WHO
Stateside crew, Fort Knox Five (FK5) is a leading force in the international funk and breaks scene. Their world renowned ‘Fort Knox Sound’ has overtaken dance-floors with its distinct interweaving of live instrumentation with funky electronic breakbeats. (twitter.com/fortknoxfive)

DIG
For those who get their hands on a copy of this, the first thing that'll catch their eyes is the CD that comes in the form of a retro-looking vinyl. Pure nostalgia that appeals to the jocks out there!

The second in the series, this compilation is a representation of the music that has made Fort Knox Five and their label one of the all-time greats at re-inventing funk. Besides classic party starters like the opener What Make Ya Dance and Shift, there are reggae vibes on Homegrown, Jazz-influenced number in The Sax Pusher, some sita & bass flavours dropped in Bhangra Paunch & Sitagazer as well as the dreamier psychedelic affair of Marshmeallows. With 15 tracks on hand and choice collaborations, this album serves up a treat of quality gems for fans to rock out in a car or club.

LABEL
Established in 2003 by Sid Barcelona, Jon Horvath, Rob Myers and Steve Raskin, Fort Knox Recordings is the renegade funk n’ soul label hailing from Washington DC.

FORMAT
Digital / CD

TRACKLISTING
01. Fort Knox Five – What Make Ya Dance ft. Rootz
02. Nappy Riddem – Rastar
03. Fort Knox Five – Shift ft. Afrika Bambaataa & Mustafa Akbar
04. Fort Knox Five – The Sax Pusher ft. Frank Mitchell
05. Empresarios – Sabor Tropical ft. Francisco Rosado & Felix Perez
06. Fort Knox Five – Bhangra Paanch ft. Beta G
07. See-I – How Could You (Rodney Hunter remix)
08. International Velvet – Sitargazer
09. See-I – Homegrown
10. International Velvet – Sundown ft. Mustafa Akbar
11. Speedy Consuela – On Our Way
12. Empresarios – Cumbia
13. Speedy Consuela – Number One Fan
14. Liftoff – Marshmeadows
15. Nappy Riddem – One World Sovereignty ft. Asheru

Music courtesy of Fort Knox Recordings

WHO
Stateside crew, Fort Knox Five (FK5) is a leading force in the international funk and breaks scene. Their world renowned ‘Fort Knox Sound’ has overtaken dance-floors with its distinct interweaving of live instrumentation with funky electronic breakbeats. (twitter.com/fortknoxfive)

DIG
The latest collection dropped by Fort Knox Recordings brings together some of the top-notch producers to interpret the original tunes from FK5's debut album, Radio Free DC. Crossing the genres of hip hop, breaks, electro, dubstep, disco and dub, the party-rocking compilation delivers just the kind of new flavas you would expect. So beat-freaks, look no further...this is destined to be heard spilling from a sound system near you.

LABEL
Established in 2003 by Sid Barcelona, Jon Horvath, Rob Myers and Steve Raskin, Fort Knox Recordings is the renegade funk n’ soul label hailing from Washington DC.

FORMAT
Digital / CD


TRACKLISTING
01. Fort Knox Five - Insight (The Nextmen Remix)
02. Fort Knox Five - Funk 4 Peace (Nick Thayer Remix)
03. Fort Knox Five - How to Start a Band (Torpedo Boyz Remix)
04. Fort Knox Five - Sao Funky (Thomas Blondet's Rhythm & Culture Remix)
05. Fort Knox Five - The FK Strut (QDUP Foundation Remix)
06. Fort Knox Five - The Party Pushers (Smalltown Romeo Remix)
07. Fort Knox Five - Killa Soundboy (Sub Swara Remix)
08. Fort Knox Five - The Wonder Strikes Again (Jon Ohms Remix)
09. Fort Knox Five - The Spirit of '75 (Neighbour Remix)
10. Fort Knox Five - Papa was Stoned (Fuzzbox Inc. Remix)
11. Fort Knox Five - Uptown Tricks (Rodney Hunter Remake)
12. Fort Knox Five - Not Gonna Take It (Rob Paine Remix)
13. Fort Knox Five - Insight (A Skillz Remix)
14. Fort Knox Five - Funk 4 Peace (Deekline & Ed Solo Remix)
15. Fort Knox Five - The Wonder Strikes Again (Malente's Champion Sound Remix)
16. Fort Knox Five - Uptown Tricks (Shimon's Trix Remix)

Music courtesy of Fort Knox Recordings

TRACKLISTING

1. Try (Original)
2. Try ( Sharps Remix)



WHO
Berlin-based T.R.O. is a producer with a dangerous addiction to Breaks and his works is a vision that merges different musicial influences like Techno, Electro and Dubstep.

DIG
Furioso continues its methodical and unpretentious style here, delivering some speed garage action in the form of Try to the table. Touching down in full-on party mode, the original incorporates bubbling piano, pitched-up cartoon vocals and light-footed donk to bring on the smiles. If you like your music with some serious undercurrent, Canadian producer Sharp's remix twists things up with his dubstep flavour, running atop the clicky beats.

For the bass addicts and window users, there's a free shooter game that comes along with this release. To get your fix of explosive sounds, just fire at the speakers. Highly recommended for Kim Jong-il and his posse as an alternative to nuclear ambitions...

LABEL
Furioso is a new German label for bass heavy electronic music including breakstep, nuskool breaks, dubstep, 2 step, garage and bassline house culled from artists all over the world.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Furioso

WHO
A-Trak, Canadian wunderkind turntablist, Kanye's tour DJ and Fool's Gold label boss. (twitter.com/atrak) 

DIG
A-Trak's addition to the FabricLive library is an invigorating exercise in genre-bending. The one-time World DMC champ takes us on a whistlestop tour of dance music as it is generally understood. From Robbie Rivera to Zombie Nation and DJ Zinc, the sights and sounds are a blur on A-Trak's express. There are hands-in-the-air breakdowns, warm house beats and some mean turntablism, all delivered with a knowing nod to dancefloors past. The man has clearly worked hard, scratching, editing and selecting this immensely listenable and danceable compilation. 

LABEL
Fabric Records produces the fantastic Fabriclive series of mixes that puts together names like Bent, Jacques Lu Cont and Fabio in the same series. It is the offspring of London club Fabric and it continues to lead the way on the dancefloor.

FORMAT
CD

TRACKLISTING
01 A-Trak - Say Whoa, Fool’s Gold  and DJ Sneak - You Can’t Hide From Your Bud, Classic
02 Boys Noize - Oh! (A-Trak Remix), Boysnoize Records
03 Scott Grooves feat Parliament Funkadelic - Mothership Reconnection (Daft Punk Remix), Soma 
04 Voodoo Chilli - Get On Down, Cheap Thrills 
05 Skepta - Sweet Mother (House Version), Boy Better Know 
06 DJ Class - I’m The Ish, Unruly 
07 Metronomy - Heartbreaker (Diskjokke Remix), Because 
08 His Majesty Andre - Peep Thong, Cheap Thrills 
09 Zombie Nation - Forza (Original), UKW 
10 Alex Gopher - Aurora, Go 4 Music 
11 Dance Area - AA 24-7, Phantasy 
12 Robbie Rivera - Move Move (DJ Observer & Daniel Heathcliff Remix), Juicy 
13 Daniele Papini - Church of Nonsense, Media 
14 Laidback Luke & A-Trak - Shake It Down, Fool’s Gold 
15 Nacho Lovers - Acid Life (Nachos 909 Dub), Fool’s Gold 
16 Rob Threezy - The Chase, Rob Threezy 
17 Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Remix), XL 
18 Fan Death - Veronica’s Veil (Erol Alkan’s Extended Re-Edit), Phantasy 
19 Simon Baker - Plastik (Todd Terje’s Turkatech Remix), Ongaku
20 The Martian - Tobacco Ties, Red Planet 
21 DJ Gant-Man - Juke Dat Girl From The Back, Fool’s Gold 
22 DJ MP4 - The Book Is On The Table, Musics Net 
23 Jamie Anderson & Content - Body Jackin, IDG 
24 Raffertie - Do Dat, On The Brink
25 DJ Zinc - 138 Trek, Bingo Beats

Music courtesy of Fabric Records

[ GUEST REVIEW by JOON,  a reformed journalist and itinerant entrepreneur at bloomerang.com.sg ]

TRACKLISTING

1. No News Today feat. Argenis Brito (Deadbeat Roller Dub)
2. No News Today (Original)
3. Its Happening Again

WHO

DIG
Continuing their steady shipment of beats, Exercise One let loose an EP that features Venezuelan Argenis Brito's vocals and a minimal tech remix from Deadbeat. No News Today pulses along the laid-back concoction of electronic production and a classic pop sensibility [ Watch The Video Above ]. However, my favour falls with the home-hewn breaks of It Is Happening Again. It switches the vibes of the floor as the layers build, throb and draw you in with its acidic monster bassline.

LABEL
Mobilee Records is Anja Schneider's imprint which showcases a mix of pristine minimal, slinky grooves and deep house out of Berlin.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Mobilee Records

TRACKLISTING

1. Skeptical
2. Skeptical (Karton Remix)


WHO

DIG
Swedish label Sound of Habib has drafted in two hot talents for this release. In Skeptical, Liz Melody's smooth fitting vocal crosses the field of progressive and breaks whilst reminding us why she's still in demand after all these years. And once again, Australian duo Karton produces the goods with a banging re-rub. Grab this when it releases on 20 Apr.

LABEL
Sound of Habib is Jariten's (formerly Johan Soh) imprint and a fine purveyor of bearded beats out of Sweden.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Sound Of Habib

TRACKLISTING

1. 2 Headed Monster (Fine Cut Bodies Remix)
2. Electro Mouse (Fine Cut Bodies Remix)
3. Cider Club (Error Response Remix)


WHO

DIG
The excellent Hungarian label has snapped up a few tracks from Transparent Sound vault and repackaged the goods into remixes that are pure sonic heaven. With its deep, pulsating beats, Fine Cut Bodies spliced things up via an Electro Breaks version of 2 Headed Monster and a Tech House version of Electro Mouse. Error Response remix of the Cider Club is a mellow affair, but with much emotive warmth that will be loved at the chill-out corners. Pick this up when it's out on April 13.

LABEL
The name Chi comes from the ancient concept of the flow of energy which fulfills and directs life and all its forms. With music being a form of representation in the form of Chi (be it dub, ambient, breakbeat, techno, house, etc.), Chi-Recordings was founded in the year 2000 to extend opportunities to Hungarian artists and DJs to showcase their talents outside its borders.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Chi Recordings

TRACKLISTING

1. Histoire Naturel (Vocals Feat. Xim & Bass)
2. Histoire Naturel (Breaks Version)


WHO

DIG
As you might expect from its title Historie Naturel, it's a lush, melodic roller with an emotive flute and spoken vocal snippet of Xim & Bass weaving their way through the beats. Although the tune reminds the listeners very much of those journeying movie scene, it's still a slick production that is identifiably White Papoo-flavoured liquid vibes. On the breaks version, it's an instrumental affair that lets the beats do the talking. Hunt this down when it's out on April 20th.

LABEL
Rocstar Recordings is a Breakbeat, Hip Hop and House label born out of collaboration between Lee Potter (Cut La Roc of Skint fame) and Marco Distefano (then Director Of Music for BT and part time musician).

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Rocstar Recordings

TRACKLISTING

1. Own Way (Original)
2. Own Way (Raw Blaze Edit)



WHO
Soul Hunter is an east Berlin DJ / producer who is turning the right heads at the best breakbeat parties in Southern Germany right now.

DIG
The original features the mighty vocals of Nadine and is laced with soothing keys over house beats. It's lightweight material that should win favours with the early hour crowd in any room. Remix-wise, things get fairly dangerous as fellow Berlin producer, Raw Blaze delivers a tear-out breaks mix with heavy beats and gritty bass. In their own way, both provide de-toxifying effects to individuals who are afflicted with over-dosage of electroclash business.

LABEL
Dangerous Drums comprises DJ Vela and Ed2000 whose record label is one of the rare breeds in Germany to evolve out of breakbeat parties.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Dangerous Drums

TRACKLISTING

1.Circle Kid (Original Mix)  
2.Circle Kid (Impulsonic Remix)
3.Circle Kid (Funkanomics Remix)         
4.Circle Kid (Parker Remix)
5.Circle Kid (Badboe Remix)       
6.Circle Kid (Just Banks Remix)        
7.Circle Kid (Cmc and Silenta  Remix)        
8.Circle Kid (Umbo  Balatz VS Pips)

WHO

DIG
If you are looking for block-rocking beats with a healthy serving of funk, then this is a package not to be missed. Featuring the raps by Nine Lives the Cat, both the original and the remixes are more than enough to satisfy any breaks heads or move the feet of Addidas clad youngsters out there. Hunt this down when it's out on April 6th.

LABEL
Rocstar Recordings is a Breakbeat, Hip Hop and House label born out of collaboration between Lee Potter (Cut La Roc of Skint fame) and Marco Distefano (then Director Of Music for BT and part time musician).

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Rocstar Recordings

TRACKLISTING

1. Killa Sound
2. Submarines
3. Move (Vocal Mix)
4. Move (Dub)

WHO
DJ Zinc (aka Benjamin Pettit) is a UK heavyweight drum n bass / breakstep DJ who also dabbles in breaks productions under the alias, Jammin.

DIG
When it comes to breakbeats, Zinc is in a league on his own - it's all done without slowing down the breaks and keeping his junglist grooves just a tad slower. This EP is no exception. Four tracks of dancefloor detonators, with Killa Sound featuring the vocals of No Lay whilst Move comes in two versions, with the Vocal Mix featuring the Foreign Beggars and in Dub version for those not feeling their vocals. If you are a fan of booming sonic journey and can't wait for a few more months, get this taster before his album "Life Begins At Midnight' drops.

LABEL
Bingo is a solo venture of Zinc where he releases drum n bass, breaks and cracking house.

FORMAT
Digital / 12”

Music courtesy of Bingo

TRACKLISTING

1. Break The Silence
2. Break The Silence (The Scientifics Remix)
3. Thermal Motion
4. Thermal Motion (Electric Soulside Remix)


WHO
Steve Murray aka Syncro 69 is an English DJ / Producer who is based in Belgium.

DIG
Newcomer Synchro 69 dishes up an EP of two tracker and its remixes for the floor. First up, Break The Silence is a phat slice of atmospheric breaks. Remix-wise, The Scientifics betters the original by playing up the darkish synth line, rave chords as well as rhythmic clicks to give it an extra, uplifting edge.

The second track, Thermal Motion is on that quirky electro tinged tip. If you are looking for dirty house with vocal hooks, then go for Electric Soulside's rework which twists and turns in a way that rivals the original for my pick.

LABEL
V.I.M. (Very Important Music) Records was established in April of 2007 in Thessaloniki, Greece, by THE SCIENTIFICS (Echonomist, Mr.Lookman, Pale Penguin), with releases divided mainly into V.I.M. BREAKS (Electro / Tech / Funky Breaks singles), V.I.M. TECH (Techno / Techhouse / Minimal singles) and V.I.M.TRONICA (Electronica singles) and V.I.M.CD (Electronica CD albums and compilations).

FORMAT
Digital / Limited hand-numbered 10”

Music courtesy of V.I.M Breaks

TRACKLISTING

1. Just Be Good To Me (Breakbeat Instrumental Mix)
2. Just Be Good To Me (12" Vocal Mix)
3. Just Be Good To Me (Daytime Radio Mix)


WHO
Rob Savage is the boss man at Breakin Even Records as well as the main man behind the Groove Diggerz.

DIG
Another cool gem flies out of Groove Diggerz crew who delivers an impeccably produced breaks with the vocals of Lindy Laytron and MC Ronnie dropping his guest verse on the Daytime Radio Mix. Being the first single off their new album "Money For Good Times", this is sure to stir up the floor, more so for those who recognise the tune as a cover version of the S.O.S Bands classic. For those who prefer the big beats without the vocals, head for the instrumental mix.

LABEL
Originally set up as a club night in Reading, UK, Breakin Even is now a recognised breakbeat label nominated at the 8th International Breakspoll Awards. Recently, the label has a brand new outing, "Breakin Even Deep" which leans towards the deeper and laid back side of electronic music from Downtempo to Drum n Bass.

FORMAT
Digital / 12"

Music courtesy of Breakin Even

TRACKLISTING

1. Algebra
2. Topology



WHO
Nicolas Bourbaki ≠ collective alias of the 20th century French mathematicians
Nicolas Bourbaki = the experimental project of the Berlin-based producer, T.R.O.

DIG
Welcome to the Furioso's skool of Techno, Electro & Dubstep hybrid. This is a room of scifi pads underpinned by fog-throbbing bass. First on board, an Algebra statement for the day:

(Assume s = step , b = 1 bar breakbeat, bs = breakstep )

1/2 s + b = bs

Flip over to Topology, it continues in much the same vein; an excursion into hardcore breakstep and abstract soundscapes. If you ever find yourself trapped in a sinking submarine, this is über music to fathom the ocean. Due for release in March.

LABEL
Furioso is a new German label for bass heavy electronic music including breakstep, nuskool breaks, dubstep, 2 step, garage and bassline house culled from artists all over the world.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Furioso

TRACKLISTING

1. Whoop!
2. Whoop! (NAPT Remix) Up
3. Whoop! (Rudder There It Isn't Remix)


WHO
Bristol boys team up. Calvertron (real name Alex Claver) was one-half of music duo, Twocker and has been an accomplished DJ & Producer of Jacking / Electro House to minimal Techno & Tech House. Banga was a hard house producer who has toughened up to deliver the sound of electro.

DIG
The original Whoop! was released earlier in the Crash Da Party EP. In this remixed package, there are two new stomping remixes on offer. Napt blended big samples and slick grooves to serve up a real slice of electro breakbeats. However, it's the superb breakdown of Rudder There It Isn't Remix that won me over. Definitely the one to drop mid-set just to light up the unsuspecting listeners.

LABEL
A record label, artist agency, promotions and events company in its 4th year operation, Destination? is a Perth-based team comprised of Pete and Mark (Signal Drivers ), Jen, Dave, Karl Sav, Sez and Alex.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Destination?

TRACKLISTING

1. Gluttonous Dub
2. Gluttonous Dub (Luke Chable Remix)
3. Do Not Pass
4. Do Not Pass (Flack.su Remix)

WHO
UK-based producer, Lifecycle has developed a reputation over the years for his dark and energetic sound in the electronic underground.

DIG
Richochet Records head honcho keeps up with the pressure, first with deep roller of 'Gluttonous Dub' that is built around crisp funky vintage breakbeats & organic basslines. To top it off, you have Luke Chable's trademark progressive remix in the package. 'Do Not' Pass' is a nu-electro rumpler loaded with jazz rhythms to re-wire your senses. Flack.su of the Chi recording fame provides an atmospheric breaks remix that's every bit as good. Release will be out on 23rd Feb.

LABEL
Founded by Lifecycle, Richochet Records is a new label on the block - treading on breakbeat and dark electronica side of things.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Richochet Records

TRACKLISTING

1. African Beat
2. African Beat (Single)
3. African Beats


WHO
BlocoElectro is a live UK act who mixes world rhythms with club beats and plays all the stuff live triggering samples and bass lines from drum pads or triggers attached to acoustic drums.

DIG
Serving up a blend of traditional world percussion with electronic drum and retro electronica, BlocoElectro ensures that you never stand still if you catch them as a live act in music festivals. Inspired by the Afro beats of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, the EP features 'African Beats' which is a percussion only piece for the drum heads and the other two are electronica-tinged versions of 'African Beat' with some vocals. Twisting it a little, the AfroElectro mix is backed with chemical beats that should appeal to the masses. Release date is on 2nd Feb, so go to their store to grab a slice.

LABEL
Earth Connection is a label founded by Gavin Lombos and members of the band Chocolate Starship. After a decade, its current aim is to release original organic music and sound spanning from breaks, world, leftfield, electro, broken beats and more.

FORMAT
Digital

Music courtesy of Earth Connection