Each time a compilation is released, therefore, it’s a proper event, a moment to look forward to with curiosity, trepidation, and celebration. I might have been quiet about it, but this is exactly what I was feeling during the rollout of the long-awaited Liquid Ritual vol. 3 album. And I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one watching the label’s moves closely. After all, as one of the undisputed leaders of the scene, the Liquid Ritual team has both the honor of being in a position to lead the way into the future and, at the same time, the responsibility of keeping alive the roots on which it has built its legacy. For those familiar with their releases in the past ten months, the artistic direction of the Liquid Ritual brand was crystal clear (the melodic and darker side of wave), but with the recent launch of the ambitious Wave Global project, it wasn’t easy to make predictions.

After dozens of listens, I can say it without a shadow of doubt:  Vol. 3 is Liquid Ritual’s crown jewel.  This compilation is a testament to the label’s cultural commitment to showcasing the evolution of the genre and a tangent proof of the talent that crowds the scene at the moment. The sixteen artists involved, a clever mix of familiar and brand-new names, all delivered premium performances, without exception. Sixteen songs that span a diverse range of styles, from highly atmospheric cuts (‘let me go’, ‘NEVA’, ‘Mirage’) to more alternative works (‘Subterranea’, ‘U Hurt Me’) to garage-influenced tracks (‘The Morning After’, ‘Freefall’, ‘Where Are You Now’), bringing the listener on an immersive yet kaleidoscopic journey through the wave sound. The vocal pieces are exquisitely crafted as they all double down in the classic melancholic, ethereal, trancey mood that defines the genre.

The greatest merit of Liquid Ritual Vol. 3 is, in my opinion, that it’s a compilation that sounds extremely contemporary, yet it reflects well the essence and heritage of wave. It’s a must-listen for the most hardcore fans, but I can see it acting also as the perfect starting point for new adepts. Compared to many other compilations released in previous years, which embodied a specific historical moment or trend, Vol. 3 has the potential to evade temporal boundaries and stand as a timeless chapter in the history of the label and the wave movement. Props to Jude, Oskar, and the entire Liquid Ritual team for another first-class project and for showing once again where the “Home of Wave” is.

Listen to Liquid Ritual Vol.3 below or on your favorite platform.

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Liquid Ritual is not going anywhere. They were just taking a breath. They were getting ready to take off again stronger than ever. First of all, the team behind Liquid Ritual has started their new hardwave label called Dektora (that already features tracks by Deadcrow and REMNANT.exe). Then they’ve organized a two-day Liquid Ritual event in London which is going to be one of the biggest wave events ever (guess who’s going) and now they’re even back releasing music under the main imprint. Thanks to the launch of Dektora, from now on Liquid Ritual is going to focus on the darker and softer side of the genre, with this release from Meddus to pave the way.

‘Elemental’ sits in an interesting position between the two main wave trends. Meddus created a truly curious mixture of sensations, which he encapsulates in this definition: “the single captures the dread and danger of exploration into a cavernous void.” Elemental ‘arises as a melting point between the centrifugal force of hardwave and the centripetal force of wave. It reminds me a lot of ‘Falling‘ by Deadcrow, a track that I consider to be one of the first prototypes of hardwave I’ve ever encountered. I use the term prototype because, despite being, like  ‘Elemental’, more imposing than the wave I was used to listening to, it’s still strongly permeated with an intimate and introspective atmosphere.

I hope you managed to get your head around this short but nerdy, analysis. You can judge yourself by listening to Meddus’ debut on Liquid Ritual below, on your favorite platform, or on Bass Nation’s channel.

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In a very busy round of weeks (which included another release with Remnant.exe and a mix on Trap Nation), they have pulled out this very fascinating piece. Produced by Kenaj, who seems to be at his very first official wave release, ‘Alive’ is a very interesting crossway of influences. Unlike most of the other tracks that start from the same premises, it clearly draws more from UK dubstep than trap, giving as result a wave “spin-off” that is not that common. Kenaj didn’t completely dilute the nuances he used in a hybrid result, but instead, he has overlapped them one over another. I see ‘Alive’ as two separate pieces that fit together perfectly like two lego bricks. The slow rhythmic (99 bpm), the punching kicks, the metallic groove (with the exception of the snare) are all very dubstep-inspired. Vice versa, the soundscapes that sit upon the beat are unmistakable sourcing the very essence of wave. Spatial pads and shadowy, vocalizations rule this side of the track, which in the best tradition of the genre, convey dreamlike and hallucinated visions.

As said before, the combo of these two “souls” match nicely without tiring the ear, so much so that I consider there would have been potential for it to last at least another minute. Just as there would’ve been room to deepen and explore more in-depth some ideas and elements only marginally hinted at in the three minutes (for example, I really appreciated the tempo change in the little section within the breakdown). Is ‘Alive’ going to be a one-of-a-kind experiment by Kenaj or can we expect him to go down this route? It’s up to Marco to answer us, with words or notes. What about Liquid Ritual? Rumors say that we can expect more releases on this wavelength (pun intended) in the near future. News that leaves me very, very happy.

Enjoy ‘Alive’ below and on your favorite platform here.

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Of course ‘Alaris’ provides the boisterous bass and thunderous drums that are needed to fill out festival mosh pits and club dance floors. Nevertheless, it doesn’t sacrifice the emotional side either and provides the right amount of feelings thanks to what I think is the standout element of this release: the vocals. Unlike what we are used to getting in wave songs- that is ethereal, elusive, mostly female, voices. Here the vocals stand out with a very strong personality. They are the element that drives the whole composition. They aren’t a mere side dish, they are the main treat. In addition, they have a retro taste, which reminds me of 2000s dance music and hardstyle, that gives the song a nice “rave” touch I really love. To best describe ‘Alaris’, I would like to reuse the words that Heimanu had stated on the occasion of the publication of ‘Mira,’ “I wanted to make something with a bit more emotional depth and perspective to it… A song that grabs at the heart and doesn’t let go, which is very different to my normal Wave sound.”

Stream ‘Alaris’ below or on your favorite platform here.

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This is how Heimanu presents us his latest creation, released a couple of days ago on the infallible Liquid Ritual imprint. Being used to his electrifying and stormy NuRave tunes, I have to say these words have definitely tickled my interest and I was curious to see to which extent they had been put into practice. ‘Mira’ (not to be confused with this ‘Mirae‘) is indeed one of the most reflective works we ever got from the Aussie producer. Instead of explosive drops and whirling build-ups, its massive chords and airy vibes bring in atmospheres that are definitely more close to the world of movie and videogame scores. Anyway, it’s Heimanu we’re talking about, not Brian Eno. It might not be a mosh-pit starter, but ‘Mira’ is still highly imbued with an uplifting and euphoric aura that makes this song one of the most unconventional dancefloor anthems of the past years. It’s been a long while since the last time I heard a bass tune able to lead me into a self-discovery journey and at the same time make me want to be in a sweaty crowd. Usually, the two reactions are diametrically opposite, but ‘Mira’s emotional charge is so powerful that it really inspires me to let myself go and cry on the dancefloor.

On Twitter, Heimanu managed to add more context around this special release. ‘Mira’ is “A song probably best enjoyed while the skies are grey with sleeting rain, or as you drive at night through a sleeping city. Or both. More importantly, I hope this song helps you cope with hopelessness, loss or grief. It certainly helped me.”

‘Mira’ is out now via Liquid Ritual and is available for both listening and purchasing here.

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‘Reflection’ is not only a pinnacle of Kareful and Liquid Ritual’s catalog, but also of the whole of wave’s production of 2020. As a fan of the softer side of the genre, I have the feeling that, lately, the Hardwave sound has become inflated and is often declined in ways that are a too, unnecessarily extreme. ‘Reflection’ instead perfectly balances deep and introspective sounds with more uplifting traits. Vaporous atmospheres that flirt with raucous basses, ethereal vocals that clash with high energy and solemn synths: this is what I look for in a wave track and that exactly what I got while listening to ‘Reflection.’ All the elements are carefully polished, worked, rounded and mixed in the right doses. There are no excesses or cheap clichés.

‘Reflection’ is the first record I produced after I had to leave Vietnam due to COVID. I had been without a music studio for 3 months, and I felt very inspired to get back into production after taking a break from it. It originally was an instrumental, but I felt it was missing something. My girlfriend Kokomaya said she really liked it, and started writing to it. This was our first attempt of making music together, so the track is very special to me. – Kareful

Since Kareful has accustomed us to instrumental cuts, I was extremely surprised to hear how Kokomaya’s writing and vocal contribution sounds extremely organic inside the composition. Could this be the beginning of a series of collaborations between the two? Given the success of this first experiment, I definitely hope so. You can stream ‘Reflection’ on SoundCloud below or on your favourite platform here.

The post Kareful Returns On Liquid Ritual With Vocal Anthem ‘Reflection’ Alongside Kokomaya appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Today, he returns for the fourth time on the UK imprint Liquid Ritual with a brand new release titled ‘RATHERFEELNOTHING’, in collaboration with fellow producer Slayloverboy. The magic formula is spot-on as usual. The heavy trap drums and the trance-inducing synthesizers vie for the listener’s attention throughout the track, but inevitably we’re lured by the melancholic charm of the distorted vocal lines, that obsessively swirl over the other elements in a hysterical, hypnotic ballet. The ecstasy driven by this wave is so high that at some point you’ll inevitably start to wonder if the voices you’re hearing are indeed in the song or if it’s all happening in your head. All this in 2.47 minutes. Trust me when I say you won’t be satisfied until you’ve listened to it at least ten times in a row.

Don’t hesitate any longer and join the ‘RATHERFEELNOTHING’ experience by streaming the track below.

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The post Liquid Ritual Releases New Wave Weapon By DYZPHORIA & Slayloverboy appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

We’ve reached out to Liquid Ritual’s Director and A&R, Kareful, to know more about the choice to go with the long playing format instead of going with a single routine, above all after the label’s long pause occurred in 2018. “It’s a cultural thing,” Kareful stated. “Compilations are a way to bring together in a closest way the whole community: established artists, rising talents, fans, press. It’s a way incentivize mutual support and the best way to push new artists. I remember that, when I was small, being on a compilation alongside acts with thousands follower more than me resulted in a huge boost.”

While the full album comes out on May 29, today FUXWITHIT is proud to give you the opportunity to get a early listen of what to expect.

Dyzphoria & Yurie‘s ‘Dirty Pills’ is definitely one of highlights among the 12 exclusives original cuts presented on the tracklist. It follows the hybrid pattern introduced by ‘Wishes‘, arranging Wave’s typical fluid and synthetic melodies with a serious uplifting nature that echoes artists such Flume or k?d, and a nostalgic touch that calls to mind an early ’00 trance/happy hardcore aesthetic. Enjoy ‘Dirty Pills’ exclusively on FUXWITHIT today, tomorrow everywhere else, and on the 29th inside Liquid Ritual Vol. 2 alongside other key actors such Deadcrow, Kareful, ISorin, Enjoii.

The post PREMIERE: Get A Sample Of Liquid Ritual: Vol 2 With Dyzphoria & Yurie’s ‘Dirty Pills’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

After a release-fast that lasted 6 long, a new noteworthy piece of art has surfaced from their archives. Surprisingly, it’s not from one of the roster regulars, Kareful, Pholo or enjoii, but from a young blood. Straight from the Eastern European electronic scene. With a releases history divided between networks such Chill Trap Records and Trap Cord, Morfil is an act that I’d never expected to see on Liquid Ritual.

Undoubtedly, ‘Wishes’ strongly flirts with what is commonly called Future Bass. But at the same time, it owns the magic of wave music. As in the finest examples of the genre, a thick bass ensemble and crafty vocal cuts weave together in a plasmic flow that seduces with its dreamy, atmospheric echoes. Some may argue that this ‘pop’ release may be the prologue of a kind of commercial drift of the label, but personally, I see this as a beginning of a new interesting chapter of its life, a first brave step to a luminous future.

Stream ‘Wishes’ below or on your favourite platform.

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Below The Surface

Below The Surface burst onto the scene last year with Sounds From Below, a stellar compilation that featured releases from founders THRPY and soulecist. alongside sfam, TVBOO and more. Since then they’ve put out 3 more compilations and a slew of singles. Each release is a true piece of the underground. They’re committed to digging to find the best under-the-radar stars in bass music and putting them on full display.

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Dont Die At Work

Founded by HMU, Dont Die At Work is a label and clothing company based in LA. They started as “a reminder to work hard towards having the life you want, a movement founded on putting in that time and reaping the benefits in both your 9-5 and your 5-9”. The outlook speaks to creatives grinding ever day and dreaming about the future, while working to make it happen now. Their impressive Grind compilation kicked the year off with a bang and included the brain-bending single ‘Prehistoric’ from doppla & HMU. They’re constantly working to help break new sounds with single releases as well. ‘Cerepon’ and ‘Seizmo’ will give you a taste of the type of bass Dont Die at Work is slingin’. For even more DDAW be sure to check out their Day Of The Dead compilation.

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Liquid Ritual

Started as a radio show in 2016 and established as a label less than a year ago, Liquid Ritual has climbed its way to the top in an incredibly quick way. In this extremely short span of time, Kareful, LTHL and Stohou have not only brought their creation to the forefront of the recording industry with iconic releases and a fabulous debut compilation, but also have expanded their action into shows, hosting a series of branded events in their hometown London and all over Poland. It’s not a secret that Wave is slowly infiltrating in the mainstream (pushed by names the likes of Virtual Self and Stooki Sound) and thanks to its marked identity, proved maturity and endless dynamism, it seems Liquid Ritual is ready to take the lead of the Wave movement. I don’t know if, as Stohou said, “Skrillex is going to be making Wave in a year or two,” but this UK label will be there for sure.

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Lost Dogz

“We’re not a Label. We’re not a collective. We are a cult of best friends.” That’s how Lost Dogz recently described themselves. While they may not technically consider themselves a collective or label, leaving them off this list would be near criminal. Leaders in the minimal yet heavy bass space, they’ve helped to change the direction of trap and bass music across the industry. Their “cult” features a who’s who of innovators including Abelation, Milano, Untitld, Sktchy Ppl, Chrome Republic, Eazybaked, Chrome, Snuggles, Cambot, Player Dave & Vide. We’ve already featured 2 of the Dogz in our Focus Five segments and could easily run through the whole list. Lost Dogz’s sound is dark, dirty, distinctive, and dank but always fresh. If you’re sick of bright and cheery future bass, Lost Dogz are the perfect antithesis. Hit their SoundCloud and tell me it doesn’t get your tail wagging.

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Misc.

Miscellaneous: home to everything you’ve never heard before. Just good music. Ambitious? Yes. Excessive? Hell no. The good folks behind Misc. are definitely not some random guys, since they’re responsible for one of my favourite bass compilations of the year. ‘Guest Vol. 2’ is a collection that should be on the top of every experimental bass junkie’s library and it’s a mirror that reflects the soul of the whole project. Freedom of expression is the only rule that is seen reflected in more than one hundred releases, among which you can find plenty of illustrious names. Capshun, episcool, Sofasound, Rohaan, Rome in Silver, and Great Dane are just some of the brilliant minds appeared under Misc.’s emblem with intriguing and unexpected creative works. This is a label I never forget to mention as an example when I find myself talking and defending the real underground movement.

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Night Owl Collective

Night Owl Collective is a giant, a pillar of the SoundCloud community, an example and a model to admire and to take inspiration from. If you really have no idea what I’m talking about and you’ve never come across one of its monumental compilations, you better get out of your cave and listen up. With its 50k followers, the Owl is playing a pivotal role in the scene, ensuring a non-stop flow of new music from both well-known acts and newcomers. Its well deserved reputation suggests and encourages a positive and open-minded approach to every release that goes beyond the popularity of the artists’ names. Night Owl Collective isn’t just a label anymore, it’s a world apart, an all-out experience.

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Phuture Collective

A lot of platforms claim to be the future, very few truly embody it. Phuture Collective however proves time and time again just how ahead of the curve they truly are. Their thematic compilations are some of the best out. Not only do they feature a cross-section of the most talented artists around, they actually sound cohesive and carefully curated. Each track is different shade or colour on the same canvas and Phuture is crafting works of art. While their releases speak for themselves, it’s really their knack for finding and helping to foster underground talent. Few people stay ahead of us but when it comes to the future of music, but with Phuture, I often feel like I’m catching up. If you’re trying to stay ahead of the game, Phuture is one of your most reliable sources.

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Wormhole Music Group

One of Soundcloud’s strongholds has always been its ability to allow you to go through the next song you didn’t know you needed. Its dashboard is like a surprise package that you can unwrap again and again, day after day, always finding a new gift. Too often, however, it’s so overloaded with reposts that it’s quite a mission to bring out something good from that jungle, for this reason I guess everyone has their aces up their sleeve. Mine has always been WMG. Trying to forecast the nature of the new releases is always a shot in the dark, a mission impossible. “Forward-thinking, next-level bass music sounds that defy genre and push boundaries” is the label’s mantra, something that I know you’ve heard tons of times, but trust me, here you’re in good hands. From dark, mental, post-apocalyptic Trap to melodic Jazztronic inspired-vibes, passing by glitched, funky, weird and wonky cartoonstep bangers, Wormhole Music Group is the eldorado for any hardcore and open-minded bass music lover.

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World by Alessio Anesi & Colin.

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