Despite managing their own label, Twenty Twenty Global, Ivy Lab have recently been releasing via other outlets due to the “club-oriented” nature of these new tracks. Demon Dust was released on Future Classic and the trend continues with Idols Fall / Snap 101 dropping on Critical Music, notably one of the great bastions of drum and bass music today. Taking a break from the derivations of instrumental hip-hop and American influences that the duo has become known for lately, Idols Fall / Snap 101 is uniquely European in its origins. Drawing from the emotional and technically sophisticated releases from labels like Metalheadz along with the resurgence of classic European club music, this two-track 170 bpm tour de force is meant to get you on your feet.

‘Idols Fall’ sounds like a track straight out of Ivy Lab’s early catalog, back when the duo was a trio (with Halogenix filling the third slot of the roster). The faint echo of Seyaa’s voice in the intro gives way to the most beautifully-mastered percussion one could ask for on a liquid drum and bass track, adorned with impeccably clean snares and grungy basslines. The instrumentation is redolent of other masters of the genre like Netsky, Logistics, and Nu:Tone. The transition into ‘Snap 101’ is a seamless one. The second track is pensive yet uplifting, orchestral yet dance-inspiring. Equally appropriate both in the club or in your headphones, ‘Snap 101’ is a testament to the way Ivy Lab is able to effortlessly evoke a broad range of emotions with a single song. Context indeed plays an integral part of the experience of this EP.

Idols Fall / Snap 101 is quintessential Ivy Lab, and is simply a must-listen for drum and bass fans. Stream the release below and be sure to check out the visual accompaniment for ‘Idols Fall’ on YouTube here. Here’s to hoping the drum and bass train keeps rolling into 2024.

The post Ivy Lab Returns to Drum and Bass with ‘Idols Fall / Snap 101’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

2022 has served as a breakout year for the talented producer, both in terms of recognition across the scene and in terms of sonic transformation. From a collaboration with DJ Fresh, to a gnarly remix for The Upbeats, to the addictive ‘Forget About Me,’ Buunshin has continued to broaden his horizons, all leading to his biggest project to date, Steel Wings. Released via Critical Music, a welcome home to his larger collections, the six-track EP is Buunshin’s most diverse and impressive undertaking thus far in his career.

“All the music which will follow will be more personal. Rather than just making hard music for in the club, I tried to reflect something vulnerable. Just like the way I felt broken, I wanted the music to sound broken. However, to me that didn’t mean that I wanted it to sound dark and cold, I wanted it to sound warm and bright,” the artist states about Steel Wings, and he executed this vision to perfection. The opener, ‘Farewell,’ introduces this dichotomy with grace, with a drawn out, melancholic soundscape embodying the closing of a chapter in its first half. However, the second half of the track represents a rebirth in sound with its euphoric drum and bass energy shining a new light on the artist. Listening through Steel Wings, one will grow a thorough appreciation for Buunshin’s versatility in production as well as his masterful storytelling abilities. While the project still falls under the umbrella of drum and bass, the artist displays multiple facets of the genre, and goes beyond it in tracks such as ‘Man Know’ and ‘Tranen’.

My personal favourite from Steel Wings is ‘Make Money,’ a surprise collaboration with The Caracal Project. What’s yours? Dive in below and let us know.

The post Buunshin Unearths Fresh Sonic Layers In ‘Steel Wings’ EP appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

‘Neiges / La Fournaise’ sees IMANU and The Caracal Project shine in a familiar light while simultaneously demonstrating their ability to push sonic boundaries. Regarding the song titles and theme behind the release, The Caracal Project states, “‘Neiges’ and ‘La Fournaise’ were named after the two volcanoes that gave birth to the island of ‘La Réunion’ which translates to ‘The Meeting’. In facts, Jonathan (IMANU) was born in Saint-Denis, capital of the island, and spent his first years there. I also had the opportunity to spend some time on the island when I was 8, because I have family there. So we chose to theme the release around this, something that tied us together before we could know each other.” Some would call it fate.

‘Neiges’ is an emotional cut that begins with an ethereal soundscape and lush textures before transitioning to a grittier sound near the thirty-five-second mark. A keen attention to detail from both makes ‘Neiges’ a beautifully conflicting track, as deep bass stabs are contrasted by angelic samples and an oddly soothing melody. The progression in energy is spine-chilling, with the second half showcasing the true genius of IMANU and The Caracal Project. In ‘La Fournaise,’ the producers tap josh pan for sinister vocals, layering them above their meticulous drum and bass production once again. Few can create such raw emotion with sound, but IMANU, The Caracal Project and josh pan have done so exquisitely while remaining true to their signature.

Don’t miss the incredible ‘Neiges / La Fournaise’ below.

The post IMANU & The Caracal Project Demonstrate Undeniable Chemistry In ‘Neiges / La Fournaise’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.