September 2012 ~ HotBox

Star One - Mad Ting ft. Faro

Those Star One boys have been working hard since the successful release of 'Respect' and are back with another banger. 'Mad Ting' takes a fresh direction away from previous releases, with 4x4 House beats joining Grime laced riddims in what some may consider an 'unholy union' of sorts. However on the contrary, this unusual mixture works surprisingly well, with Star One's top production values keeping high frequencies crisp and the lows freqs full of richness, all tied together by Faro's MCing, which while lyrically weak, is solid enough to add to, rather than detract from the whole track.
Make no mistake, this is a powerful, high tempo track, set to test many a speaker system and durable enough to withstand the inevitable DJ rinsing it's bound to recieve.
'Mad Ting' is the first release of Star One's upcoming 'The Highs and Lows of a Beautiful Mind' EP. There's no release date yet, so in the meantime check out the radio-rip below (LQ) as well as the DnB/Jungle remix of The Skints' 'Rise Up' below, available for FREE download here. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter

Artist Recordings - Summer Vibes LP

We've waited patiently for this one and though the best of summer may already be long behind us, Artist Recordings latest LP has finally arrived.
The sixteen track LP covers a delivers a broad spectrum of vibrant Drum & Bass tunes, with the kind of high production values we've come to expect from the label. Though the LP is hardly 'one-sided', it could be said that the majority of tracks lean more toward the 'Liquid' end of DnB (and even Dubstep; see Subranger's 'Underwater' VIP). This is of course by no means a bad thing as the resultingly melodic and soulful tracks fit perfectly with the tone of the LP's 'Summer Vibes' distinction and moreover, there's still plenty of deep bass and euphoric peaks to keep the 'Jump-Up' ravers happy. Naturally as with most Artist Recordings releases, there's a real plethora of talent on show here, with the release's chilled out, mellow contributions coming from the likes of Slogun & iOh, Inflex and Colossus, while Command Strange, Moleman, Intelligent Mannors, Genetic Bros, Rameses B and Maduk are on board to provide the bass filled rollers and dancefloor oriented synth leads. Our personal stand-out track in this regard is Slogun & iOh's 'Be With You', although it's satisfyingly deep bass rolls and souful vibes are also very nearly matched by Colossus' excellent 'Longer Lasting'.
We could go on, but frankly this album speaks for itself and being a very generous FREE release from Artist Recordings, this really should be an instant and welcome addition to anyone's music library.
Download each track for FREE via the player below or if you're able, then head over to Breakbeat.co.uk to buy the LP (£6.99) and support Artist Recordings.
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Armeria - Let's Go Somewhere

We've been meaning to post up about this track for about a week now, having just started to get a grip on the massive back log of music (it's been a busy Sept). If you already familiar with Armeria, then you'll know the Brit has gathered a strong internet following due to his particular ability for flawlessly infusing RnB vibes with bouncy Garage grooves. His latest release, 'Let's Go Somewhere', is of course no exception to this rule, providing all the warm synths, crisp percussion and choice vocal samples we've come to expect from this talented young producer.
Check the preview after the jump and make sure you grab the download for FREE via the good folks at Bokah.
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DJ Honda & Mos Def - Travellin Man (DnB bootleg)

Production wizard Atlantic Connection has just recently made his previously unreleased bootleg of 'Travellin Man' available for FREE download. Originally created in 2002, with Mos Def on the mic and that DJ Honda touch still all over the bootleg beat, there's really nothing not to like in this slice of jazzy liquid heaven. Grab the FREE download here and brighten up your day with a little Drum & Bass!
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Vacationland - Legalize It (Mixtape)

Lazy Saturdays.....even with summer pretty much long gone now, there's still ample need for a good chillout kotch session. Luckily we have just what you'll need, The Zen Zone's aka Vactionland's 'Legalize It' mixtape, an electric mix of cross-genre music, field samples and atmosphere, described quite nicely by what the Brooklyn based Vactionland has coined as 'Blazewave'. It's the kind of high flying California vibe that aligns neatly with the mixtapes hazy (and subtly political) message. We've been sitting on this tape for a number of reasons (somewhat related to an overwhelming increase in submissions and increasing work back in reality) but mostly because we've been far to busy enjoying all the subtle layers and intricate links between the tape's complementary tracks, that become increasingly apparent on each additional play through.
The sheer detail and clear quality production present in the tape really signifies the whole piece as a real labour of love that bleeds through the entire mix. In the creator's own words, "First it was video teasers, then it was vocal samples, then I added in atmospheric samples and now I’m working to make all these elements not only tell a story, but fit in musically.... [The mixtape] is meant to represent the coming fall, the end of the summer. I couldn’t have made a more obvious thematic choice, but it’ll resonate for sure, bro".
Given the time and attention it deserves, there's a really visceral audio experience to be had here. But even if you're looking for something much less cerebral, or simply just trying to sit back and recuperate from last nights antics, then 'Legalize It' is still going to scratch that itch. Whether it's the sweet tracks you'll already know and love that do it.... or brand new jams it'll introduce you too, or just the mellow, yet funky vibes of the piece as a whole....one way or another Vacationland will put a smile back on your face.
Check it out below and then grab the FREE download here and while you're at it, swing by the Vacationland Soundcloud for more brilliant and FREE mixes. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter

Visitor - Coming Home (Vanguard Remix)

London based VISITOR have been sending us their material for a while now and while their debut release 'Coming Home / RnB', has been meet with generally positive reviews, it's the Vanguard remix of 'Coming Home', which has really caught our attention. On first listen it may come across as a bit EDM-like (Feed Me, Skrillex etc) but don't let that put you off straight away. Give the track a chance, and you'll find a carefully crafted banger as ravey as it is funky, resembling something that seems almost like Orbital for 2012. Don't take our word for it, check the track out below and see for yourself. If it seems like your cup of tea, then you'll be happy to know it's available for FREE download here.
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Luvian - Valley Girl

The mellow grooves of Luvian have always been a sight for sore eyes (ears?) for us here at The HotBox, with many a hangover or two seemingly drifting away after some time with Luvian's tracks.
The Brighton based producer has just released what might possibly be our favorite track from him yet, 'Valley Girl', a downtempo lullaby complete with sweetly pitched vocals and just the kind of gentle, yet complex melody and percussion arrangement, that we need post-party. If you've been on one, or even just had a hard days work, download the FREE track here and let Luvian wrap you up in his warm sounds. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter

Breeze Block & Skyro - Spectrum

This FREE DnB track comes courtesy of DNBR. Breeze Block & Skyro's 'Spectrum' is a synth heavy roller that lies more on the liquid/pop side of Drum & Bass.....think Danny Byrd and that new Hospital Records sound. This is of course by no means a bad thing, although the radio friendly accessibility of the track my put some off at first. However given a few listens, 'Spectrum' is undoubtedly a solid tune, well deserving of the support its receiving from the likes of Liquicity and Radio 1Xtra.
Grab the FREE download here.
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Tjard - Finsterblau / Gellgrün

It's a stereotype, but you really can depend on the Germans for great House music. In this case Mecklenburg-Vorpommern native Tjard has decided to give some sweet vibes away for FREE in the form of 'Finsterblau' and 'Gellgrün'. Production wise, both tracks are solid, leaning more on the side Minimal/Tech House, but with plenty of groove to get your feet moving. If that sounds like your bag then grab the FREE downloads here and here, then on over to Soundcloud to show some love and grab more great FREEbies from Tjard.
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Friday Mix: Hybrid Minds DnB

We haven't done a proper Friday Mix in a while now and a lot of you have got in touch to express your disappointment. We promise to get the HotBox Friday mixes back up and running soon with a variety of artist and genres, including guest DJs. But in the meantime, he's a wonderful mix from Hybrid Minds, to fufil your DnB cravings.
Download the whole thing for FREE via Breakbeat.co.uk WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter

Jessie Ware - Sweet Talk (Saux Remix)

Since the release of Jessie Ware's very well received debut album, it was only a matter of time before the remixes started flooding in. In this case, Dutch producer Saux has given the title track 'Devotion'. Saux's production talent floods through the track, as he turns the original on its head, taking a much more House/Bass oriented direction. The end product is a proper mellow groove and instant welcome addition to electronic music fan's library.
Preview after the jump and grab the FREE download here.
Head on over to Saux's Soundcloud to show some love and grab more excellent FREE music.
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Warren Xclnce - Say Goodbye

It's been a while since we heard from North London's finest new Hip-Hop/Bass producer Warren Xclnce. Fortunately he's been hard at work, producing new material. His latest track, entitled 'Say Goodbye' continues onward with Warren's most recent Garage/Bass vibe, without falling neatly into any genre box. At it's heart the track is a kind of minimal, mellowed out roller. But search deeper, and you'll find a somewhat solemn, yet carefully crafted melody, percussion pattern so detailed and layered with grain it almost borders on the introspective....and a repeating melancholic vocal that cries out to the listener. We don't quite know what's going on in this track and we probably never will, but it's making us think...which frankly, can only be a good sign....

Check the track below and as always, grab the FREE download here.
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Nate Dogg - I Got Love (ENiGMA Dubz Remix)

It's a crying shame that Nate Dogg isn't with us anymore, but ENiGMA Dubz is keeping the legend alive with this sweet ass remix. It's not quite Dubstep, but rather G-Funk/Hip-Hop with a bigger bassline..exactly the kind of vibe everyone in the rap-scene is pushing for. It takes a brummie production whiz like ENiGMA Dubz to pull it off without even trying and give it out for FREE. Grab the download here and show some love on ENiGMA Dubz's Soundcloud. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter

Wildcat! Wildcat! - End Of The World Everyday (Vindata Official Remix)

We're big fans of the Wildcat! Wildcat! sound here on The HotBox. So naturally, when the band got in touch to share some remixes, we were keen to see what kind of new could come out of the old, so to speak.
There's always a certain amount of fear and uncertainty when dealing with a remix. Whilst you expect to hear something new, the track should also act as a homage to the original mix. It's a tough balance of keeping the intended feel intact but adding another layer.
However, with Vindata's reworking of 'End Of The World' we can confidently say that goal has been achieved, with a track that is simply just spectacular in every way. The remix keeps all the upbeat melodic charm of the original, whilst broadening the scope a little. With a 4x4 rhythm and a deep 'Tropical Electro' vibe, the track is now just as suited for the poolside dance-floor as the headphones of many a young indie rocker.
Check out this stunning track below and grab the download here for FREE.
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Equator Club - Healing

It's always time for some Future Bass/Garage....so this week we're presenting Equator Club aka Emmanuel Egwu and his track 'Healing'. Being based in Chicago must have its advantages and those House roots really come across throughout the track, though the main rhythmic structure ultimately seems to take its cues from the 2step/Garage, Bristol House vibe.....Expect plenty of pitched RnB vocal sample and the kind of sexy deep melodies that bode very well for Equator Club's impending full EP of which this is the title track.
Check it out in the player below and grab the FREE download in exchange for a 'Like' here.
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Synthetic Epiphany - Stranger

It's been a while since we've had any Dubstep on the blog, fortunately Synthetic Epiphany has come along with 'Stranger'. In true Synthetic Epiphany style, this track isn't just Dubstep by the numbers, it's a slightly different, unusual take on the genre, keeping all the deep bass and aggressive drops you might expect, but with enough variation in the rhythm structure and it's melodic composition to set it apart from the rest. This really is a refreshing track in terms of what has become a rather stagnant genre.
Check it below and grab the full track soon for FREE or Pay What You Want as part of the forthcoming album, 'Infinite Perspectives', dropping within the next week via Bandcamp.
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Submotion Orchestra - Blindspot (Maribou State Remix)

I love Soundcloud, I really do. It's not all gold out there on the internet, but Soundcloud really helps you find those audio gems.
Gems like Maribou State, the London based Future Bass wizards who recently put their spin on Submotion Orchestra's 'Blindspot'.
As if the original wasn't already epic enough, they really transform the track, possessing exactly the kind of awesome production skills required to give the remix an edge which is both dark and mysterious, but with kind uplifting vibrancy needed that will go done well on any dance-floor.
The depth and quality of this track is simply off the charts, and being a FREE download to boot....well you simply can't ignore it. No wonder it's blowing up the Hype Machine.
Grab the FREE download quick before the limit runs out....and if you haven't already, follow Maribou State on Soundcloud for more big vibes and FREE downloads. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter

FREnchfire & SZAJNA - Remix E.P

Regular readers will already be familiar with FREnchfire, a Future Bass/House producer from Hereford. Together with Manchester based SZAJNA, the two have put together a collaborative EP, featuring both original tracks and remixes of each others work.
The result of this collaborative effort is, the 'Remix EP'; 4 tracks of deep and intelligent House, that both compare and contrast against each other, as remix and original lay side by side, whilst an overall bass leaning minimal style unites the entire EP.
All in all the EP is extremely well accomplished, with the kind of high production values and well thought out composition that leads to both fine grooves and dark spacial moments.
Check out the EP's promo mix below to get an idea of the tracks and then head on over to Bandcamp to grab the whole EP for FREE or Name Your Price. While you're at it, check out both FREnchfire's and SZAJNA Soundclouds for more great FREE music.
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