We've been keeping a firm eye on the progression of Canadian imprint Infinite Machine. We even implored you do the same on their late 2011 release from B Flat, which you can link to at the bottom of post. 

On this release, the label showcases the talent of an 18 year old producer from Totnes, which after a Google search you'll find it to be an area buried deep in the UK's south west. For a producer so young, he manages to convey an incredible depth of emotion within expertly layered production and a knack for a staple melody. 

Of the three track release, title track 'It Feels Better To Be Numb' starts with the ever so satisfying analogue crackle, ominous keys and lush swooshing tones. It opens gently like a flower in bloom; a looped male vocal chant plays over 808 knocks and a steady clap-bass beat, which evolves in to a melodic groover. The track itself breaks up in to three separate sections, each building until all elements combine in to a lusciously indulgent bass track. 

The release diversifies with track 2 'Maisie', which takes you on a trip through deep tribal beats, a murky forested underworld and sparkling, disjointed keys. Finished up with 'Turquoise', an impressive addition to the release, which is a straight up house number ready for any late night club setting. 

Rommek is one to watch this year; if this is the standard of music to come from such an age, then the strength of production can only get better. Watch out. 

BUY DIGITAL HERE

Released: 14th May 2012 // Label: Infinite Machine

You can support Rommek through facebook & soundcloud. Be sure to share via social links below if you dig. Peace!

The Met Ball is fashion's most glamorous night out of the year, and this year our fabulous musical stars gave the models and actresses a real run for their money.

It wasn't too long back that we featured Toyboy & Robin's debut release on their new Manchester based imprint Cool Kid Music, which you can link to at the bottom of this post. Since featuring them, we've been in touch and are excited to announce they'll be delivering an instalment of our mix series newsic:MIX, which you can catch later this month. Before that though is the second release on the label...

On their debut release was a remix from Manchester-based producer TCTS, who also goes by the name of Sam O'Neill. The EP named Hands follows suit by draping r'n'b sentiments over future bassy production, and it strikes a positive chord in the progression of the label. 

The whole EP is connected by an otherworldly vision; it's as if O'Neill had been asked to produce a record that could accompany a new-age space voyage. 'And So We Find Ourselves' explores such space through a bopping yet fierce beat over an intricate layering of synth, percussion and chopped vocal. Track 2, 'I'm Gonna Lose My Baby' plays as if a continuation from track 1, through a maze of exploration, seeking deeper, acid-like sentiments. Track 3, and the title track, 'Hands' finishes the voyage of cosmic proportions through a heavy drop, nodding towards the tough side of London's underground through a club-ready vibe.

Surely one to watch is TCTS and the rapid movements of Cool Kid Music. Big. 

BUY DIGITAL HERE

Released: 15th May 2012 // Label: Cool Kid Music 

Be sure to check TCTS on facebook & soundcloud. You can share this post via the social links below! Peace. 

Arguably one of the most underrated LP's to drop in 2011 came from this now established 7-piece live band Submotion Orchestra. Firm newsicmoos faves, the band who hop-scotch between live instrumentation and nightclub sentiment with absolute ease are back and with a new LP in sight. Their latest single 'It's Not Me It's You' submits to a slight change in direction; a more club ready approach ensues in a frenetic, upbeat outlook, one that differs to their serene releases from debut LP Finest Hour. Though this may be the case, there's no doubt that their live setting will not be hindered, already having sold out a successful tour this March, a suit I'm sure will follow. This single creates the same engaging atmosphere, with mesmerising vocals and creative use of instrumentation; listen out for that signature SubMo brass. Check out the amazing Alex Pirez drum and bass remix too. Can't wait for more. 

BUY DIGITAL HERE

Released: 14th May 2012 // Label: Exceptional Records

You can check out SubMo on facebook, twitter & soundcloud. Be sure to share the love via social links below & check out our interview with them last year by clicking the related link below. Peace. 

Gold Panda releases a 7" double side single this week entitled 'Mountain' and like ALL of his thought-provoking creations he urges us to dwell in the cultural surroundings of his musical scope. The live jazz setting of 'Financial District' particularly strikes a chord, conjuring up images of a solo walk through a busy New York metropolis. He has this knack for swelling the soul in equal measure of joy and pessimism. Just give it a try, get lost along the pavements of his production. 

The next time Gold Panda will embark upon our Manchester will be for Parklife Festival - be sure to grab your tickets here. 

BUY DIGITAL HERE

Released: May 14th (digital) // Label: Notown 

You can show Gold Panda the love via facebook & twitter. Be sure to share via the links below if you're feeling it. Peace. 

UK duo Hot City have three EPs coming out on Moshi Moshi, the first of which entitled Something Bout is a real nod to a nostalgically deep rave revival. Listen out for the piano drop in the title track and don't try to resist the natural reflex of your arms rising above your head in a defiant call to the rave Gods.. 

Released: 14th May 2012 // Label: Moshi Moshi Beats

You can show Hot City the love via facebook. Be sure to share via social buttons below if you dig! Peace. 

It’s fair to say Dub Phizix rocked the drum & bass world with the release of last year’s 'Marka'. Featuring stomach-churning bass and indecipherable vocals, it was like nothing that the Manchester dance music scene had heard before. By early 2012, Marka had become a feature of every drum & bass set across the UK and beyond.

Big things are expected from this man and he manages to follow up with another slice of dark, ambient wizardry. Much like his previous effort, 'Never Been' is impossible to pigeonhole; it comes from a drum & bass background for sure, but what sets it apart from the tracks that are beginning an assault on the UK charts (take DJ Fresh, for example), is the sinister and challenging tone that engulfs it. BBC Radio 1’s Mistajam has already referred to it as “Essential for anyone who plays D&B.” High praise indeed.

This time around, vocals are delivered by fellow Mancunian, Fox, and his exotic rhymings manage to be both melodic and nonsensical; fan arguments over lyrics are already becoming a feature of any new Dub Phizix release. Still, this is a track that aims to be dark, moody and atmospheric, and it certainly manages to pull this off. One word of advice, don’t listen to this when you’re alone in the house late at night – 'Never Been' would provide the perfect soundtrack to your nightmares.

This release on Critical Records also includes 'Codec', a much more bass-driven affair that contrasts brilliantly with the title track. Dub Phizix is a regular at Hit&Run, Manchester’s number one drum & bass night, so keep an eye out and don’t miss the chance to catch the man himself dropping these tracks live in his own back yard!

BUY DIGITAL HERE

Released: May 2012 // Label: Critical Music

You can check Dub Phizix on facebook, twitter. Be sure to share via the social buttons below if you dig. 

This track will storm dance floors this summer, no doubt. It has that memorable edge, a catchy hook and renowned vocal that'll swell any raver's dancing intention. The release comes from Jaded & James Petrou, a duo who have stamped their name over their native Australian ground via successful club night Kinky Disco. On this release, they've cut and spliced a Toni Braxton vocal and spread it over a deep chugging tech-house beat. Remix duties come in strong, notably No Artifical Colours, who further darken the twisted nature of the original. Check it!

BUY DIGITAL HERE

Released: May 2012 // Label: Beef Germany 

You can check out the duo on facebook, where you'll find individual links to their soundcloud pages too. If you dig the release, be sure to share via social buttons below.