Berlin based Donnie Dubsons’s long awaited two tracker Muted Horns / Silver Plate is finally being released on Fokuz Recordings. Kicking off the EP, ‘Muted Horns’ is all about the floating liquid vibes. Crispy drums and chopped up vocals make this one a must have for all the liquid heads out there. On the flip ‘Silver Plate’ takes things up a notch. The raging bassline combined with the musical chimes will light up any dancefloor. All in all both tracks are tasty little things, perfect for an original highlight to any liquid set.
RoyGreen & Protone / What’s Left Of It EP
Binding soulful D&B with the melancholy cinematics of the more standard European manfestation of the genre has been Austrian duo RoyGreen & Protone’s MO since they met back in 2010. Never holding back on the big bass but with a lot of time and effort spent manipulating delicate sound effects and snippets of live instrumentation, their output is always a cut above. Celsius may be a surprise choice of label to avid followers of the pair, however when the tracks are this good, who are we to argue? Head for the dancefloor and get smiling.
Phat Playaz – Jazz Kiss EP
Lift up those hands and begin worshipping the sun – your summer playlist has arrived. Overflowing with fluid jazzy vibes and soaring liquid rhythms, each track on this EP sounds as though it was made for every soulful D&B lovers’ own personal party soundtrack. “Low Amp”, “Jazz Kiss” and “Summer Smiles” all bring beautifully light jazz sampling and live instruments to the fore. Add the distinctly harder hitting but none-less soulful “Cover Girl” to the mix with its hard stepping beats and big, wavering bass underpinning the whole shebang and you’ve got yourself a hit. Don’t even think about lighting that BBQ without it.
Command Strange / Dirty Music EP
Command Strange has been a very busy man over the past few months. Producing some of the finest liquid rollers from one of the world’s most misunderstood places, the Kazakhstan-based producer uses his idols as inspiration to create beautiful jazz-influenced D&B. With supporters like LTJ Bukem, DJ Marky, Random Movement, Fabio & Grooverider, Mutated Forms, Bailey and Big Bud all keen to back him up, Celsius had to say yes to a physical release. From the smooth lush tones of “Away From The Sun” to the deep bass groove of “Do Me Right”, this is one liquid EP that pushes the boundaries.
Kelle & Juha / Depressed Sunday EP
Hungarian duo Kelle & Juha have appeared on our featured list before thanks to their unique take on drum & bass. Erring on the side of technical twitches and intricate percussion the pair take an in-depth approach to their production, immersing the listener in multiple layers of sonic texture. “Monochrome” has a top end filled with clicks and taps, underpinned by deep subby bass and loosely held together by an intertwining piano melody that drifts in and out of earshot, adding to the ambiance. “Depressed Sunday” places a lush reese under soaring strings and techy beats. It’s a different approach for Celsius but goes to prove their commitment to giving talented new producers a chance to shine.
Read more
Malaky / Own World EP
Releasing on Fokuz for some time now, UK-based Malaky has been bringing his own blend of harmonious liquid and breakbeat-inspired rhythms to the worldwide D&B scene. This two track EP explores his deeper side, starting with the lush textures and widescreen sound of “Vibrate”, a true liquid stepper that should sit high on any D&B setlist. “Own World” features soulful vocals from Lyndsey Murray and launches straight into whimsical string sampling and hard stepping beats. Warm rolling bass smothers the low end in a deep, resonant glow, leaving a barely heard sax to echo into the sunset. A gorgeous way to finish your evening.
VA / All The Way EP
This EP is a collaboration of work by some of Europe’s finest intelligent liquid producers. A strange sub-genre term it might be, but Intelligent Manners’ Intelligent Recordings has searched far and wide over the past couple of years to find music that fits the niche. Celsius have done much the same here, showcasing some of the finest intelligent drum & bass around that still holds the soul and emotive qualities of liquid. Featuring the likes of Intelligent Manners, Command Strange and Mage, it’s a breezy look at what the future holds for one of the longest standing sub-genres in dance music. If you like Calibre, DJ Marky, S.P.Y or Bukem, you’ll want to check this out pronto.
Read more
