On their fourth album, the New Zealand based band continues to build on their unique brand of alternative drum n bass music. “Soulstice” combines elements of soul, dub step and folk to create their most ambitious project yet. The disc kicks off “New Day Come”, an energetic track that is enhanced by the melody from the Norman Connors classic “You are my starship”. “In The Rain” starts out as an acoustic gem that simmers, thanks in part to the vocals of Ladi6. “One” is a blissful track with uplifting lyrics and a gorgeous piano loop. You can’t help but feel good after listening to this one, thanks in part to the vocals of Paora Apera (aka P Digsss). “Soulstice” is an enjoyable record that will have you listening to drum n bass in a different light. This is groundbreaking work that should propel this group to greater heights.

Reg Dancy

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The long awaited full length release from DJ/Producer Martyn is everything we expected and more. Martyn has arranged an splendid array of electronic compositions steeped in dance, techno and dub step that you will find it irresistible not to move. One of those tracks is the lead song “The Only Choice”, a pulsating track filled with catchy synths and percussion. “These Words” is a techno flavored drum n bass burner enhanced by the warm vocals of D Brdige. “Elden St” is easily my favorite track here, a dense hypnotic house gem with an infectious groove that is reminiscent of the early Detroit sound made famous by Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May and Juan Atkins. Martyn is becoming a household name in the world of electronic dance music and with this new release it’s easy to see why. He never relies on one style and keeps things interesting throughout. You owe it yourself to check this one out.

Reg Dancy

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Hip Hop’s favorite villain returns with his first solo project since 2004’s “MM..Food?”. “Born like This” doesn’t quite measure up to “Food” but there are several standout tracks that are well worth checking out. Highlights include “Gazillian Ear” where Doom’s unconventional rhyme style combined with his abstract production makes this one a clear cut winner. “Yessir” is also impressive, thanks in part to special guest Raekwon, whose dense delivery is the complement to Doom’s gritty beats. “Still Dope feat. Empress Sharhh” is another banger and further proof why many respected rappers yearn to lay down rhymes to a Doom produced track. If you’ve been a supporter of Doom’s work over the years then you’ll no doubt enjoy this release. For those who tire of watered down hip-hop, prepare to be enlightened to Doom’s dark tales and you’ll see why he’s one of the most respected underground rapper/producer on the scene today.

Reg Dancy

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On his second full length release, DJ Bootsie taps into his Hungarian roots and delivers an impressive album steeped with cinematic soundscapes with classical and folk influences. One listen and it’s clear that Bootsie is adept at creating beats for hip-hop heads as well as composing potential film scores. Among the standouts is the haunting “Lieutenant Chrome”. “Ballad of the Space Ship Rigger Pt.1”, complete with searing electric guitar riffs is another banger. “Neil And Vincent” is a peaceful atmospheric down-tempo gem.  As impressive as Bootsie’s debut “The Silent Partner” was, this new release has a bolder and more refined sound. This should be the record that propels Bootsie to the recognition his talents deserve.

Reg Dancy

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Casio Blaster and 99 Mistakes, better known as 1000 Names take you on an adventure in experimental breakbeats and instrumental hip-hop on their full length debut, “Toys Room Combat”. The duo has been a favorite of underground artists for their ability to mash up modern day and futuristic hip-hop beats as well as expanding their wizardry on rare undiscovered grooves. Their inventive producing skills are evident on tracks like the funky hip-hop driven “It started as a remix”. “Cloudride” features the rap duo 215 The freshest Kidz and is one of only four tracks with a guest appearance. Other highlights are “Ant on my bottom” and “Simmer down” which features C Mont. The majority of the cuts are barely exceeding three minutes but the idea is not to settle into one groove for too long. If you’re a fan of Madlib or J Dilla then you’ll certainly enjoy this.

Reg Dancy

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Robert Jan Mayer, the architect behind Minus 8 is well established as a producer of quality drum n bass and down-tempo music. On his latest release, “Slow Motion” he delivers his usual assortment of gorgeous lounge flavored down-tempo grooves but he has also crafted some delicious dance tracks as well. Let’s start with “Letting Go”, where Virag’s blissful vocals are layered with an acoustic guitar strumming that feels like a cool breeze on an autumn afternoon. “Soverato” is a warm and seductive instrumental that is augmented by the sultry saxophone playing. “Enigma of a summer afternoon” is a mellow synthesized mid-tempo groover. Robert has exercised his ability to stretch out into different genres on previous releases with uneven results. Here he does a nice job infusing blissful dance tunes like “Wonderland”, which features Mirian S. “Make your Day” is an 80’s style boogie tune that is delightful and fun. “Hustler” sounds a little out of place here and the vocals are uninspiring but that is the only hiccup here on this otherwise enjoyable record. Overall “Slow Motion” will satisfy long time fans and will make new listeners feel right at home.

Reg Dancy

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There aren’t many notable brass bands to compare the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble to other than the festive party bands in New Orleans but the Hypnotic Brass ensemble isn’t your typical brass band. For starters there roots are steeped in jazz, considering that each of the band’s seven members are sons of jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran, once a member of Sun Ra Arkestra. Clearly the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Once you add the jazz aesthetic to their hip-hop rhythms you have yourself a collective whose energy is relentless and never lets up. The band drives through tunes like “Alyo”, complete with a tight rhythm section and a synergy among the horn players not often heard. On “Ballicki Bone” they bring down the tempo and create a soulful mid-tempo groove. “Jupiter” is a mellow number where the trumpet player and trombonist trade phrases with each other. The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have succeeded in creating compositions that are rousing and engaging. You won’t find many records this year with a band performing as well as this.

Reg Dancy

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There has been an avalanche of amazing Brazilian music this year and with the BBE release of “Future Sounds of Brazil ”, the heat continues. This sparkling compilation has enlisted some of Brazil’s hottest Dj’s like DJ Marky, Gui Boratto, Anderson Noise and much more. Renato Cohen. Everyone on board brings the heat while supplying their unique blend of mixing and arranging. For instance there’s the pulsating house track “Hossomaki” from Kids from Japan that starts off the disc. Marcelinho’s “Oceano” is an infectious slice of techno house. No else does it quite like DJ Marky and the track “Days go slow”, he’s joined by S.P.Y. to create a blissful high octane broken beat gem. Bulldozer Media has been instrumental in expanding the landscape for the enomous amount of new Brazilian grooves. Future Sounds of Brazil is evidence of that and sure to put a charge into any party. This is yet another example of the progressive rhythms flowing from South America and I’m loving every minute of it. Rest assured that you will too.

Reg Dancy

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A veteran on the UK scene for over fifteen years, DJ Devastate has been a student as well as a pioneer in the hip-hop game. Devastate has followed the likes of Marly Marl, DJ Premier and Pete Rock and in the process cultivated his own sound. With his debut, Devastate has created a laidback hip-hop gem with jazzy rhythms that would make followers of the native tongues period proud. The entire disc takes you back to a time when all was well in the world of hip-hop. It’s clear that Devastate has been sharpening his production skills during his hiatus because the compositions throughout are flawless. With no mc’s on board, “Movement-Silence” is comprised sunny instrumental beat gems combined with well placed sampling. Some of the highlights include “The Motion”, a funky track with a wicked kick snare drum beat. “Don’t Sop” is a jazzy number that features a popular Common sample. “Taken it slow” is a hazy mid-tempo banger that has a simple beat but provides the right amount of samples and catchy hooks to make it shine. Kudos to DJ Devastate for crafting a soulful hip-hop treat you can chill to. While he doesn’t break any new ground here his attention to detail towards crafting quality beats will force you to add this to your cd rotation.

Reg Dancy

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BBE strikes again with 12 inches of pleasure, the compilation featuring previously unreleased remixed vinyl records that you probably wanted but was unable to get before now. The third installment in this series is a diverse collection that includes some soulful grooves and blazing house tracks that are certain to move your feet and lift your spirits. The disc jumps off with Nick Van Gelder’s “Brighter Star”, an organic jazz flavored soulful beauty that features the underrated Marcia Arnold on vocals. J-Live comes out fired up on the Katalyst track “Killing Ya Self”. In addition to that we have the Abicah Soul remix of ultra talented percussionist Luisito Quintero’s “Music for Gong Gong”. Roy Ayers “Brand New Feeling” continues to receive new life after sitting in the vaults for almost twenty years. It re-emerged on the BBE Ubiquity Remixed album a few years ago and has become a favorite of many ever since. The sting international controversy mix transforms what was a sexy seductive slow burner into a percolating house track. It can’t be overstated the tremendous work that BBE has done in reviving not only the obscure 12” vinyl but the other compilations released this year as well. Don’t sleep, you’re going to really enjoy this one.

Reg Dancy

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