PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: JAMIE HUSTLE - PLEASURE DOME

Alongside solo endeavours for the likes of Butterz, Hyperdub and later on this year, Digital Soundboy, it's sometimes easy to forget that Champion fronts his own label too. Formula Records has been a consistent exponent of forward thinking, bass-heavy funky cuts since it's inception back in 2011 - mirroring the ethos Champion pursues within his own productions - but hasn't been afraid to introduce new talent along the way. The latest to step up to the plate is Jamie Hustle, whose 2-track 'Pleasure Dome' EP looks firmly to the dancefloor for inspiration.

Title-track Pleasure Dome is centered around a thumping 4x4 drum pattern, although only really starts to sing amidst the layers of dreamy, pitch-bent synths that combine to leave us with a weighty, genre-blurring club weapon. A great track. On the flip, 'One Objektive' incorporates vocals to get it's kicks alongside a slew of kicks and claps - it doesn't carry the same swagger as the EP's opener, but is still a great indicator as to Hustle's talents. 

The verdict? A promising debut and one that continues to mark out Formula as a hub for great home-grown bass talent. 

Out June 10th on 12'' / digital - you can preview 'Pleasure Dome' below:

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: GRIME 2.0 - INSPIRATIONS

To commemorate the launch of Big Dada's 'Grime 2.0' compilation, I caught up with 10 producers and got their insight into the tracks that inspired them to start making music. From The Beatles to Waifer and from Dizzee Rascal to Dot Rotten, it's certainly an eye-opener - one of the most interesting features I've put together so far.

Read in full over at Clash Music here: http://www.clashmusic.com/features/grime-20-inspirations

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: LIFE AT 140 #9

The latest of my 'Life at 140' columns for Clash Music took a look at April's happenings in the world of grime. A slew of new singles, EPs and mixes made it one of the busiest months of 2013 so far..

Read in full over at Clash and check out my top 5 tunes of the month too:

 http://www.clashmusic.com/features/life-at-140-9

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: SERGIC & LYKA - BULLETPROOF

Nottingham based imprint Tumble Audio have been consistent exponents of dance music's grimier side since their inception late last year. A strong debut EP offering from Killjoy set the pace last October and was followed in quick succession by hotly-tipped producer Majora, whose 'Boss Key' EP peaked at number 1 on the Juno Download bass charts. 

Their third outing looks in-house for inspiration, with label heads Sergic & Lyka combining on the 3-track 'Bulletproof' EP, a genre-blurring exercise in dance floor rumbling. Title-track Bulletproof is certainly the grimiest of the 3; underpinned by snarling blasts of sub-bass, it works sporadic eski samples, heavy duty bass stabs and punchy drums to a frenzy - a little cluttered in parts but certainly good enough to get a floor jumping. 'Shame' on the other hand takes things firmly into bassline territory with serious swagger - in all honesty, it's a joy to hear that niche sound pushed with such enthusiasm after years of well-documented neglect. Final track 'Glod' is just as weighty too, if a touch less refined, but still more than earns 'club banger' status - big bass hits at house tempo exemplify the freedom in which the duo clearly revel in.

As a label, Tumble refuse to be bound by specificity in sound or style and Sergic & Lyka's effort is a testament to their refreshingly no frills, club-friendly outlook. Ones to watch for sure. 

'Bulletproof' is out now and available from all good online outlets. Preview 'Shame' below: 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: DJ EASTWOOD - U AIN'T READY

I reviewed DJ Eastwood's 'U Ain't Ready' EP for Hyponik this week. The 2003 8-bar classic has been brought up to speed by No Hats No Hoods and remixed by Spooky and Hemlock's Untold  - it makes for essential listening.

Read the full review over at Hyponik here: http://hyponik.com/2013/04/dj-eastwood-u-aint-ready-no-hats-no-hoods/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: BENIN CITY - MY LOVE

Benin City are a band who have more than caught the eye over the last 12 months, releasing two singles with much-lauded imprint Audio Doughnuts and supporting Dan Le Sac on a 6-date tour. Fronted by Joshua Idehen, who has also collaborated with Hyperdub lynchpins LV on the 'Routes' LP for Keysound back in 2011, Benin City marry Skinner-esque story-telling with electro-charged instrumentals, the majority of which lean more towards the sombre, the melancholy and the straight up engrossing. 

After featuring their last single 'Baby' on Uncle Albert last year, their latest effort, 'My Love', taken from the band's forthcoming debut album 'Fires in the Park' continues the good work, fusing Idehen's lyrical dexterity (the vocals are performed almost entirely in prose) with down-tempo rhythms carried by synths, horns and a glorious little brass melody - the visuals are fittingly dreamy too.

Whilst admittedly not everybody's proverbial cuppa tea, My Love forms another welcome urban tale from a band who are getting better and better at expressing themselves. Musically superb. 

Out now and available to download for free here: http://www.wearebenincity.com/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: CHAMPION - HYRDA ISLAND / PRINCE JAMMY

I reviewed Champion's forthcoming 2-track white label for in-house label Formula Records over at Hyponik. 'Hyrda Island' / 'Prince Jammy' is out on 12'' vinyl only from April 27th. 

Read the review in full at Hyponik here: http://hyponik.com/2013/04/champion-prince-jammyhydra-island-formula/