RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!

The first salvo of Crossfire hit at the beginning of last year. It was an EP that gave warning that Technique Recordings’ elite unit of producers were the ones
to watch for 2012. And the ubiquity of their tunes all over Radio 1, 1Xtra and Kiss, and in raves worldwide, soon proved that it wasn’t a warning to be taken lightly. Now it’s time to give 2013 the same treatment.

First up is Oxygen, from heavyweight outfit 2DB, drawing in the listener with subtle arpeggios and evolving riffs, creating a warm and melodic intro to the Crossfire experience. Then KG and Erb n Dub, in their Hashtag guise, switch things up with a sparser, technoid-paranoia workout in Don’t You Want Me. And proving that you can’t pigeon-hole Technique, there’s yet another sound on display next with a steel-reinforced VIP mix of L Plus’s anthemic Time Travel from 2011.

Halfway through the EP, and still the variety keeps coming from the Technique team. MaxNRG drops Grimey Beats into the mixture, a half-speed D&B stomper that combines elements of reggae, electro and R&B with devastating consequences. Then L Plus is back for a second contribution with End of Story, a track which takes his trademark silk-textured synths and street- hardened beats and twists them around subtle musical reference points. Then finally, 2DB come through to wrap up proceedings with Spud Gun, a tune which rolls in under the radar before jump- ing out at you with a powerful assault of twenty-first century acid.

If you were anywhere within hearing distance of a bass-conscious DJ in 2012, you’ll have heard a Technique Recordings release. But, even if you’re late to the party, this second Crossfire show- case is here to demonstrate why these flavours should be on everyone’s setlist.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

2DB have established themselves as a production outfit determined to take old skool sensibilities and deliver them with razor-edge production techniques. With a string of acclaimed releases including the recent Ghetto Boy backed with Blunderbuss, they’ve proven their alchemical mastery of combining emotive melodies with floor-shaking bass aggression.

So, now for the latest twist in the tale.

First up is Bassface. With a name like that, you might think you know exactly what to expect, but 2DB always have a trick or two up their sleeve. Opening with uplifting synth-work, with just a hint of rough-hewn low-end, the throttle is quickly engaged to push into a half-speed drop. Bass and high-end interplay with melodic fills, but just when you think you’ve got the measure of the tune you’re made to think again. A floaty breakdown breaks down your defences and then builds back up to kick you with a full-speed D&B workout.

Then we have Jet Black. This rolls in, riffs gradually evolving into the soundscape to make the inevitable drop hit with even more impact. The gentle melodic elements contrast with percussive sounds which ride over the bassline and combine into exactly the kind of dancefloor roller that 2DB are known for. This synthesis of tough beats, fat bass and unfolding high-end sequencing show exactly what this production team do best.

For DJs who want to keep their sets fresh and with a touch of the classic, 2DB’s releases are always must-play items. So, inevitably, you’ll be hearing a lot more of Bassface and Jet Black via raves and airwaves worldwide.

L Plus – Faces / Heavy Mental