Monday, 27 October 2025

Jaap - Rave Matter


Greek producer Jaap marks his 20th year in the underground electronic music scene with 'Rave Matter', an album that bridges the raw energy of early drum & bass with the warmth of analog sound design.

"Each track was composed as a tribute to the warmth and depth of the analog sound that defined the early days of electronic production," Jaap explains. "To capture that spirit, I used Reason 4 - the first DAW I ever worked with when I began producing underground music, known for its authentic analog modeling and texture. Final touches and channel editing were done in Ableton Live to balance the mix while keeping the raw feel intact."

That philosophy runs deep throughout 'Rave Matter'. The album leans toward a 2000s-era drum & bass aesthetic, soaked in nostalgia yet sharpened by modern clarity. The albums comes out through US based Kryptic Audio.

Jaap’s path has been one of steady evolution. After contributing to Paranoise Radio’s annual compilation in 2024, his first official release, he built momentum through 2025 with music on respected US underground imprints like The Delirium Project, Sublimated Sounds, and NWSide Connect, as well as Portuguese Stairwell Dubs. Earlier works explored UK Bass, Breaks, and Dubstep, while his latest output on Kryptic Audio take a deeper dive into Drum & Bass, merging intricate programming with atmospheric precision.

Looking ahead, Jaap shows no sign of slowing down. His next release, a two-track EP for Persephone Records, blends Greek folk traditions with breakbeat science - one track built around a 130 BPM Amen Break, the other a 160 BPM Jungle reinterpretation of a piece by Reggetiko Project, a Thessaloniki-based band merging Balkan and jazz influences.

You may stream 'Rave Matter' on the link below.



Kryptic Audio


Monday, 20 October 2025

Unknown - Pillz Vol. 6

 



Nothing beats a surprise drop of the secretive Pillz series- not even a Jet 2 Holiday! This is vol 6 of the series and for the many of you who I know love a good oldskool mashup, you won't be disappointed!

Imagine if there was an 'Energizer' of the famous 'Energizer' series of oldskool mashups from the 90s? You don't have to imagine anymore! 'Charlesworth Chops' mashes up the famous Dave Charlesworth series into one crisp rebuild of the best bits with added flair in just under five minutes so you can throw your hands up in the air on every subsequent replay.

'We Can Make It' is serious ruffneck bizznizz in a rolling 92' Hardcore Jungle state of mind, a track in it's own right that spans the complete spectrum of elevated euphoria from mind bending stabs to positive piano. Two 'Pillz' that go down very nicely!

Thursday, 16 October 2025

Backdraft - Blitz EP

 




After years of genre-defining drops and speaker-wrecking mayhem, Manchester’s breakbeat veterans Backdraft return with their fresh pummeling 'Blitz EP'. Long-time torchbearers of the UK breaks scene, Paul and Karrie come out swinging with this release, proving once again that time hasn’t dulled their edge.

The title track 'Blitz' is a fusing filthy electro wobble with syncopated breaks, and that classic Backdraft attitude. There’s a riot in the rhythm section, and you’re invited. And this is a dancefloor demolition at its finest. 'Rise Up' takes a more anthemic route without losing any of the grit. Ragga-infused vocals ride atop distorted basslines and glitchy drum work - a true call to arms for bass heads and rebel ravers alike. The energy here is relentless, revolutionary, and ridiculously fun.

All in all, whether they’re melting subwoofers or fusing genres with zero regard for convention, Backdraft do it all with unmistakable flair and unfiltered passion. 'Blitz' is one more outstanding release from South West based Soundsystem Bassrock, led by their main man Paul Bassrock who's deeep inside the game for so many years.



 


Soundsystem Bassrock


Backdraft

GLOWKiD pres. Generation X [RadioShow] - Aaja Radio (14Oct.2025)

 



  Tracklist 

Motivbreaks - Dope mini skin [93 MIX) [2025, self-release]
Audio Bullys - As We Step [2023, Counter Records]
NRG Krew - Little Love [2025, Weapons]
Dream Frequency - Unity (unreleased PA track 1994)
アシッド田宮三四郎 - 鬼子母神 [2025, Soviets]
Era4 - Take Me [2024, All The People]
Jason Laidback, Leeroy Thornhill feat. SIMM - Adrenaline [2025, Toast & Jam Recordings]
Neorev - Let The Panic Set In [2021, self-release]
The Prodigy - Break and Enter '95 (With Jim Davies) (Rehearsal Mix by Trim Silence)
Praga Khan - Injected With A Poison (Remastered) [2021, self-release]
The Supersonic Army - Violence [2015, self-release]
Confidence Man - Relieve the Pressure (X-COAST Remix) [2022, OH YOU]
JIALING - MELTING POINT 溶點 [2025, self-release]
Vorp - Eat That [2024, OBSKUR MUSIC]
Orbital, Confidence Man - Re-lush [2025, London Records]
Shadow Child - Say It Now [2025, London Records]
Shade Guevara - Ted or Dead [2024, Hooj Choons]
サイケアウツ - Sakura vs PE (Break Step Mix) [2002, Stereo Records]
Altern 8 – E-Vapor-8 (Remastered) [2016, self-release]
Coco Bryce - Alaniara [2025, Myor]


Listen back via

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

High-Speed Warmth: MAR VISTA & Club Angel – Outrun (Higher Ground)



Buy Here 

Seoul’s club scene has been moving at its own pace for a while now- fast, bright, and full of energy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 'Outrun', the new release from MAR VISTA and Club Angel on Higher Ground, captures that feeling perfectly.  

It’s a track that feels like movement- part video-game rush, part late-night dancefloor release. Sitting at 140 BPM, it blends melody with pace in a way that feels warm rather than harsh. You can hear traces of Seoul’s underground in every part of it: the DIY community spirit, the small-crew mentality, and the refusal to chase trends.  

MAR VISTA’s background in fashion and his work building platforms like 'lifestream' and 'Bumpy' gives 'Outrun' a real sense of purpose. It’s music that treats connection as the main event- not just a by-product. Club Angel’s influence adds punch and polish, keeping the track driving while still open and human.  

Higher Ground’s involvement gives this collaboration a wider reach, but 'Outrun' never sounds like it’s trying to fit in with a global template. It’s rooted in Seoul’s micro-scene energy- a kind of underground optimism where friendship and frequency matter more than metrics.  

If 2025’s “joyful rave” wave has a sound, this might be it- fast, melodic, and grounded in the idea that rave can be emotional again.

Saturday, 11 October 2025

Azo drops the ideal echoes of infinity





The resident dj of Kiosk Radio and very prolific producer, Azo returns with a brand new EP that marks yet another cosmic journey.

'Echoes of Infinity' comes out via London's Manual Smiles, comprised of five emotional, genre-blurring vibes that beam out from the edges of the dancefloor and deep into the unknown.

Azo masterfully blends acid, trance, techno, and breaks across her productions, and this new release is no exception. It’s a highly recommended sonic weapon for adventurous dancefloors.

The opener 'Human Love Language' launches the experience with a raw electro pulse, thunderous Reese basslines and yearning pads give it weight, while keeping the heart at its core. From there, 'First Light' lives up to its name, slicing through the shadows with radiant keys, glowing acid lines, and a hopeful, upward energy. The voyage intensifies with 'Orbit Breaker', which warps us into new sonic dimensions on a remarkable spacey trip. 'Where We Belong' comes up next, expressed by an emotional piano, breakbeats and hoover bass. The title track wraps up the exquisite EP, delivering a full-throttle Drum & Bass energy, guided by a razor-sharp groove and uplifting piano riffs. It’s a feel-good closer that leaves both the heart and the body in motion.

This standout EP is already supported by tastemakers like Dave Harvey, Josh Caffé, and Massimiliano Pagliara. Also worth noting: the next Bandcamp Friday is on December 5th - a perfect opportunity to support this release, among others, with 100% of your purchase going directly to the artist via this artist-friendly platform.




Catch up Azo upcoming events here




MANUAL SMILES
bandcamp
soundcloud
instagram

Wednesday, 8 October 2025

Album Review: Various - Codewise [Soiree Records International]


Buy Vinyl: https://www.hhv.de/en-GB/records/item/v-a-codewise-1309332

I've been spending time with the latest Codewise compilation, and it's a really impressive showcase of where underground techno and house are right now. The four-track release feels cohesive despite each artist bringing their own distinct flavour to the table.

Drivetrain opens the record with 'Rachel', a hypnotic, marching techno groove that builds with purpose. There's a spooky lead hook that develops rapidly, creating tension without losing that locked-in, driving feel. It's the kind of track that grabs your attention immediately and sets the tone for what's to come.

Blaktony's 'Alternative Homework' shifts the mood entirely, going deeper and lighter with a warm three-note refrain that feels like it's wrapping around you. It's subtly melodic without being obvious about it, the kind of production that reveals more with each listen.

BJIKA takes things in an ethereal direction with 'House On The Hill'. The Lo-Fi aesthetic works brilliantly here, with satisfyingly crunchy sound design that gives the track real character and texture. There's something nostalgic about it whilst still feeling contemporary and fresh.

Closing out the EP, Jesus Gonsev's 'Cosmic Sand' is absolutely the right way to end this journey. It's hazy and light with a gliding feel that's basked in early morning atmosphere. The 303s are perfectly deployed, evoking that classic rave sound without feeling derivative. It's the kind of track that makes you want to keep dancing as the sun comes up.

Codewise [BLACK] is a strong release that balances variety with cohesion. Each artist brings something unique whilst contributing to a bigger picture that feels thoughtful and well-curated.