Category: Techstep

Tech-step Music

Categories
Featured Releases Music Neurofunk Techstep

Breaking Boundaries of a Black Hole : Task Horizon

Task Horizon - Nostromo
Task Horizon - Nostromo

Task Horizon the super nova of Drum & Bass

I must say that I have been a fan of Task Horizon for over a decade now. They have stayed true to their sound and their evolution as of late is astounding. The four man group hail from the simple country of Switzerland where the people are focused on quality. Quality of life by the government, quality engineering, quality Tennis player Roger Federer, scientist Bertrand Piccard, and creator of F1 racing Peter Sauber a representation of the quality that comes from Switzerland. Now Task Horizon can be added to the list due to their quality Drum & Bass. Their sound is a kin to that of Magnetude, but trust that Task Horizon has been writing synth heavy music since their conception in 2004. They have released on labels such as DSCI4, Cause 4 Concern, Sudden Def, and more recently on Blackout, Eatbrain, and their own imprint, Evolution Chamber.

Their latest release on Eatbrain was a slammer and long overdue. Overclocking Reality started off with a synth wave-esq intro. A corncopia of sound that engulfs your mind as it builds up to a monstrous drop with trance like stabs, filthy bass and their signature clap snare that I know them for. The release in its entirety is massive and can be purchased now. They have also just released a massively produced track on Eatrbain’s Divergence LP that features various artists. The track titled ‘The Void Between Worlds” is a synth mashed switch-up killer of a tune that is meant to destroy everything that creates you and sends the peaces left over to Zero Point. Amazing release from the team at TH that can be bought today via Beatport.

Evolution Chamber : Nostromo

The team has their own imprint called Evolution Chamber. It’s a smart business move on their behalf. Having your own label allows you more creative freedom but does hail a challenge in ensuring you are putting out quality such as your competitors. With all that said, TH has figured out an even balance and their newest release Nostromo and Hyperion are a testament to it. Hyperion is a simple roller that brings you through the cosmos in a chord synth that rolls through track with great effects and clean drums. This is the kind of track well suited for listening and hopefully it could come out in a futuristic space shooter game. Its quality is superb. Nostromo, however, is the beast here. It begins with off key notes and vocal sample that makes you feel like you’re on the Event Horizon and the ship is talking to you. The arped synth and big vocal pad bring you closer to a massive build and drop that… oh my god I don’t have words for it! Its a smasher of a drop and one of my favorite tracks this year. MASSIVE respect to the team at TH for putting this together. This is a release that is meant to smack all generations of intergalactic species for years to come.

Listen here:

Categories
Dancefloor Smashers Jump Up Neurofunk Techstep

Subtension Rocks it out!

Subtension - Nestbox EP
Subtension - Nestbox EP

Subtension – Nestbox EP is fantastic!

Critical drum & bass imprint Cause4concern know how to make their presence felt . Having ended 2017 on a climatic release from rising stalwart Akov, who proudly stepped up the label’s hold over the scene’s most unrelenting newcomers, they return with another output which solidifies how imperative they’ve come within its very fabric. Slovakian based producer Subtension is the next artist to slide into C4C’s crucial roster, bringing with him a four-track offering which is sure to orchestrate sub-littered damage over the months to come

The Nestbox EP highlights the wide ranging scope of a label like Cause4Concern. Yet again the label retains its snapping reputation, cutting forward with only the hungriest of newcomers. And together with the likes of Subtension, they’ve continued this pattern, proving that time after time they’re just as destructive as they were when they first affirmed themselves as a founding part of neurofunk. Title-track ‘Nestbox’ straight away underline Subtension’s ingenious take on drum & bass production. It’s sci-fi inspired sonics, ticking instrumentals, wooden drum pads and ticking bass stabs draw the track into an undeniable groove, one which oozes with a dancefloor edge whilst shifting from layer to layer. ‘Left Handed’ pulls out the clacking percussive streams which filter through each channel, gradually bringing you across step by step until its breakdown finally leaves you freefalling into a fluctuating bassline. Up next, Dephzac joins Subtension for collaborative track ‘Tomb Diver’, staying true to form with a deeply lined composition and subterranean bass-levels. Each segment pushes you further and further beneath the surface, never allowing you to come up for air. And then comes ‘Polar’, a more intimate finisher which introduces you through a dainty littering of melodies before the track rolls out with more hard-hitting drum rhythms. It’s of a softer hue, adding diversity to the C4C roster and back catalogue, helping to demonstrate how they became such renowned figures.

Alongside groundbreaking releases like the one provided by Subtension, they’ve held their domination since the label first came in to power. This is something they’re sure to uphold, still pushing the bar with every release.

Categories
Featured Releases Free Download Neurofunk Techstep

Your mind will be receptive to the awesomeness!

Receptor - Tell Me
Receptor - Tell Me

Receptor – Tell Me is a fun one!

I’ve been a Receptor fan for sometime. The sound quality he put forth with his neurofunk has been amazing. There was no question to his musical talent but this new release on Ignescent Recordings proves how good this cat is! The old school rave stabs are so fun to listen to and the overall funk from the track is amazing. “Tell Me” is a single that will make the rounds for times to come. We love this one! In addition, Ignescent and Receptor bring you a free release “Gulfstream” you can download FREE.

https://soundcloud.com/ignescentme/receptor-tell-me-ignt029-out-now-on-beatport

From the Presser:

Well-known for their harder-hitting riddims, Ignescent are making their mark for the final part of 2017 with something slightly different compared to the latter part of their discography. Bringing Receptor into the mix for the year’s home stretch, his forthcoming single ‘Tell Me’ brings a totally new colour into the imprint’s back catalogue, providing a new take on what was formally known as Ignescent’s sound. And this is exactly how the label wanted to bring their listeners into the New Year, by demonstrating that they have yet more ground to conquer and alongside tracks like the one delivered through Receptor, this new exploration will only add to their groundbreaking reputation within the drum & bass scene.

‘Tell Me Begins’ with a melody which ducks and dives between the track, slipping through the cracks and creating a dancefloor-lead feel oozing with the type of jiving undertows propelling Receptor into the spotlight. The track steadily freefalls into pitching synth and a bassline which helps push the track through to its epitomic finish, helped given buoyancy by its distorted, singing vocals and elevated patterns of sonic. Flickering note arpeggios help to give the track a musicality which lends itself to Receptors vast production standard, one that’s consistently held Receptor into the spotlight across a wide ranging number of platforms. Ignescent is his next step, pushing him even further under the radar and proving that the label’s scope stretches even further than before.

The Moscow based producer makes new ground with his newest release and proves that his versatility stretches into more than just the neuro based market that has become a hotbed within Russian drum & bass. Just like Ignescent, Receptor is known for breaking boundaries, which explains why the producer fits so perfectly within their roster. This merging of minds brings about a new era for Ignescent and it signifies their next steps into the future. Already making waves within the Russian scene, they’re also pioneering the European market further afield, time and time again delivering music for a wide ranging audience. They’re proving to be unstoppable and that momentum isn’t looking to slow down anytime soon.

Beatport Exc: 15th Jan

www.cygnusmusic.net

Categories
Dancefloor Smashers Neurofunk Techstep

Unity across the land & through the cosmos

Akrom & Custom Soldierz - Empathy EP
Akrom & Custom Soldierz - Empathy EP

Akrom & Custom Soldierz – Empathy EP

Italy’s badman, Akrom, and Puerto Rican trio, Custom Soldierz join forces and bring you some Neurofunk meant to bring your mind over a Rosenstein Bridge and through the center of the galactic void. The collaboration brings you ‘Empathy’ EP on Kosen Productions, a French record label that is ever growing in the scene. They have amazing releases from artists like Bohemian, Maniatics, Triamer and Nagato, and they continue to thrive in the scene bringing you quality music.

Empathy EP is a continuation of the labels ear for fantastic music. The title track ‘Empathy’ is a deep piece of musical art that pays testament to a true “neuro” sound. The filtered bass lines, constant foleys, and great synths keep you moving through the track. The track starts you off with pads and an eire atmosphere that sounds like the planet Jupiter is whispering sweet nothings into your ear. The brassy pads continue to grow and the percussion brings your ever closer to a laser stab that grows in builds to the drop. As said before, the bass sounds keep your moving and the drums, while simple, keep the funk alive! Massive release from Akrom & Custom Soldierz and we cannot wait for more! Get your copy here!

From the Presser:

One thing about independent record labels is that their scope for picking up talent which doesn’t conform to the mainstream is second to none. And a label which has held this skill from the beginning is Kosen Production, the Toulouse based imprint which prides itself on bringing forward the best of drum & bass from its furthest corners. After already giving a platform to the likes of Signs, The Clamps and Nickbee, to name a few high-ranking producers who’ve released on the label, they’re still making their impact felt throughout the genre with a brand new EP from key players within the wider global market. Puerto Rican based Custom Soldierz jump on board alongside Italian production maestro Akrom for a double-sided output which begins the New Year for Kosen in an explosive fashion. The throttle has been pushed to the floor and as a result, a collection of artists are about to reinstate Kosen’s reputation, providing yet more must-have cuts for music lovers.

The ‘Empathy EP’ drops you straight into the production styles of both Custom Soldierz and Akrom, who dominate with their slick, carefully fashioned musical offerings whilst epitomising the standard held by Kosen’s back catalogue. First track ‘Empathy’ draws out on stepped out percussion, a meandering bassline and a beginning which leaves a foreboding taste on the synapses. Bit by bit you’re pulled into the mix, before you’re able to fully see the intricacies of the collaboration and how it came together so easily. It’s a title-track which packs a punch, leaving you waiting for more as the record finally wraps up.

And finally comes ‘Shifter’, which ducks and dives between slews of synth and padded bass notes. You’re drawn into an almighty breakdown, taking its time before you’re then shot down a chasm of flipping beats and punching drums. The track’s well-chiselled hook instantly grabs you, sweeping its way between every segment. This is Custom Soldierz and Akrom at their most versatile, helping to develop the sound of Kosen alongside their own. It’s looking to be another monumental year for Kosen and on first listen to this EP, they clearly feel the same way.

Worldwide release: Jan 22, 2018.

Follow Akrom:
@akrom
www.facebook.com/akrommusic

Follow Custom Soldierz:
@customsoldierz
www.facebook.com/customsoldierz

Kosen Home :
www.kosenprod.com/
kosenproduction.bandcamp.com/
www.facebook.com/Kosenproduction/
twitter.com/kosenprod

Categories
Dancefloor Smashers Featured Releases Liquid Neurofunk Techstep

Go Nen LP – 5 Yrs!

Go Nen LP
Go Nen LP

Santoku Records Go Nen LP is Drum & Bass at it’s finest

2017 marks the five year anniversary for Santoku, a definitive label for not just the US drum & bass scene but also globally. They pride themselves on being a platform for both European and American talent, which is exactly what their Go Nen album sampler presents with each of the unique sonic cuts displayed on its track listing. With records from Diode, dLo, Mean Teeth, Kodin, Horde and Hajimari, you’re pulled into a colour-wheel of musicality from start to finish. And lead by label-head honcho Logam, who appears alongside M.Justa, it’s no surprise that Santoku has already manifested a stellar reputation in under a decade.

Diode’s ‘Heinous’ begins the album, with a foreboding intro which suddenly chops and changes whilst catapulting you down a chasm of spitting beats. Each rumbling bass note pulls you in further, leaving you gasping for breath beneath its weight. Veteran producer dLo from Austin [Texas] adds his track ‘Clapback’, with the same passion, technical skills and keen ear which has pushed Santoku into the forefront recently, alongside snapping percussion and a guttural bassline. Then comes Mean Teeth’s ‘Time Shift’, presenting why they’re such hotly tipped newcomers and pushing forward on segments of crushing LFO. Logam and M.Justa delivers their collaboration ‘Dream Catcher’, a more ethereal liquid offering with a steppy melody which weaves itself throughout the mix. Kodin’s ‘Pillow Puncher’ steps up next, crashing forward on old-school breakdowns and snapping drum patterns which become more and more incessant with every beat loop. Horde’s ‘Concession’ is just as ominous, with a ticking intro that gradually winds further and further into minimalistic, snapping layers of sound. And lastly, Hajimari draws for ‘Get Lost’, featuring the vocal overtones of Cluda, throwing up an ingenuity which ruminates throughout the entirety of Santoku’s back catalogue.

As a collection, the Go Nen album is the perfect way to immortalise Santoku’s legacy. With every release they’ve unleashed this year, they’ve made more and more of an impact and the Go Nen LP is their final word for this year. Into their sixth year, they’ll continue to be an independent who pushes the boundaries whilst still catering to a huge array of tastes.

 

Categories
Dancefloor Smashers Neurofunk Reviews Techstep

Add This Weapon

Current Value - Deadly Toys
Current Value - Deadly Toys

Current Value brings your the Deadly Toys LP

It’s been an amazing ride as we watched Current Value grow throughout the years. His sound design is masterful and a testament to his name. He surely represents the current value of drum & bass production. His Deadly Toys LP on Noisia’s Invisible contains a plethora of massiveness. While mixing noise, bass, synthesized drums and mastering techniques only he can be familiar with CV brings you through a whirlwind of sound. This LP is surely one of the best out there and will be a classic to listen to 20 yrs from now. Get the album here!

fb.com/currentvalue
@tim-e-aka-current-value
twitter.com/timcurrentvalue

twitter.com/invisiblerecs
fb.com/invisiblerecordings
instagram.com/visionrecordings
open.spotify.com/user/InvisibleRecordings

Categories
Free Download Neurofunk Techstep

Phace & Mefjus : Was this one a Wastemen?

Phace & Mefjus - Wastemen
Phace & Mefjus - Wastemen

Phace & Mefjus join forces once again… We recap.

I’m a Mefjus and Phace fan through and through. Phace’s highly techno influenced Drum & Bass is amazing. His work from the last two years has been effective in cementing a style only known to come from Neosignal. This release has been out since September but we felt it needed to be revisiting. honestly at first listen, I wasn’t blown away from this release as a whole. While the engineering of each track is masterful, it didn’t touch my soul like some other releases from these talented artist. So it sat on the back burner of my sets until re-listening today. And today, this release is amazing. While it may not be their most creative material. The quality of the tracks put forth are amazing. The free download of Mothership VIP is tastily given. My favorite from this release has to be “Make a Decision.” Check out these bad men as they come together to generate quality Drum & Bass.

The Wastemen EP with Phace is out now! Get it from Neosignal Recordings [digital & limited vinyl]: fanlink.to/Wastemen

Listen to Mefjus on Spotify: bit.ly/mefjusspotify
Follow Mefjus on Instagram: www.instagram.com/martinmefjus

Follow fellow wasteman Phace:
www.facebook.com/phaceneosignal
twitter.com/phace_

 

 

Categories
Techstep

DJ E – Rethink one

DJ E - Rethink One
DJ E - Rethink One

Massive release from the infamous DJ E

Debut release on Tech Itch Recordings from London pirate radio stations longest running dark DnB DJ. A long time supporter of the label, Ian Kisten aka DJ E, has been pushing the sound on seminal radio stations such as Rude FM and Kool FM since the early 90s. Never changing his sound to fit in with current trends or different markets, E is the definition of a true head.

A family man with a full time job he still manages to create new material on a regular basis and hold down a weekly show on Kool London. He has graced the line ups of many London and UK events including the likes of Renegade Hardware and is a resident at our RESISTANCE club nights. These are the kind of artists we welcome to the label. Dedicated and hard working.

The first in a series of RETHINK EPs shows his old school roots in the UK rave scene and his love for rolling, energetic tracks full of vibe and flavour.

Available exclusively on https://techitch.com before general release.

Our London event returns on a monthly basis, please feel free to mention it and let people know it’s a free with RSVP at our site.

RESISTANCE:London

14-Sep-2017

METH
DJ E
XANADU
PARAGON
INDIDJINOUS

Rolling Stock
48 Kingsland Road
London E2 8DA

Doors open at 7pm
Food Available / I.D. Required

Free w/ RSVP @ https://techitch.com

Categories
Dancefloor Smashers Featured Releases Free Download Jump Up Jungle Labels Liquid Music Neurofunk NeuroHop News Reviews Techstep World News

iluvdrumandbass We all Love It!

iluvdrumandbass
iluvdrumandbass

iluvdrumandbass is the bee’s knees!

Whoa! So over the past few days, a wave of community has surged online. Several pioneers and drivers of the Drum & Bass sound got together and discussed the importance of reaching out on social media platforms. They are absolutely correct. All of the fans of Drum & Bass are certainly biased that the sound is amazing. However, one of the problems our sound has is the lack of viewership of the average listener. This has held us back and has kept our business from growing as big as other top level genres. Some factors have pushed us to the back of the room and seclude us from the rest of the club music seen. We simply don’t have a public “visual” look to show how professional our sound is. We have let our rebellious hard heads stay in the raver attire we grew up with. This, along with, drugs within “rave” culture (as portrayed by the media), has made all people steer clear of our scene and dub our sound “techno.” Which angers me btw! And now to the birth of iluvdrumandbass.

I’ve said this needed to be changed for ever ago. But to this day, it hasn’t, for everyone outside of England, anyway. But times are changing and the artists are using the limitless power of the world wide web to create a community where we de-segragate our sub genres and have one full playlist where all labels and artists will have the chance to be heard. Check out the latest from labels such as RAM, Hospital, Technique, Viper, Breakbeat Kaos, Formation & Playaz’s, Liquicity, Eatbrain, Critical, Santoku and more!

Check out Spotify’s newest Drum & Bass playlist I ❤ DRUM & BASS here.

I ❤ DRUM & BASS represents an unprecedented act of unity and a coming together of Drum & Bass labels from all over the world. An acknowledgement of the genre’s diversity and multifaceted strengths by creating a definitive musical resource, a constantly updated playlist from all the scenes label’s and artists.

Spanning all sub-genres and being inclusive of all participating labels and artists ranging from RAM, Hospital, Technique, Viper, Breakbeat Kaos, Formation & Playaz’s, Liquicity, Eatbrain, Exit and Critical.. and that’s just for starters!

The concept emerged in October 2017 on a special message board originally set up to celebrate Grooverider’s birthday, with DJ Fresh sparking a conversation about the importance of adapting to and embracing streaming platforms. This line of thinking inspired Simon Bassline Smith to come up with the concept of a definitive drum & bass playlist for everyone’s music to feature on as soon as it’s released. A playlist with all forms of drum & bass from across the globe, self-organised by the scene itself and curated by the labels, with each label picking 1 track per week to be included.

A project with no political or corporate agenda, that exists purely to provide a home for the sounds of this global movement. A place where fans of the genre can explore the diverse sonic landscape of the music they love, or for those who want to explore the genre to immediately have access to the full spectrum. Without the bias of major label ownership and curation.

Driven by the strength of the idea, soon a core following of Dan (DJ Fresh), Simon Bassline Smith, Mickey Finn, Grooverider, Brendan Futurebound and DJ SS excitedly invited label heads from all over the world into a telegram chat room and I ❤ Drum & Bass was born.

Hundreds of players and labels have come together and committed to the concept from across the scene to bring you a place where the latest music is added daily by all the labels and artists you love. Including long-running institutions, hype and fresh labels and also niche imprints. Even unsigned releases and Drum & Bass releases from outside the traditional Drum & Bass labels are represented.

I ❤ Drum & Bass represents an evolving attitude in one of the most consistent and present genres of club music, bringing a new unity and energy to the table that’s set to invigorate the genre and inspire the world of music.

We need your help to spread the word. So please get on Facebook / Twitter/ Instagram / Snapchat and help us spread the message #iluvdrumandbass

I ❤ Drum & Bass is at…  http://bit.ly/iluvdrumandbass

Categories
Featured Releases Neurofunk Techstep

Watch out Neurofunkers! Dorian and Skore hit it!

Dorian & Skore - Powertool / Be Afraid
Dorian & Skore - Powertool / Be Afraid

Dorian & Skore keep it clean and tight

Whoa! Dorian continues to blow us away. This Austrian badman grows with every track he puts out. This time he joins forces with fellow countryman, Skore and their track Powertool is the A-sides of all A-sides. Move over Phace, someones listened and made it better. Dorian & Skore’s track Powertool is similar to a couple of Phace tracks without being too house/techno influenced. Maybe its the vocal, but this track stands out. I’ve head the opportunity to listen to this on different systems and must say this one is well done. The power moves through any speaker and into your legs. This thing pumps you up. Fantastic music! Listen here: