December has arrived and it is that time where smug friends tell you that all of their festive shopping is already completed, with the exception of a few vegetables. The rest of us are yet to even look at a gift idea, but there are some releases that we can snap up before the last minute shopping starts.
MANSA – LOST IN TRANSLATION
Mind bending beauty throughout this release which sweeps you up into its journey that you hope never ends. An overall organic feel exudes through the release, with the electronic pattern formed of tribal sounds. Beautifully feint vocals amidst rolling drums all brought together with gentle chords. The type of sound you would wish to hear in the distance whilst trekking through a rainforest. Mansa might call the sound Afrofuturism as the Swedish producer aims to make a sound different to that heard on the European circuit. Listen / Buy
RISA T – GALAXY
Broken beats with warm London style basslines and staggered chords, is a start to attempt to describe the ingenuity flowing through this release. The high quality strikes and you are unable to keep still as this grooves forward. The treats come track following track and you’ll be forgiven for getting lost in another Galaxy whilst listening through. Classically trained Risa T has natural rhythm flowing through her creations, which CoOp are proud to Present. Listen / Buy
MONTY – HIT THE LIGHTS
An album with generous variation flowing through dubstep, grime and drum and bass. On some tracks hard and heavy, whilst others can bring more of tranquil and melodic vibe. Monty astounds by showing how adept he is when handling a warbling bassline or a jazz orchestra. Features from Visages, Alix Perez, Chimpo and Eva Mango to name some, display the intent of the release and how many artists want to support with the debut album. Releasing with 1985 Music Listen / Buy
NIKKI NAIR – SHUFFLIN’
It is always fun to hear an exploration with sound that comes together in a digestible vibe. This release kicks off with big beat laden with deep tearing bass and an old skool sounding vocal sample. Then it continues to sound altogether different, experimental with a similar sample style. However the word style is used loosely as the Atlanta based producer may not have a particular style, unless of course it is to rock a dance floor. Out on Lobster Theremin Listen / Buy
TUFF CULTURE – TO UNDERSTAND
Whenever you want to be transported back to solid, dance stepping 4×4 sounds of UK garage. Often you’ll dig into your crate and reach for some MJ Cole or Todd Edwards, but this release captures the essence of the era and brings it into modern day. It taunts with the times that a selector would drop something that you hadn’t heard before in a club, leaving you with the task to go and seek it out in the shops. Releasing again with Southampton based Garage Shared. Listen / Buy
Blemish spent 2020 reviewing Bass music releases by picking a highlight each week. His video reviews carried much needed uplifting messages which was a precursor to him playing a Bass heavy guest mix during the Heartless Crew’s show on BBC 1Xtra as a feel good set during the first lockdown. In addition, Blemish hosted some well watched interviews with future thinking producers such as DJ Eggs Legs, Kamran and turntablist Kypski. Blemish is excited about joining the UKBM team and endeavours to highlight new Bass releases to watch out for in a new feature, The Bass Drop.
