June arrives and the country holds its breath to see if we can return to normality at some point this month. Currently the answer looks uncertain, but there are a few releases certain to drop in the first half of June that we should look forward to.
SLUGABED – WE HAVE THE WINDOW OPEN AT NIGHT
Put this album on, sit in the dark and wait to be transported into the world of Slugabed. A world where tiny people arrive at night to carry out their tasks. Escapism with electronica in this emotion evoking album which encapsulates fear, wonder, elation and adventure as a musical experience. Out on Activia Benz Listen / Buy
YUNG.RAJ – THE UNALIVE EP
A plethora of beats at differing BPMs with melodies fit to send you into an escape pod. Yung.Raj has been producing across genres for over a decade and has seen love for his creations continue to grow. The beatboxer and DJ has displayed his love for bass driven electronic music over the years at many festivals across India and beyond. This is his first venture with Bristol based label, Gutterfunk. Listen / Buy
RUCKSPIN – RUSHING EP
A sophisticated selection of tracks from Ruckspin, following on from the release of his debut album, Songs For The Time Being, on Elswick six months ago. Ruckspin is well known for being a wizard on the buttons, releasing scene progressing dubstep since its inception. This time teaming up with Quark & Lylli on Rushing, Stamina MC on Raw and both MOTSA and Armour on Buchu which is a choice pick with tribal chants on top of a swing beat. Listen / Buy
STRAPONTIN – SASNAL PARK
Strapontin is a multi-talented musician who has shown how adept he is at producing, recently veering towards slow, cold techno. This EP has grunge, attitude and intrigue creeping throughout. The Belgium based producer has been working on moving away from his dancefloor style to delve deeper into his untamed thoughts. Released on French label, Abstrack Records. Listen / Buy
KARIMA F – FIEF FEF
The Norwegian – Algerian producer, Karima F, has allowed her heritage and large range of influence to shine through in bringing forward three tracks packed full of energy. The tracks are detailed with gorgeous melodies and reworked vocals that will delight any selector. As a resident DJ at Jaeger in Oslo and boss at Schloss records, Karima F must already know that these tracks come with the vibe. 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.
