kraar

Future adventures at 160bpm

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Tripletrain - Lights of the City EP

Lights of the City EP by Tripletrain

Ahh, it's a real no brainer to pen a few words about the latest Tripletrain release. The New York duo's latest 5-tracker brings together five melodic but not melodramatic cuts. The samples are allowed to simmer beneath tasteful chops and carefully engineered stabs. The title track steals the show, vocals for the title track are provided by Berlin vocalist Chiara Noriko are allowed to breath before the real groove gets going in the final third. I'm not sure if the vocalist would be able to keep up in a live performance but at least the listener is just about able to.

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Various - Jack to Juke

Jack To Juke [phyla009] by phyla

There are so many compilations but a compilation which brings together four of the hottest talents is bound to grab my attention. This isn't the first compilation which has aimed to shine a light on the post-chicago age but it is undoubtedly one of the better curated and restrained efforts. A compilation which draws from several different pools to bring a true insight into the state of play today.

Homesick starts the compilation off with a fantastic contribution. The acid exploration doesn't descend into a full blown acid-induced meltdown, such is the tendency, but maintains a more even-keel with angelic vocal samples before the full 4x4x4x4 workout begins. Beautiful. Next up is FootMerc, a man who now needs no introduction. Recently coming hot off a couple of free flips, the classic FootMerc returns. A brutal control of rhythm is expressed through the clearly chopped sample and amelodic claps juxtaposed with skittering toms.

Banzulu steps up as the undiscovered member of the compilation but provides an intricate percussion-focused track. The mid-range is left clear for a carefully chopped sample to roam free amongst lethargic chords and more urgent hats. The final track comes from Hesk. Whilst ostensibly a compilation showcasing producers from outside of the city, Hesk provides what can only be described as a careful study of the essence of footwork. The genre is stripped back to it's bare essential elements before Hesk selects the suitable samples to complete his bare-bones re-deconstruction.

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Comoc - Action Cancelled EP

Action Canceled EP by Comoc

It's been a while. Since we last spoke, the place we call home has been irreparably damaged by the death of DJ Rashad. It's difficult to predict how things will change but without such a zeitgeist to guide us all forwards - the next few months could turn out to be a turbulent time.

I've been listening to the latest Polish Juke release for a good few weeks now and it's still as fresh as it was on the first listen. The pseudo-enigmatic tracks, titled Cancel #1-5 explore minimal ideas. This is something which is traditionally difficult to get right, there is nothing to distract the listener from perspicuous holes in your mixdown.

Comoc's efforts undoubtedly have a raw production aesthetic but the decomposition (to use the buzzword of 2013) is endearing. The finest moment comes in the form of the final two tracks. #4 is a nightmarish skit whose chaotic key changes aim to keep you off guard whilst #5 is truer to the overall minimal style. The techno influenced juke track has the claps squarely on the offbeat and basic stabs drive the track forwards until a melancholic finale.

The blurb cites Untold as an influence but it's hard to place this squarely in the established canon. Many ideas have been channelled into this release and in comparison with Footwitch from last year, it's a very different release. Comoc is a producer trying to find his sound and let's hope that it's his sound he shall find.

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DRUGUSE - EP I

Drip fed through the internet's vast web - over the course of several months EP I came to be fully formed. The mysterious DRUGUSE presented six ghetto tracks clearly inspired by the classic chicago productions but infused with a more modern LA beat scene sensibility.

HOOD RICH LIFE still remains the releases "smash hit". The drums are quickly obscured by melodic twinkles and a tsunamic bassline. Combine these qualities with the singalong potential and you've got yourself a platinum certified classic in the making. Goodies can also be found in the other five tracks in the EP - my personal favourite has to be the off kilter THIRSTY ANTHEM. Vocals swirl around submerged kicks in stark contrast to the previous sharp edges of HOOD RICH LIFE.

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JACK댄스 - 11th April

If you're a bit sick of every day life and 5-panel clubbing then it might be worth checking out JACK tomorrow night in Dalston. I'm going to be playing down there along with Ana Caprix, Crack Stevens, Tiqqun and 2shy. Last time it was great, carefree clubbing for the selfie generation and I expect no different this time. If you can make it, make sure to holla - I'll be front and centre as always.

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Machine Girl - Ghost (Sinistarr Remix)

In true Dred Collective style, off the back of the highly acclaimed WLFGRL LP it was only natural to follow it up with a bundle of remixes from 16 different footwork producers. Split over two releases, there are contributions from DJ Earl, DJ Clap, Footmerc, Nonfuture and many more but undoubtedly the stand out contribution comes from Sinistarr.

It's hard to tell what to expect when a new Sinistarr tracks pops up in your Soundcloud feed. Drawing inspiration from a wide variety of sources - it's always a pleasure to see an artist experiment outside of their comfort zone again and again. His remix of Ghost is wonderfully understated. It draws from the rich detroit ghettotech history with a beautifullly simple 4x4 kick patter interspersed with regular stabs from the original mix.

I think that my internal bodyclock has been permanently normalised to regard anything beneath about 150bpm as slow but I can understand why straight rhythms at 155bpm can be seen as head banging. You would be hard pressed to find anyone to describe this slow builder in such a derogatory fashion. The simple loop is enriched every 16 bars with an additional element, each listen gives new appreciation to this basic structure and the force it brings to a brilliant track.

It's an open secret that this track has had it's own tab in my web browser for the last two weeks. With the ghettotech influenced mix for Silk/Juice from a few months ago and recent releases on Architecture Records and return to None60 the last few months have been fertile times for Sinistarr fans. Little remains but to kick back, load up your portable music device and wonder where he will take us next.

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Nangdo - Burnin

Burnin by Nangdo

In a bold strategic move, #TOMCREW recently shed the hashtag and relaunched as TOMCREW. Now living the "No ###. No gimmicks." life whose else to turn to but Nangdo for their first post-rebirth release.

The Berlin resident and WeBoogie affiliate has been responsible for some earworms in the last year. This five track solo release proves to be no different. On the first listen, Movin Fast immediately stands out as the highlight of the release. The introduction threatens a more free-form production but the sample is immediately reeled in before regularity is only disrupted by an over-exuberant kick sequence. In the final third, everything comes back together to a melodic finale - the kind which Nangdo is particularly known for.

Those lucky enough to be in Berlin can catch Nangdo and DJ Earl tonight at We Boogie. It's probably too late now but don't say I didn't tell ya!

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Long Clothing & We Buy Gold Present: Trancework

If there was one genre which had previously escaped the footwork refix treatment it was trance. Luckily or unluckily depending upon your tilt, that has now changed. Long Clothing has joined forces with We Buy Gold to co-ordinate a free 20 track compilation that revisits all your favourite Ibiza trance anthems and gives them a contemporary slant.

I am a fan. That really goes without saying. The scene has begun to divide in the last few months. On the one hand labels such as Exit records have been prolific in exploring the autonomic footwork connection. Producers such as Fracture, Deft, Coleco, Stray and Rockwell are all bringing an exceptionally high production value to an exciting cross over. For lack of a better name, Joy Juke is the push to the other direction.

Ironic gunfingers are replaced with ironic apparel. Appealing to members of the selfie generation, the music goes hand in hand with the carefree ideals of the post-internet age. True to the original Chicago style, samples are flipped ruthlessly and without pretence - Kpop and chiptune are as fair game as classic RnB. The persona is as important as the music and artists are rewarded for self-awareness and subtle irony. One of the most popular artists DJ Paypal, chooses to adopt a tongue-in-cheek veil of anonymity and whilst not having an extensive back catalogue has developed a large fan base through the interaction with his fans.

Trancework clearly fits into the latter category. Some have questioned if the curators are serious about the compilation. Couple the concept with the release date (1st April) and you can see why people may be sceptical about the merit of the project. After all, cheese is not especially know for it's longevity. Most music these days is as best ephemeral - this should be not be taken as pretence but an observation that the internet has made it difficult to make an impact longer than a week.

Trancework has resonated for a reason other than timelessness. The mainstream is currently experiencing a peak in the popularity of house music of all varieties - many have claimed that their brand of interesting electronic club music is the antithesis to this movement but ultimately, media coverage does not equate to grass roots participation. The whole aesthetic of Joy Juke acts as an antithesis to the mainstream and as a result, the music when pitched against the usual sits in much sharper contrast.

That context shines a different light on the compilation. Not one which highlights the intricacies of the 20 tracks or the intrinsic artist value but a light which illuminates the surrounding scenery and allows us to appreciate it for what it is. Ultimately, what's inside the package is irrelevant for people will probably only remember "that trance remix compilation" rather than the goodies which lie inside for each of us to discover.

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Symbiotic Sounds - Higher

A love of the Roland TR-808 drum machine and ambient soundscapes led Symbiotic Sounds to the forefront of the ambient juke movement. Over a year after Everybody Loves An 808, an EP which is fondly remembered by many, he returns to Sequel One Records with a new collection of five tracks which continue the artist's exploration.

This time, jungle is the persuasive factor. Higher rolls out with the distinctive 808 kick and trademark pads before dropping into a sullen jungle indebted atmosphere. Mana on the other hand is clearly inspired by bashment before a quite brutal switch up into a wavering bassline with breaks stacked upon breaks. These days, it takes a good footwork jungle release to break from the crowd. This package is clearly one of them. Clear moments of brilliant drum programming shine through the layered productions.

On reflection, I feel that most will still prefer to remember Everybody Loves An 808 as the definitive Symbiotic Sounds release. Maybe the samples aren't quite as crisp or the pads as self-enveloping but for me this is a complimentary release rather than a contemporary update to the classic EP. It is always interesting to see how an artist's style develops between releases and this is no exception. His style is constantly evolving in subtle but significant ways. As a result, we can only look forward to what the next Symbiotic Sounds release has in store for us.

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Hyperdub announces a footwork-stuffed 10th Anniversary Compilation

Nearly a year since the announcement of DJ Rashad's debut on Hyperdub. The label is getting ready to celebrate it's 10th birthday. Birthed in 2003, the creation was inspired by the nascent dubstep scene of the time. Since then, the label has freed itself from any genre restrictions and label boss, Kode9 has continued to release an eclectic selection of material from a variety of local and international artists.

As I'm sure you're aware, the last year has seen the label begin to explore footwork. Up to now, this has only seen contributions from Rashad and Kode9 himself but having peeked the tracklist for the first compilation - this looks set to change. Tracks are included from a cross section of Chicago's producers including new material from Rashad, Spinn, Earl, Heavee and Taso. The fill tracklist is detailed here.

You can get a sneak peak of some of these tracks in the final half hour of the latest Hyperdub show. Rumours were that DJ Spinn was also working on an album for the label but unfortunately that seems to have not yet materialised.

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Various - Escape From Chicago 2: Loose Squares Compilation

There were many who didn't believe that this day would come but March 10th saw the release of the fabled Loose Squares compilation. Hotly anticipated after the release of Escape From Chicago in October 2012 - this work marks the current state of play for music at 160bpm.

Chrissy Murderbot leaves no stone unturned as the tracks range from the purest enactments to the tangentially linked. Coleco's Ghost Rhythm finally surfaces and at a time when the producer is making move after move. Serated synths are joined by an (especially) weighty low end before the Xingfu Lu workout begins in earnest. In a style which Ticklish has made his own, Sum 1 Like U further contributes to the RnB vocal over triplets continuum whilst DJ Mastercard chops his sample, his track and I suspect himself into a million pieces. There are really too many great tracks to discuss. As is always the case, I am sure you can pick out your own favourites.

They say that variety is the spice of life - I think that's why I love the bpm to such an extent I waste my mornings, afternoons and late evenings telling the world about it. Escape From Chicago 2 is the compilation which will be remembered as exemplifying this sentiment more than any other.

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TASO - TEKLIFE TILL THA NEXT LIFE VOL​.​1

TEKLIFE TILL THA NEXT LIFE VOL.1 by TASO

TASO's influence on the Teklife family has been clear. In bringing a unique melange of footwork and trap to the traditional Chicago style, his contributions to releases such as Double Cup have always been amongst the highlights. This latest release brings together 3 original tracks and 7 collaborative efforts in true Teklife style.

Those who remember the now legendary (at least in my mind) Santos Party House mix will no doubt be pleased to see several highlights from there in this package. Like What remains a personal favourite. Channelling much of the same vibe as IDGAF, a shadowy vocal sample preaches before the primitive beeps begin the descent to hell. Those of a more refined tilt may be more persuaded by the very tasteful Luchini VIP. Taking the sample the Camp Lo classic, it featured prominently in Machinedrum's Boiler Room NY set.

All in all, this is a great release. The perfect amount of dance floor smash hits and laid back lotharios. Most importantly, with this release most of the material from Teklife 2013 has surfaced. Approximately a year after DJ Rashad announced his Hyperdub EP, 2014 has been conspicuously quiet so far for the two helmsman. With rumours of a DJ Spinn and DJ Earl album forthcoming in the next few months, keep your ears and eyes open!

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Juke Underground - Juke World Order

Juke World Order VOL 1. by @JUKEunderground

The jury is still out about whether the decision to put out over 70 tracks on a single compilation was driven by a desire to spread the love of footwork or as a tongue-in-cheek pastiche. One thing that is for sure, there are plenty of bangers from pretty much every artist you have and have never have heard of. Working through this compilation was daunting; so much so I had to enlist the help of 0h85. Thankfully he picked out the best five tracks from this behemoth so that you can pick out a different five as your favourite.

CRZKNY - Shit Life Bomb

Juke World Order VOL 1. by @JUKEunderground

Really stands out on this comp because of the stripped back percussion, but it plays off the samples really well.

DJ Roc - Sometimes I Wonder

Juke World Order VOL 1. by @JUKEunderground

Minimal drums on this one as well, but the sub is layered perfectly with the sample and the vocals are really haunting on it.

The Renegades - Walk

Juke World Order VOL 1. by @JUKEunderground

Another jazzy one, the swing between the sample and drums is great plus Wu Tang samples are always good.

DJ YB - Power Moves

Juke World Order VOL 1. by @JUKEunderground

Classic... Juked out BIG sample with the chords and claps/hats. YB had the best contribution to the compilation in my opinion as this tune and the Circles refix are both gritty and great.

Jlin - BuZilla

Juke World Order VOL 1. by @JUKEunderground

Jlin vs RP Boo in a Mortal Kombat boss brawl. This is my favourite track, it's too hard.

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Nonfuture - Be Kind, Rewind (with exclusive mix & Embrace (Intro Edit) download)

A nice thing about writing is that it draws your attention to progression. You see artists who only claim to dabble with the sound flourish and develop their style until they can claim it their own. Ground Mass has been the outlet for some of these journeys and it is once again with the forthcoming release of Nonfuture's latest LP.

Footwork jungle edits have been prevalent for a number of years now, not many though have truly taken that spirit into their own original productions. Through the 6 full length tracks, this spirit is perfectly captured between classic kung-fu samples and the slow fast idioms. The first track, Sooner Or Later , still remains a stand out for me. Your attention is immediately drawn to the lo-fi stabs which swallow the entire mix but on repeated listens the whole tapestry becomes richer. The best is still the final third when the elements come together and inspire uncharacteristically clean bass hits.

This is a great release and I was delighted when to ever further contribute to the party spirit, he also sent in an exclusive 3 deck mix which features a plethora of unreleased tunes from all your usual favourites. Did I mention as well that in this care package he also included an intro edit of Embrace which originally appeared on the Phyla 500 compilation. All these goodies are included below!

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Sam Binga & Redders - LEF DEM

You all know the drill by now, Sam Binga releases a new tune and a few hours later a post appears which lavishes praise on the gorgeous bass hits and the perfect synergy between his beats and an MC. This time is no different, he is once again joined by Redders for a futuristic drum and bass outing on Critical Records. Arriving as part of the label's most recent compilation, Binga crushes snares, stretches bass hits and colours the landscape in futher confirmation that he's the man to catch at 170bpm.

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Jo_Def - Steps

Steps by Jo Def

There was a time when I thought ambient juke was a myth, an oxymoron designed to be laughed at and derided but then I learnt the truth. Something changed, I found one track fitting this bizarre description but dismissed it as an anomaly; then another, and another. Over the course of two months, my repertoire of ambient juke classics expanding from the three original songs to over 200. Ambient juke was most certainly a thing.

Whist maybe not ambient in the traditional sense, Jo_Def plays along to many of the key sonic characteristics that the term inspires. Released on genre-hopping Soulection, soulful samples are laid across melodic pads with an ease and production value that belies the eptymology of the genre. Samples and chords are sometimes indistinct, fading backwards and forwards into each other. At no point though does the vortex feel cluttered, simple elements are well combined to create wholesome morsels. A couple of club ready tracks are also included for good measure, including the mesmeric Static Juke. Xylophone's have never hit so hard, fans of this track should also check out S L V - Dagger for an alternative melodic percussion workout.

It's rare that I listen to a mix more than once but Jo_Def pulled out all the stops in a recent excursion on Mixology. Mostly drawing for tracks from the Smash Tales collective as well as his old productions, it highlights how well his style blends the chicago style with more sensible edges to create something which is still raw and danceable but not as oppressive to the casual listener. I've got a feeling that Steps won't be the end for the Californian producer.

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Ground Mass in late 2013

Another label which had an excellent second half of 2013 was Ground Mass. Having only come into being at the end of May, monthly compilations have been followed by a string of solo artist releases. The year was rounded off with contributions from Coleco, Crypticz and Homesick along with a bumper compilation with 19 different artists.

Ground-X-Mass Dec. 2013 Compilation by Ground Mass Music

First, attention must be drawn to the aforementioned compilation. In true Ground Mass style it brought together a lot of the artists that have been bubbling up in the last few months, no more explanation is really needed than to point out a few favourites. Personal highlights are Ground Whispers by Mark Kloud, Beatnok & Imagine with their track, Primer. and The Renegades with Proxima Centauri.

Crypticz - Revival by Ground Mass Music

A late entry to 2013's canon was the undoubtedly fun, rave inspired EP from Crypticz. Having dabbled with a more stripped back techno inspired sound in TEK and the channelling the footwork jungle vibe on Junglist EP - this time his attention turns to a lesser explored corner. The result is a further example of an artist who is refining their sound, stripping back components and focusing on subtleties

Dumfuq EP by Homesick

Canadian Homesick has been producing for 7 years now and also curates a blog devoted to experimental 160bpm rhythms over at Footwork Jungle, it's well worth checking out. To the music, The EP is two original tracks and then remixes from stalwarts Mark Kloud and Graphs. Dumfuq takes it for me, completely off kilter rhythms never let you settle - that is unless you wait until the final third when the track is unleashed to a raucous finale.

Bizzniz 'n' Ting // Tryer by Coleco

Coleco has and will be generating some serious column inches in the past few months and the coming year. He's still sitting on some serious tracks, some of which you can check out on his soundcloud, some which are just for those that know at the moment. This release was his first in the 160bpm sphere and is at risk of being forgotten beside the much grander Focus 10 and the aforementioned material but it's certainly worthy of mention. The two tracks are remarkably lighter than he is known for which may come as a shock but the intricate production with beautiful melodies will be no surprise.