Bass Music . Grime . Jungle . Future Beats

WEEK STARTING 13 Jun

Genre pick of the week Cover of Untitled by LU:K.
*all original recordings from mid 90s Estonian released cassettes. Fascinating interpretations of the UK breakbeat and Jungle sounds recorded when the world felt like a much bigger place.

Since hearing the first breakbeats via the Finnish radio nightly shows introducing the burgeoning UK scene, Virko Veskoja, later head figure of Lu:k, was completely swept away by this new technological language that sounded like machines trying to initiate contact with people. The fluttering rhythm patterns, strings and vocal lines haunting the pathways of the infinite network. Like hip-hop taken over by Skynet.

Reimagining it all in mid-90’s Estonia, a fresh and dirt-poor republic newly welcomed to the family of sovereign states on the outskirts of Eastern Europe, was challenging, to say the least. Finally, with the help of entry level music programs, custom-made soundcards and self-built computers by the other Lu:k-head Tõnis Valk, Lu:k took the first tentative steps in the history of Estonian jungle.

Eight Lu:k cuts have been compiled into a handy selection, a true sign of the times when uncertainty came with certain hope and optimism – new territories to chart, new frontiers to conquer. A time of innocence captured so sublimely in Lu:k’s music.

The compilation starts with menacing orchestration that sounds like the birth of a civilization, like in „2001: A Space Odyssey“, or the arrival of Godzilla, only to give way to sweeeet strings and the inimitable Minnie Riperton in “Lovin U”, combining all the essential elements of Lu:k in a track that has remained uncorroded by time since its inception in 1994.

The following “Demo 3” is its antithesis – fast and nervous, a harbinger of the darker days of neurofunk and techstep ahead. More in line with the social realities of the time, when something (or someone) could materialise out of thin air and attack you just as violently as those beats here.

“La:v” was Lu:k’s signature track throughout their brief career that went on only for a few years, 1994-1997. Lifted to heaven’s by Petula Clarks’s wonderful vocals, it perfectly captures the pure essence of creation. “I made it in my bedroom. Something like that just came out. Sorry”, says Virko apologetically.

From the themes of love we are led towards darker scenarios again with “Drunk-Drive”, a more vengeful cut reminiscent of early Ram Records’ nocturnal dangers, skylines shaped by basslines. Previously only available on the uber-rare “Raadiomaja valvelauas” CD compilation from 2005.

“In the Limelight” is lifted from their second album “Dreams in Drums” from 1996 (only released on cassette), and if it’s meant to address their new-found underground celebrity status in Estonia, there is surprisingly little elation here – the track rather consists of introspective strings and beats that sound almost melancholic.

Out of the remaining three tracks, “Proov2mix” and “Kadunud leitud” are the result of a treasure hunt amongst the old, obsolete harddrives – little nuggets that were condemned to obscurity until now. Between them, another vocal-led cut “010”, a non-album track only featured on two comps until now, is a strong reminder of Lu:k’s prodigious ability to handle vocal lines and morph them together with their own weaving synthetic melodies, strong pads and commanding beats.

Lu:k’s music has been largely unavailable for the better part of this century, with original tapes and CD’s changing hands for a small fortune. This vinyl release couldn’t come at a better time, bringing a seminal chapter of Estonian dance music’s mythical history to light again, both for the old-school acolytes and new converts.

All music by Virko Veskoja

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Utterly irresistible jungle album from Estonia which really captures the creative spirit that the (then) new technologies gifted producers from not just British soils. Influenced by what was going on over here, L:UK conjured up a whole world of breakbeat ruffage that's full of charm and wide-eyed exploration.

TRACK LISTING

Lovin U
Lav
In Da Limelight
010
Demo 3
Drunk - Drive
Proov2mix
Kadunud Leitud

Cool Hand Flex

Melody Madness - Inc. Roni Size / Bladerunner / Outrage Remixes

Suburban Base returns with a heavyweight release, delivering fresh remixes of the classic "Melody Madness" by Cool Hand Flex, reimagined by two of the most respected names in the scene - Bladerunner and Outrage.

Bladerunner brings his signature rolling basslines and crisp production to the track, delivering a modern take while staying true to the original’s deep jungle roots. On the flip, Outrage delivers the AWOL Remix, a tribute to the legendary club night, channeling the raw energy of those iconic sessions with rugged breakbeats and deep, atmospheric textures.

This double A-side includes the highly valued original version and the much sought after Roni Size Remix from 1995, the release bridges the old and the new, paying homage to a foundational anthem while pushing the sound forward.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Pure bassbin buggin' action here featuring two cuts from the mid 90s alongside two modern refixes. Suburban Base refuse to conclude their domination on the dnb underground!

TRACK LISTING

A1. Melody Madness (Original Mix)
A2. Melody Madness (Roni Size 1995 Remix)
B1. Melody Madness (Bladerunner Remix)
B2. Melody Madness (Outrage AWOL Remix) 

FaltyDL

Neurotica

    It’s been ten years since Drew Lustman aka FaltyDL last released on Planet Mu. In the meantime he's been running his own label Blueberry Records, been in-house producer for Mykki Blanco and has become a dad. The best things come out of play and it was Drew’s relationship with his young daughter that switched on this playful side of his music. The album in question, ‘Neurotica,’ expresses Drew’s fun in creating such energetic pieces people will want to move to. It's a dizzying sugar-rush at a high-speed bounce; the music is fresh and inviting and most important of all, joyful.

    "Summer of ’24, we were in Catalonia. My girl, our young daughter, the old folks. Days by the village pool, afternoons on the dirtbike. At night, I made salads. Simple things. Good things. One afternoon, lying back, phone in hand, I saw a friend post a GRWM. The music behind it stopped me. A song grabbed hold. The track was ‘Secret’ by Mietze Conte, which is fast-paced euro-pop dance music, like soft fluffy gabber with childlike vocals. I hunted down the full version. Played it again. And again. Twenty times over the next few days. It unlocked something. The best music does that. Like the first time I heard Burial. Had to know what was happening under the surface. That time, it led to ‘Love Is A Liability’ in 2009. This time, it led to ‘Neurotica.’“

    “I started to record, getting down fast, bright, sugar-rush sounds. 185 to 200 BPM. I wrote them quick—half a day per track. In between, I slowed things down. Gave space for breath. Mike Paradinas helped shape the album, his ear guiding the flow. I tested the tracks. Played them for kids barely out of diapers and grown folks who still move like they are. It worked, on all ages. I kept it simple. Only two rules: keep it moving and don’t look at my phone. Cut the vocals like I used to.”

    ‘Neurotica’ is FaltyDL with his mojo refreshed, a new life squared, do yourself a favour, crack a smile and feel the joy.

    TRACK LISTING

    1. Son Of The Morning
    2. Don’t Go
    3. Con Air
    4. Craving You
    5. Chaotic Child
    6. Breeding
    7. Fix Me
    8. Trace Your Ground
    9. Speed
    10. Lay Your Heart Down
    11. By Your Side
    12. I Can Hear It All The Time
    13. We Have Everything We Need
    14. Cried Later

    A noughties classic, an earworming anthem, an eventual schoolyard ringtone favourite; Roman Flügel’s once inescapable ‘Geht’s Noch?’ celebrates turning 21 on Running Back, refreshed and remixed by a scene-spanning set of artists paying keen tribute to its absurdist energy.

    Casually released as part of a Cocoon Records compilation in 2004, ‘Geht’s Noch?’ rose from the depths with the support of Sven Väth, becoming an international phenomenon, conquering and uniting the dominant scenes of minimal and electroclash alike. Some have said it laid the foundations for the ‘Dirty Dutch’ house scene, albeit from over the border in Germany.

    Well known for injecting much-needed levity into the contemporary club landscape via her Live From Earth parties, DJ Gigola adds additional firepower to ‘Geht’s Noch?’, inducing a planet-shaking kick drum, before sending the track’s signature bleeps into nonsensical Morse code for even greater pleasure.

    Another rave culture connoisseur, Luca Lozano, offers his ‘Techsnoch’ mix which rolls deep with additional cowbells, robotic voice commands and stadium-sized claps. Meanwhile, the Martyn Bootspoon draws a savvy connection with the original’s as-yet-untapped UK funky potential.


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Nicely updated version of this Roman Flugel club wrecker. Luca Lozano emphasising the fairground pump, Martyn squashes things into a bass-techno juggernaut while DJ Gigola goes on a hard dance slam-a-thon; made for the Scandinavian and Eastern Europe squat party raves.

    TRACK LISTING

    A1. Original
    A2. DJ Gigola Remix
    B1. Luca Lozano Techsnoch Remix
    B2. Martyn Bootyspoon Remix

    Marla Kether

    All That We Have EP

      Winning 2024’s Youth Music’s - Producer Of The Year

      Marla Kether releases her outstanding All The We Have EP on vinyl with a masterful B side of remixes by Gina Jeanz, Ikonika, Fiyadread, The Rose Holland Project (fka Dutchie) and Coco Em. “I chose each producer because I’m a huge fan of their work. Saffron enabled me to connect with each of them via Tech Dissect - I attended workshops hosted by Gina, Fiyah, Ikonika and Coco. Rose was the FOH engineer at my Saffron showcase performance at the end of my Artist Development stint, I also hosted a Live Q&A on Saffron’s IG to talk about her EP, ’Satin Planet.”. Exceeding 36 million Spotify streams for her work as a session bassist ( Loyle Carner, Little Simz, Yazmin Lacey, Oscar Jerome, Obongjayar), Marla released her highly-anticipated debut EP ‘All That We Have’ in November 2023, preceded by four singles championed by the likes of Crack Magazine, Mary Anne Hobbs, Jamz Supernova, Shanti Celeste, Gilles Peterson and many more. The EP was heralded by Bandcamp Daily as some of ‘The Best Electronic Music of November 2023’, and the closing track ‘BTR2’ is one of DJ Mag’s Top Tracks of 2023. Since launching first the EP with two packed-out live shows - at Strange Brew in Bristol and NinetyOne Living Room in London - Marla has been playing shows consistently: 2024 had gigs at The Jazz Cafe, Shambala, London Jazz Festival, House of KOKO and The Roundhouse to name a few. These came after a year of touring the world as Loyle Carner’s bassist – and even supporting his 2023 US tour as a DJ. She has already secured bookings for Cross The Tracks, The Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, and Brick Lane Jazz Festival for 2025. She’ll also be joining Little Simz on her upcoming world tour, following a stellar performance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.

      Snapshot about Saffron Music: "Saffron Music, a Bristol-based creative powerhouse known for nurturing emerging talent, proudly announces the upcoming release of Marla Kether's remix EP in April. Marla Kether, who honed her craft through Saffron's renowned workshop program, embodies the essence of their commitment to fostering new voices in music. With a distinctive blend of influences and a unique sonic palette, Marla Kether's EP promises to captivate audiences with its innovative remixes, showcasing her evolution as an artist under Saffron Music's mentorship."

      TRACK LISTING

      1. In My Corner
      2. The Juvenile Masculine
      3. Revolve
      5. BTR2
      6. All That We Have (Coco Em Remix)
      7. In My Corner (Fiyahdred Remix)
      8. The Juvenile Masculine (Rose Holland Remix)
      9. Revolve (Gina Jeanz Remix)
      10. BTR2 (Ikonika Remix)

      Squarepusher

      Ultravisitor (Remastered Edition)

        An album beloved by fans since its release in March 2004, 'Ultravisitor' is one of the most popular records in Squarepusher’s entire discography. A unique blend of studio and live recordings, it’s an excellent showcase for the diversity of his music: from the frenetic title track to the funky jazz of 'Iambic 9 Poetry' to the sunlit bliss of 'Tommib Help Buss' and beyond.

        Following last year’s 20th-anniversary expanded deluxe reissue, the standalone remastered edition is now widely available. Carefully remastered from the original tapes by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering and overseen by Tom Jenkinson—who was never entirely happy with the original release—this edition brings fresh dynamics and details in the tracks.

        TRACK LISTING

        1. Ultravisitor
        2. I Fulcrum
        3. Iambic 9 Poetry
        4. Andrei
        5. 50 Cycles
        6. Menelec
        7. C-Town Smash
        8. Steinbolt
        9. An Arched Pathway
        10. Telluric Piece
        11. District Line II
        12. Circlewave
        13. Tetra-Sync
        14. Tommib Help Buss
        15. Every Day I Love

        Simon Hafner AKA Sun People is an adventurous maverick in quick rhythms. His productions are well known for being fascinatingly hybridised. Footwork meets jungle meets techno meets electro meets dub! After his smashing debut LP on dBridge's Exit Records he is releasing his new EP on Candy Mountain. 'Emotional Distortions' is a unique EP centered around his deft beat programming and takes us on a contemporary dance floor journey of uncompromised fearless groove. This is next level production! Not to be missed for the serious d&b, dubstep, broken beat and electro freaks out there!!!

        TRACK LISTING

        1 Seul
        2 Runaway
        3 Rhythm Gutter
        4 Look Into The Unknown

        Verraco

        Basic Maneuvres EP

        One year on from the release of the critically acclaimed 'Breathe... Godspeed' for Bristol's Timedance, Verraco - aka JP López - returns to announce 'Basic Maneuvers', his debut for XL Recordings.

        Sonically, the project reflects this physical and emotional shift from the more introspective beauty of Medellín to the vibrant energy of Colombia's capital, Bogotá. 'Basic Maneuvers' reflects movement — between scenes, sounds, and cities — pushing forward Verraco's cross-culture sound; one that collides South American dembow rhythms with maximalist synths, UK soundsystem bass culture, meticulous IDM sound design, with the intensity and precision of techno.

        Across the EP, he expands his range with the main single, a powerful 4x4 club-ready edgy banger, a dubbed-out stepper 'Total' and 'Sobe Sobe', a grime-infused collaboration with legendary Kenyan-Ugandan rapper affiliated to Nyege Nyege, MC Yallah, that celebrates the deep-rooted connection between the underground dancefloors of Africa and South America. 'Basic Maneuvers' is a bold statement of intent from one of electronic music's most vital and exciting producers.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Along with fellow XL signing Blawan, Verraco is one of the current stars of the bass-techno scene; consistently pushing the envelop in terms of synthesis and dynamics. A distinctly Bogotán flavoured EP, signalling his move from Medellín and all the more tougher and rampant for it. Check!

        TRACK LISTING

        Basic Maneuvers
        Total
        Sobe Sobe (feat. MC Yallah)

        The fifth Jahtari label compilation full of all-new outsider dubs, bit-crunched reggae, circuit bent dancehall and lots of cosmic low end, marking twenty years of mainframe skanking oddness from Leipzig.

        Vol. 5 is the first addition to the "Jahtarian Dubbers" series in over ten years, starting off with "The Loop Jerk" by DJ and activist Dave Watts aka KingLMan (who sadly passed away in 2024).

        Kiki Hitomi turns up the heat with "Red Mustang", a raw but sweet PG 18-rated Japanese lofi reggae gem, followed by "Casio HipHop", an addictive synth & drum machine session by UK bedrock producer Kris Kemist (Reality Shock Records).

        Singjay miracle El Fata brings the positive energy with "Boom Sound", a synthie dancehall scorcher hot off the tape reels at Naram’s studio in the New Zealand bush, while Jura Soundsystem’s hypnotizing "On My Way (Dub)" easily shifts gears into Sly & Robbie-mode.

        Side B starts off with Pupajim’s prophetic "Tidal Wave", produced by digi-reggae specialist Raggattack and coming in an epic extended Disco Dub version.

        Melodica wizard Taka Noda (Mystica Tribe) and synth shaman Danny Wolfers (Legowelt) enter into deep magnetic communion with their Sacred Tascam tape deck on "Cabal of Puppeteers", followed by DJ veteran Speng Bond chanting "Wha Mek" over a spaced out depth charge by Jahtari co-founder Rootah.

        Gameboy-whisperer DJ Scotch Egg (WaqWaq Kingdom, Seefeel) joins forces with disrupt and dub trumpet black belt Pablo Volt (STA) for a mindbending journey going all the way from synth heavy roots to acid jazz, on Namahage‘s "Voidout Dub".

        The voyage ends with a hazy and mystical Ambient Dub version of "Muuri" by Finish singer Tiiu Helinä, with Tapes on keys – not to be missed!

        All lovingly mixed by disrupt, coming with iconic artwork by Disko 69 (Doppeldenk).

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: The iconic 8-bit soundsystem wreckers return! The ingenious concept has spread far and wide; volume 5 hosts a range of global talent - all tuned into the mystic wonders of the retro sound circuits.

        TRACK LISTING

        Dave Watts Aka Kinglman - The Loop Jerk
        Kiki Hitomi - Red Mustang
        Kris Kemist - Casio Hiphop
        El Fata - Boom Sound
        Jura Soundsystem - On My Way (Dub)
        Pupajim - Tidal Wave (Raggattack Disco Dub)
        Noda Wolfers - Cabal Of Puppeteers
        Speng Bond - Wha Mek
        Namahage - Voidout Dub
        Tiiu Helina - Muuri Dub


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