Seeing artists, musicians and DJs (who are also classed as musicians, at least in Germany) out and about again is bringing joy to many, including the selectors. To keep the smiling and dancing going, here are some releases dropping in the second half of August that are sure to vibe any dance.
THE BUG – PRESSURE
When you like to hear weighty sounds, The Bug never disappoints. At times this album will leave you amazed that such filthy bass work can sound so good. Continually placing you into that personal headspace zone, you’ll soon realise that all people around have found you completely unapproachable. The types of snares, the hats and the lyrics dragging you deeper into yourself with each bar. The Belgium based producer has a gift for bringing multiple artists together and is joined with Flowdan, Logan, Irah and Daddy Freddy to name just a few. A great acquisition and presentation from Ninja Tune Listen / Buy
BOLAM – THUNDERCLAP EP
Clearly adept in multiple genres, pace switching comes with ease in this 4 track EP. It kicks off with the title track, an innovative industrial skip step which begins to give a tribal jungle kick, fully dictating the body’s dance. Hype Shifter brings through plenty of screw up your face attitude, whether you react to the high pitched aggressive bleeps or the snarling bassline, it’s one to shift you into a hype. So hot that Al Wootton gets in on the action to deconstruct and redeliver the track to close out the EP. Malmo based Bolam shows that he is a master at the UK sound Listen / Buy
NIKKI NAIR – MORE IS DIFFERENT
A delicately glitch edged EP which has no fear of exploring boundaries, not only throughout the EP but also within the tracks. Creating captivating music whilst implementing pleasing changes in beat and rhythm. Nikki Nair shows off huge levels of skill in these 4, quite different offerings. The Atlanta based producer has released on Gobstopper, Banoffee Pies, Scuffed, Pretty Weird and Muy Muy. This time teaming back up with Dirtybird US Listen / Buy
DOCTOR JEEP – REFLEXING EP
Crisp and chunky festival ready drums roll through this entrancing EP. As the tracks take hold, you picture yourself transported to the field in front of a massive sound system, surrounded by thousands raving with an endless step. Doctor Jeep, who is the alias of Andre Lira, is based in Brooklyn an no doubt readying the masses for non stop parties. Releasing on DRX 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.
