this track with the intention of featuring on the free digital album FSH V2 I knew he was onto a winner. There's a hint of that classic Trancecore sound coupled with that driving, more modern Freeform sound we've grown to expect & love from Greg. Don't forget to head to the Future State Music fb page where you can pick this one up fully dj friendly for free!
