Dubstep 142 Items

The latest on Ilian Tape's ITX Series is this fresh dub haywiring from UK producer Mantra, one half of the UK label and events series Rupture. Following a superbly lo-fi, blue-tinted deep dubstep and garage mix offered to the label less than a year ago, she here returns to the fore with four fantastic new ones tailored for both systems and system heads. Highlights among the bunch include the dizzying, breaksy loss of sonic motor control that is 'Shackout' and the nighttimey, post-dark-garage 4x4 hardcore number 'Stomping Ground'. Closer 'Burn & Heal' rounds the whole thing out on a maximally intense jump-up jungle mastication.

Following the massive success of « Another night » Stepart is
back on Stand High Records with his debut LP. « Playground »
takes listeners on a deep bass journey and presents exclusive
tracks crafted with the Parisian producer’s subtle mixing
technique and attention to detail.
Recorded between 2014 and 2016 the LP is a tribute to the
golden era of dub influenced dubstep with ten instrumental
tracks as well as a vocal by Pupajim. Playing with styles, Stepart
elegantly breaks the rules and invites you to settle in his Lost
World Studio.

Spooky has long been one of the hardest working soundmen in East London. At any given time you can see him streaming sets on Insta, blasting out tunes, and being the OG cat he always has been, with a reverence for the roots of Dub, from the Jamaican roots to US Garage and back to his backyard via his Grime/Dubstep/UKG cuts, which are always full of raw depth and swing.

This is why it was more a matter of what to fit on his first EP on LoDubs, given when the conversation was started about RAS Riddims a whole deluge of tracks came our way. Clarty Steppers is not only 6 of the best of those, but 2 bonus tracks in the accompanying DL, and the option to get those 2, and a extra VIP of one of those tunes which will only ever be available via the companion Poly Cut of this release.

A veteran producer (Who prefers to separate this incarnation from past works) working within many disciplines in sound, Silent Cubes demonstrates a particular skill in atmospherics and mood in their productions, creating three tracks of original UKG driven sound that speak in a dialect as familiar to the progeny and brethren of Clubroot, Sorrow, and Congi as that of Chez Damier, Mr Fingers, and Ron Trent. An exercise in deepness, Draped in the framework and immediacy of Garage.

Showing how evocatively these elements can be transformed is MOY, himself straddling a line between classic IDM, Old Skool, and Acid, and with releases on Analogical Force, Vinyl Fanatiks (AmenTec), and a slew of others. MOY comes forward with a hybridized remix of “The Stream”, which really is in a class of its own and closes outside B.

“Sound And Motion”. Presented as a 4-track vinyl EP, in a numbered/limited edition, and bundled with access to 2 exclusive Poly Cut/Digital tracks, only ever available via the access provided through ownership of this record.

Freezing cold and earth shattering in equal measure - Lost is back with ice in his veins on Deep, Dark & Dangerous, delivering a masterclass in dubstep production with his latest creation: Paranoidz EP. Following 2018’s DDD debut The General, the Croydon dubstep veteran is showcasing his technical and musical ability on a whole new level with the latest release, flipping from uncomfortable atmospheres, to punishing bass and melodic introspection throughout. Track 1 ‘Uh Ohh’ is the soundtrack to the trippiest slow moving nightmare you can imagine. The tune serves up a freezing cold slice of eerie atmospheric oppression, with its sparse mix haunting the listener while simultaneously delivering heat in the sub frequencies - ready to lend its weight when played out on a fat system. Poison Spear moves to a tribal vibe, while being no less haunting - like you’re being stalked in the Amazon. Broken then picks up the pieces, a creation of ethereal beauty at 140bpm. Showcasing Lost’s depth of musical understanding and technical skill, rather than loading up the subs the producer focuses on intricate melancholic melodic flourishes, dark soundscapes and hypnotic percussion. The release is wrapped up with Paranoidz, with its swag-filled beat slapping you round the chops as its shuffled bass throbs and hi-hats disorientate you into submission. Come take your Paranoidz with Lost, you might regret it.

Elite level lost grime dubs used in legendary Wiley/Ghetts freestyles on Westwood, Wiley’s Tunnel Vision 5, and a whole host of grime clashes.

The Fargo EP continues along the forward thinking tangent of the label,
expertly blending elements of bass, techno and rolling percussion. Early
support from Hodge, Loefah and Walton, KZN004 provides 6 club ready,
certified weapons fit for the dance.

Subaltern Records’ 13th vinyl offering is a kaleidoscopic blend of multiple artists and styles -
many of whom are making their debut on the imprint. These four glorious soundsystem
tunes are sure to be on heavy DJ rotation over the summer before general release in
September.
Alter:
Opening the record is Japanese producer Helktram, who makes his debut on Subaltern with
a relentless hypnotic roller. Distorted drums, tense strings and percussive interludes
permeate this banger, which has proven to mash up the dance every time.
Fibers:
Being the only resident Subaltern artist on the release, D-Operation Drop are proving why
they have returned to Subaltern yet again with this trippy masterpiece. Expect crisp beats
and a distinctively modern dubwise vibe.
Bomb:
Delivering a mighty stomper is German producer ILL_K, who makes his first appearance on
the imprint. „Bomb“ is probably the most accurate track title that this unique banger could
have gotten.
Landfall:
The only collaborative track of the EP, „Landfall“ concludes the record in style - dark and
eerie atmospheres mark the signature sound of German producer Shu and Belgian producer
Zygos.

Few names shine as brightly in the cosmology of dubwise bass music as that of V.I.V.E.K. From releasing absolutely ground-breaking tracks for the better part of 20 years primarily on his own System and Vivek imprints, to curating and hosting his legendary System nights, to bringing so much rising talent to light, it’s honestly difficult to imagine the last two decades of UK and global sound system music without him.

For ZamZam 96 V.I.V.E.K went straight to the bedrock of sound system music and delivered a power-stepper of galactic proportions.

Love Love host a collaborative release by two of the freshest contemporary Avon producers, Best Pest and Kursa. Kursa (also one half of S.Murk) has built a notable following in the UK as well as in the USA, playing out often at big stateside events with his own style of tight, maximalist bass music - think Tipper, Eprom, Noisia etc… Ben Pest is no stranger to Love Love with 2 previous solo releases under his belt, best known for his crunchy techno & electro and ripping hardware live-sets. Here they come together for a 5 track genre-hopping EP, each flexing their respective production sensibilities, splicing elements of dubstep, grime, hardcore & garage together, along with a healthy dose of multi-dimensional sound design, to make some of the noisiest modern dance music going.

Early support from: Clouds, Giant Swan, Rob Hall, A Made Up Sound, Om Unit, Nikki Nair, Luke Sanger, Deft, Warlock, Second Storey...

The link up between Mantra and Vivek goes back to 2013 when Mantra used to frequent his System nights at The Dome. Both share similar values in grafting hard, focusing on the music and not getting distracted by the noise surrounding the culture. This EP has been in the making for over 2 years and we’re proud to finally be releasing Mantra’s debut SYSTEM EP.

4 cuts spanning different corners of electronic music - from broken beat, garage, and jungle, all with a heavy dub influence. Chopped up breaks, carefully programmed hits, dub baselines, heavenly pads - this release is raw, weighty & System to the core!

It was a busy 2019 for Asian Dub Foundation with the long-awaited reissue of their Mercury Prize-nominated 1998 classic Rafi’s Revenge. The reissue garnered ecstatic reviews, all of which agreed that the sound and the message that ADF threw down in 1998 is as relevant now as it was then-perhaps even more so. So it’s timely that in 2020 the band are set to release their 9th album “Access Denied” which finds them as uncompromising as ever. The album showcases ADF in full spectrum mode from the tough Jungle Punk sound of “Stealing The Future” and “Mind-lock” through to the orchestral meditation of “Realignment” and the reggae lament of the title track. With guestspots from Greta Thunberg, incendiary Palestinian shamstep warriors 47 Soul, Chilean revolt’s rap main figure Ana Tijoux and radical UK comedian Stewart Lee, Asian Dub Foundation continue their sonic opposition to the powers that be and “Access Denied” kicks harder and higher than ever.

Exclusive run of 12" vinyl with these two banging remixes of Martyn's iconic Vancouver by Verraco and Rhyw! Expertly mastered by Beau at Ten Eight Seven.

Bukez Finezt is back on MEDi! A1 Ski Mask Activities B1 Treat Me Like Royalty B2 Foreign Signal 10.05.24 12" Vinyl & Digital MEDi126 Mastered: Transition Mastering Artwork: M7 Grafiks

2022 repress

Hold tight the artists unknown giving the far-famed superstylin' their idiosyncratic palate.

140 on the A - 170 on the B gives it summer vibes, dubby vibes, drum and bass vibes, super vibes!

A momentous signing for DDD, as the label welcomes one of the most influential artists in dubstep’s history: Caspa.

On his Inner Space EP, which drops on September 6th, the producer takes refuge within his introspective sanctuary of ice cold beats, deep pulsating bass and futuristic sound design - presenting a four-track tour de force of 140 that is at once impactful as it is cohesive and holistic.

This one is also available as a limited edition picture disc vinyl.

For their next venture, Infernal Sounds brings together two titans in the scene marking #ifs026 with a collaborative EP from returning family member Chad Dubz, and debutant Somah. The Business EP is a goliath, featuring full-throttle sounds on the title track 'The Business' to kick things off properly. 'Naraka' follows in the same vein, producing a rough and rugged low end which you can feel deep in your chest, whilst 'Amplify' provides a stripped back, bass heavy affair. 'Unresolved' closes the EP, rounding things off with a more melodic skanker. The release has already received some strong support in the scene from the likes of Truth, J:Kenzo, Sicaria Sound, N-Type and many more, making it a must own 12".

2020 repress

Infernal Sounds welcomes Cluekid back to the fray, returning to release two of his most sought after dubs in 'Electric Avenue' & 'Horizontal'. The legendary producer throws you right back to the '08 days on the A side, taking you in with straight junglist sampling and a low-end wobble of a freshly set blamanche. 'Horizontal' displays the same sort of traits, but gives you an added dub-flex through the backdrop melody, and a low-end you'll feel right down in your stomach. It's an ultimate double XL.

Young gun and badman producer Retina returns to Foundation Audio for his debut vinyl release and quite frankly it slaps! ‘Dusted’ kicks things off with a hyper 4x4 beat and an eratic bassline – this one comes flying straight out of the gates! ‘Nameless and Nothing’ a meaner, beast with its eerie atmospheres and plodding bassline takes the A2 spot. Flip the record and we have ‘No Fear I’ a subby monster best described by the word SUB. ‘If Not The Orb’ closes proceedings with a 07-08 old skool antisocial kinda vibe wrapping up the ep perfectly. Dubstep goodness from front to back and solid proof that Americans can also do the dubstep.

A killer eastern influenced Dubstep EP - Tip!

A compilation of Grime and Dubstep music that was originally released between 2018 and 2021 from some of the artists on White Peach.

As deep and wonky as it gets, Buffalo bass wizard isded is back with some potent dubstep saucery in the form of Swang EP - the latest release on Truth’s Deep, Dark & Dangerous imprint. One slurp of the producer’s potion will see you hypnotized and intoxicated in equal measure as the four cuts of the most matured and delectable bass seep through your veins. Tribal feels, sub-shattering lows and crisp percussion all coalesce to create the perfect conditions to take the step into the unknown crevices of your own mind. Ready to get swang? We didn’t think so.

One of the hottest talents emerging from the New Zealand underground, Brassic, returns to DDD with a tour de force of a record, Into Chaos EP. Switching from the sublime to the ridiculous, while simultaneously traversing a mental cliff edge under the constant threat of experimental torture - this EP is a no hold bars attack on all your senses. Out on a limited edition six track vinyl and digital EP, come and get lost in the deep caves of Brassic’s warped and psychoactive mind. Ranging from the grunge-influenced broody opener, Antagonist, to the outright naughty system banger, Alienated, through to the string punctuated grime influences of title track Into Chaos and the epic EP closer I Am - this body of work is a true gaze into the mind of a truly visionary creative and at points the producer’s soul. Will you step Into Chaos?

Hold tight, Cimm's back at the controls. For the fifteenth physical release and his third 12" on the revered Sentry Records imprint, the prodigious UK-based artist reveals some of his finest high-grade sound system combustibles yet. DJ Youngsta's label demonstrates how it's done once again, proceeding with the consistent stream of quality excursions and another four mammoth-sized tracks to shake a leg to and light up the audience. Super-charged, Cimm's murderous sound design in all its glory.

The 007 issue of Dubs Galore welcomes the debut of 2 artists on the label : Mr K and Arta colabing with label boss Von D to explore new "Dub in the Dubstep" adventures.

After numerous releases on his Dub Junction label and two lead singles on the subsidiary Superchip label, Simma presents his debut LP: Simma Enters THE Game. Featuring guests Natty Campbell, Danny T, Tenor Youthman, Dandelion, Who Knew, Indra MC & Nina Girassóis.

A very nice EP with Burial-esque soundscapes and spaced-out vocals!

A compilation of Grime and Dubstep music that was originally released between 2017 and 2018 from some of the artists on White Peach.

For the second release on his emerging Dark Knight imprint, Dutch producer Jlsxnd7rs has teamed up with Croydon cult hero Rocks FOE for the two-track instrumental offering “Warren & Justin”, available both digitally and on 12” vinyl.

Influential Dutch grime producer Jlsxnd7rs debuts on Dream Eater with the four-track Ceres EP, enlisting MC Armour, a member of the trailblazing N.A.S.T.Y Crew, for vocal duties.

Another boundary stretching two track release by mystery Burial.

Reissue on black vinyl. Rarely you come across a record which embodies Dubstep so well that rallies the entire scene behind it. From the brosteppers to the deep heads this record has been getting love from all corners of the earth. We're talking about "Under Control" the latest outing from Germany's next top wobble aka Bukez Finezt. Its eerie intro sets the tone perfectly to interlude this hypnotic stomper. Once the sonic warfare is unleashed it'll transport you to a word of desolation, where aliens run rampant and technology has absorbed everything around them.

"You Don't Belong Here" & "Pace Yourself" are on a equal tip. 2 bigtime subloaded heavyweights that'll remind you that Dubstep is still very much alive and reminds us why we fell in love with this minimalistic bass heavy genre to begin with.

Next EP on White Peach comes from Neffa-T and makes your guts swing!

Fkofv004 is the third physical release from Fkof Records in 2020, following WZ’s Fkofv003 in January and the 2x 12” Fkof10 album celebrating 10 Years of FatKidOnFire earlier this summer. We open with the heavyweight Chad Dubz and Biome collab – ‘455’ – that’s been inspiring gunfingers and screwfaces around the world since being teased online a few months ago. It’s everything you’d hope the combination of two of 140bpm’s finest talents would create: incredible synths, crushing percussive power and atmospherics for days. Pure weight.

Presenting Alix Perez’s largest solo project since his second album in 2013. “Without End” is an 8 track journey through his exploration of soulful drum and bass - a sound Alix is renowned for. The EP includes collaborations with Liam Bailey, Workforce & Halogenix.

Rory McPike is an artist who holds a special place in the core of Melbourne’s musical heart. His primary alias for the past 5 years, Rings Around Saturn, has been releasing sub loaded technotic synthesis with hints and glimpses of a 140 bpm’d dubstep track on the horizon — The horizon is here — Welcome.

This is Abstrakt Sonance's long awaited album on DDD.

Infernal Sounds welcome the return of the illusive Irish producer Darkimh, plating up the scorching 'Tell Me Nothin' EP' as the follow up to his #IFS009 release which hit shelves in 2018. The title track features Manchester MC T-Man (one part of Levelz), a collaboration in the works for some time, providing the ultimate weight deliverance to the dance floor, igniting rigorous energy as soon as the tune drops. Darkimh backs this stand out piece with two different flips - a more trapped out track in 'Gin Swing' and the surreal and spacious number, 'Boneclick'. All tracks are perfect for different vibes and different situations, whether it's at home on your own, out at a house party or ready to lay siege on the dance floor. The release features a full sleeve artwork piece - designed and photographed by Gabrial Deacon.

DPRTNDRP make their debut on Infernal Sounds as they dish up their 'What Ya Mean' EP - supplying an adapt range of sounds and styles throughout this 4-tracker, which also features a collaboration with DE-TÜ.

There can be no doubt about it, when it comes to making speakers move, Leo Cap is something of a scientist; lurking around the Deep, Dark & Dangerous realms. Following a number of EPs and track features on DDD, ‘Underground Business’ is his debut full-length album. 11 slices of audio genius, the kind of tracks that make you question your very sanity when they drop.

Leo Cap’s style is well represented across this release, and as an album is the perfect showcase of his sound. One which is known for pushing the physical boundaries to which you can exert sound systems and speakers. Literally pushing insane amounts of air when these basslines drop. The album tells the story of Leo Cap the artist, creating beautiful things only to destroy and break them. Not only is the music a parallel for his life, it is also a form of armour, pieces collected from here and there. A protection from a paranoid existence in the dark and murky underground.

This music is his kind of Undergound Business, “it’s really deep, it’s really dark and it’s really fucking dangerous man”. All the demons, all the darkness, and also all the fun. But there are no mistakes, this is how things are meant to be, life is is both dark and light, with music as it’s abstraction.

You can turn on the music and feel these things, this is real, this is Underground Business

Includes Through Lines LP + a beautiful 40-page booklet featuring a collection of Martyn’s writings on music, inspired by the 9 tracks on the Through Lines vinyl release, designed by the very excellent Jeroen Erosie.