Back catalogue: Bass

Review: In characteristically fast and loose fashion, the June 2024 split release between Burial and Kode9 finally hears a 12" version only the following November, which also compounds the London label's habit of timing new Burial releases with misty year-end Brumaires. 'Phoneglow' and 'Eyes Go Blank' are complementary cracklestep and aggro jungle-juke numbers; both get at the wistful chills and phantom pocket vibrations endemic to the modern urban lifestyle, these being sensations that mask much deeper, dare-not-go-there collective emotions. Burial's A-sider is as tender as ever, typically stilted between neurotic beat-switches and fizzing breakdowns. But this time, the more beat-driven moments dart between haunted, charity shop haul Christmas compilation garage vibes, and hollowly hallowed, filtered Eurorave, continuing Burial's recent penchant for sweetness below the sonic silt. Kode9's is a much tankier yet tricksier tune, traversing glossolalic masc vocals, warring tuned Reeses, and gamey ringtone clatters.

Review: Kalocain's debut vinyl release is a haunting trip through sound and science and is underpinned by some seriously weighty bass. The title track bridges ancestral echoes and present-day rhythms, while 'W.N.G.' unveils cryptic mysteries from a forgotten past. 'Ivermectin' crafts surreal molecular melodies that look to "decipher the enigma of sonic DNA." Remixes by Normal 4, Patricia Kokett, and Jacques Satre twist each original into new and bizarre realms. Evaldas Bubinas aka Hermandrowning, adds eerie artwork that fuses sound and visuals into an uncanny harmony to close out a high-concept, high-class package.

Review: French producer Kaval reinvents UK funky on this intricately constructed four-tracker. The opener is an energetic blend of syncopated percussion and shuffling rhythms that builds momentum with a tight, layered arrangement. The second cut introduces an off-kilter melodic touch, balancing dynamic grooves with a more playful sensibility. The flip explores a much darker, sonic territory, leaning into moody atmospherics and spacious drum patterns. Closing the record, the final track layers hypnotic loops over driving basslines, offering a satisfying finale that exemplifies Kaval's ability to push the boundaries of UK funky while retaining its rhythmic essence.

Review: Kop-Z reveals that he first encountered the term 'A Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic System' in a book costing L2 in a Manchester junk shop. It is a term to describe humans as systems constantly battling entropy and the world's challenges to survive. "But we're also systems that work together, creating art and music," he reflects, appreciating the contrast between opposites like day and night, love and hate. His work merges autobiographical field recordings, looped vinyl and childhood video games with kinetic programming systems that are all influenced by jungle, footwork, noise, rave, post-punk and reggae. The result is a rich fabric of sound that blends human experience with machine chaos.