MUFFLER - CAN YOU FEEL (BLUS015)

Konsta Mikkonen has had quite the legendary career. Well known for a slew of releases on Urban Takeover in his early days, the man known as Muffler soon launched a label under his artist name and put out a foursome of twisted, techy bangers. Many will remember Muffler’s remix of label owner, DJ Rome and Twintone’s “I Try” from Blu Saphir’s third release five years ago, and we have brought him back with a single track. “Can You Feel” for the milestone fifteenth release. Muffler’s latest drum ‘n bass releases can be heard on the likes of Hospital, Spearhead, Disturbed, and Big Riddim, while also entering the dubstep arena with a fearsome pair of tracks for Dieselboy’s SubHuman label, featuring the mighty BARE on “Bloodsport.”

BLUS015:

A: MUFFLER: CAN YOU FEEL?

Morose but soulful, Muffler’s latest for Blu Saphir fades in as if it were the preface of a dramatic scene. A sullen piano introduces the piece as the drums fade in. It isn’t long though before the snare and hi-hat quickly pick up speed and all energy is directed straight to the dancefloor. A very groovy, melodic number, Muffler entwines enticing female vocals that build up to the initial drop. Old school sounding in nature but definitely for the new crowd, the squelchy backdrop directs this chilled out roller to build in intensity, keeping the energy alive. The tune winds down, reintroducing the piano line and taking us with it on a gust of wind, exiting to an angelic silence.

MUFFLER - CAN YOU FEEL - BLU SAPHIR 2011 DUB by BLU SAPHIR MUSIC GROUP


SUPPORT BY ALL HOSPITAL CREW

RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 2011

WORDS BY BRIAN FRIEDMAN

DINHO MK3 - ANOTHER PLACE EP (BLUS014)

DinhoMK3 might not be a name as recognizable as Marky, Patife and Fernanda Porto, but make no mistake about this man’s credits in the local South American drum ‘n bass scene. Now in his mid-30s, DinhoMK3 first got his start on vinyl in 1992 and has been on the production front since ’96. His father, an electronic repairman, would play a big part in his evolution as he passed down old “record players” that would come into the shop to be repaired.

Only sixteen at the time, J would work hard at his craft, “keeping the samba at bay” during his mixes. The perfectionist pushed forward with his work, soon becoming an acknowledged DJ in Sao Paulo’s vast electronic scene. Influenced heavily by the rich culture surrounding him, the Brazilian committed to looking for new outlets to expose electronic music, also continuously searching for inspirational ways to add organic natural sounds to his drum beats and fiery basslines.

We present to you DinhoMK3’s first official release –


BLUS014 – DINHOMK3 – ANOTHER PLACE EP

A: ANOTHER PLACE
B: DONE TO ME
C: WHAT YOU TRYING TO DO?
D: AIN’T NO LOVE LOST


RELEASE DATE: 02.09.2011
JUNODONWLOAD

SUPPORT BY DJ MARKY


A: ANOTHER PLACE:

Heavy on oscillation, ANOTHER PLACE starts off in a techy “Ram” style fury before heading quickly for into first drop. Very reminiscent of new school jump up, Dinho uses varying layers of the wobble to create a floor smasher that’s more than ready to be dropped as the party starter. Heading into the break, melodies come to life and heavenly atmospheres draw the listener in.

DINHO MK3 - ANOTHER PLACE ( BLU SAPHIR ) AIRPLAY ON RADIO 97.7 BY DJ MARKY - OUT NOW!!! by BLU SAPHIR MUSIC GROUP


B: DONE TO ME:

Reminiscent of his heroes, Marky and Patlife, DONE TO ME is a very musical number. The beats bounce atop beautiful atmospherics and “LK” style guitars. LFO style bass stabs stay on the back end while the vocal drops in. Approaching the middle of the track, half-time tempos ensue before dropping back into the beats. “helicopter” type effects lead back into the guitar riff as this magnificent piece keeps the EP rolling.

DINHO MK3 - DONE TO ME - ANOTHER PLACE EP - BLU SAPHIR 2011 DUB by BLU SAPHIR MUSIC GROUP


C: WHAT YOU TRYING TO DO???

A straight forward dancefloor slammer, WHAT YOU TRYING TO DO brings out the soul of liquid drum ‘n bass. Effervescent trumpet lines blare above chopped-up poignant vocals that lead into the drop. More half-time in the break leads to the next drop, and we’re gone!

DINHO MK3 - WHAT YOU TRYING TO DO ??? - ANOTHER PLACE EP - BLU SAPHIR 2011 DUB by BLU SAPHIR MUSIC GROUP


D: AIN’T NO LOVE LOST

Instrument stabs serve as the backbone at the genesis of AIN’T NO LOVE LOST. Bright, articulate drums and vocal stabs fill the air as the oscillators come slipping in. As the break sets in, bitcrushed effects warp the sounds for this short interlude before the beat drops back in. We are exposed to more of the vocal as it makes its small appearance, disappearing swiftly. The cool vibe rides us out to the end of this brilliant release.

DINHO MK3 - AINT NO LOVE LOST - ANOTHER PLACE EP - BLU SAPHIR 2011 DUB by BLU SAPHIR MUSIC GROUP


www.blusaphir.com

WORDS BY : BRIAN FRIEDMAN

DRIFTA & DEAN CASE - SWAY (ORIGINAL MIX / TECHNICOLOUR REMIX) (BLUS013)

Hailing from Kent in the United Kingdom, Soul Aspiration co-owner Chris Demello A.K.A. Drifta started making waves around the country with his soulful sounds of drum & bass on the likes of Aftershock Radio, Futuredrumz, and Shedbass many years ago. It wasn’t long before Drifta desired something more and started his personal journey to production with influences shooting across the entire electronic spectrum, including trance, hip-hop, and electro. The young artist has much collaboration under his belt, including Static & Top Notch from Spherical Sounds, Drumlinez, The Assembly Worker and Chaos Theory. More recently though, Drifta teamed up with new producer Dean Case for the spine-tingling, bassline-driven “Sway.” Their music can be heard consistently on BBC Radio 1, 1xtra, BBC Asian Network and Bassdrive.

Fellow Englishman, Technicolour, comes forth on the flip for the remix, representing Bassline Smith’s Technique Recordings. Technicolour’s tracks are supported by the likes of Annie Mac, High Contrast, Logistics and Blame. More fire is bound to come from the soulful one and production/drinking mate, Komatic in 2011.

BLU SAPHIR RECORDINGS – BLUS013

A: DRIFTA & DEAN CASE - SWAY
AA: DRIFTA & DEAN CASE – SWAY (TECHNICOLOUR REMIX)

RELEASE DATE: APRIL/MAY 2011
DISTRIBUTION: GROOVE ATTACK

A-SIDE – DRIFTA & DEAN CASE - SWAY

Classic drums lead this euphoric symphony in, while a lower octave saxophone cues the bass. Perfectly programmed layers continue to build while the sax roars, bringing in the full symphony. A short filter leads to a sweep of strings and a luscious flute solo. The vocal comes soon after before making a quick fade out. Call and response ensues between the ensemble, vocalist and flute solo. Mighty rolling bass continues throughout making this a spine-tingling, fun number on the dancefloor. The break comes and switches it up; quick stabs lead right back into the full-on aural assault.

Drifta & Dean Case - Sway ( BLU SAPHIR DUB - RELEASE 20.05.2011 ) by BLU SAPHIR MUSIC GROUP

AA-SIDE – DRIFTA & DEAN CASE – SWAY (TECHNICOLOUR REMIX)

Technicolour shows us his prowess as the opening instrumentation is switched up. A beautiful flute flows to a crescendo while plucked strings add to this ominous intro. Beautiful Rhodes ala old school Metalheadz make their presence as a low-end driven bassline cuts through and gets the remix moving. A little chiller than the previous, Technicolour definitely has this soulful thing down.

Drifta & Dean Case - Sway ( Technicolour Remix ) ( BLU SAPHIR DUB - RELEASE 20.05.2011 ) by BLU SAPHIR MUSIC GROUP

WORDS BY: BRYAN FRIEDMAN (SYKOPHIEND@GMAIL.COM)

BASSFACE SASCHA - SWEETEST THANG / MOVING EYE (BLUS012)

Bassface Sascha is a well-known and respected pioneer in the european drum & bass scene. Holding it down since the early 90s, he has collaborated on club nights with Grooverider across Germany and is known to have played the first drum & bass set ever at Mayday, a German mega rave. His productions have appeared on various labels under a plethora of aliases, including Smokin Drum, Kickin’ Underground Sound, Save the Vinyl, Basswerk, Stereotype and Santorin. Sascha also utilized the airwaves to broadcast his sound worldwide on a weekly radio show called Reload on Eversonic Radio. Now two decades later after touring the world playing at massive events, Bassface brings his sound to represent on Blu Saphir for
the first release of 2011.


BLUS012

A: BASSFACE SASCHA - SWEETEST THANG
AA: BASSFACE SASCHA – MOVING EYE

RELEASE DATE: 11.02.2011 - XCLUSIVE @ BEATPORT & 25.02.2011 @ ALL OTHER STORES
DISTRIBUTION: GROOVE ATTACK




A-SIDE – BASSFACE SASCHA – SWEETEST THANG

Soulful and heartfelt, the vibe picks up from the intro as harmonized “oo-ahs” accent simplified instrument riffs. A short build-up leads to a quick first break as bass-heavy kicks pave the way to the drop. Deep and moving, the number rolls out straight to the bass bins.

AUDIO SNIPPET

AA-SIDE – BASSFACE SASCHA – MOVING EYE

Lush rhodes chords line this well-produced number from the start. Bleepy melodies emphasize the backdrop, while deep vocals bring out the drums and squelchy bassline. After a build-up and the drop, Bassface goes techy, somewhat reminiscent of Break, Noisia, and Gridlok. The chords and melody remain steady throughout, leading to a second break. You might want to play through to the second drop. It’s definitely worth a go!

AUDIO SNIPPET



WORDS BY: BRYAN FRIEDMAN (SYKOPHIEND@GMAIL.COM)