Pagan has been quietly building repute as one of Ireland and the UK’s most exciting up and comers, building a sonic palette that weaves in and out of trance-like euphoria, gun finger breaks and vibrant techno; tied together with an overwhelming sense of largeness. 

With recent plaudit pick-ups from some of the UK’s most exciting underground artists (Breaka, Denham Audio, DJ Boring, X-Coast) for his high-energy blend of low ceiling, low lighting world building, Pagan readies the release of the inaugural EP on Cheeky Music Group sub-label RRRAAAVVVEEE.

‘Butterfly’ kicks things off with a cut of introspective breaks; tranced-out melodies creating a sense of hair-raising emotion and vastness - a perfect peak-timer for those little personal moments of awe on the dance floor. ‘Ways You Went’ is a 50/50 blend of hard dance and classic trance: pounding rhythms and fun melodies scoring the silliness, before having to wipe your cut knuckles clean from punching the roof too hard.

‘The Depot’ brings back memories of Irish heads in packed-out basements; that sense of largeness steadily building amongst inspired energy, trance-techno and unapologetic UK bassline, before ‘Dreams of You’ casts a grey cloud speckled with dying sunlight into the frame with its ambient techno aesthetic and thoughtful emotion.

"Butterfly" drops Friday 21st May via RRRAAAVVVEEE.

>> @musicofpagan

Butterfly

RRRAAAVVVEEE1 // Pagan - Butterfly

Since 2014 Stones Taro has been delivering his own take on the UK sound, heavily influenced by rave, jungle, garage and breakbeat. Now the Kyoto, Japan based artist makes his Breaks 'N' Pieces debut with four intricately laced cuts on August 20th, continuing to break the mould and recontextualize his own sonic palette. 

‘Again’ opens proceedings with deep wobbling bass that finds its way from your ears and down to your toes, coupled with dub style chords and vibey vocal loops, to help keep the steppers moving to the early hours. ‘Come Over Me’ picks up where ‘Again’ left off with glossy lipped vocals and oscillating snare drums, resulting in a track perfect for warming up the dance floor. 

Glistening synths sparkle just above choppy breaks and spacious bass in ‘Yakusugi’ - as it’s ethereal sensibility adds a different dynamic altogether to Stones Taro’s ever evolving sonic armour. Every sound in closing track ‘Rare’ is carefully placed and nuanced; as one tone reflects off the next in auditory delight - suited for those late-night dwellers.

>>@stonestaro

Yakusugi

BRKN009 // Stones Taro - Yakusugi

Rotterdam based producer DJ Crisps follows up releases on Riz La Teef’s ‘South London Pressing’ and Bristol UKG label Time Is Now with three original dubs that blur the lines between garage, hardcore and breakbeat.

Crisps has a knack for breaks (see Freedom with Ell Murphy). Luvin You walks the tightrope of rough and smooth; it’s chipmunk vocals, ethereal atmospherics and nostalgic samples creating a plethora of heads down and hug-in-the-rave moments.

It’s A Dark Day is a tale of anxiety. Beginning with soft, uplifting chords it begins optimistically before bassy swells of darkness surface amongst spooked-out vocals and huge wubs. Music Is My Life sees Crisps return to garage territory with a soulful stepper that evolves into a dutty, no phones allowed affair.

Rounding off the record is a remix of Music Is My Life from standout producer Mani Festo following a wicked release on Sneaker Social Club. He delivers a typically transportative, perception-altering cut of emotionally-stirring breaks that showcases the artist's infatuation with the tension between futurism and tradition.

>> @djcrisps
>> @mani_festo

Music Is My Life

BRKN011 // DJ Crisps - Music Is My Life

Harrison BDP services up four variations of 2-step on a release that highlights the producer's knack for crafting colourful dreamscapes whilst having his finger on the pulse of contemporary dance music.

‘Shuto Expressway’ channels the visual stimulation of driving through the Japanese expressways of Tokyo from which the track is named; dubby basslines, well placed vocal samples and a genuine feeling of serenity makes for a sunny stepper.

‘Anti Lag’ is an electro-garage mutation; screw-face wubs, grimey strings and melodic pads creating the perfect accompaniment as day turns to night, while the familiar vocal samples and garage-skank energy of ‘Rhythm Is Key’ deepens the groove. 

Wriggling acid lines and subdued textures show us the door on ‘Bad Habits’, floating back towards electro-step territory with that signature BDP otherworldliness. 

>> @harrisonbdp

Rhythm Is Key

BRKN010 // Harrison BDP - Rhythm Is Key

Pépé Elle, a young producer from Paris has been making some serious waves of late, both through his work as label boss at Aurore 404, it’s sub-label 3 Feet Deep Records and his own hard to pigeonhole productions, influenced from various corners of the world. Now the French DJ & producer further dissects the outer reaches of UKG, loaded with dutty rhythms, playful leads and atmospheric backdrops on Cheeky Music Group. 

Opening track ‘Hype Dope’ is a skippy exploration of colourful leads and sleekly-pressed rhythms; lyrics ‘break the turntable and flip’ embody a smile before gun-fingers reach for the air. The low-slung and weighty vibe of ‘Unexcusable’ and the acidic tinged ‘CMS We Meet Again’ show Pépé’s ability to connect various sounds while maintaining a continuity across his deep sonic palette. 

On the flip ‘Thump’ is a minimal garage gem; the type of track that would work perfectly when warming up a crowd or as a bridge between murkier UK sounds. ‘Long Swelling Wave’ is a straight up dance-floor destroyer, combining heavyweight bass and itchy beats, forming a sea of frenetic energy as day turns to night.

A serious EP from one of Europe's leading underground garage producers.

>> @ppplprod

Breaks N Pieces Vol. 15

BRKN015 //  Pépé Elle - Breaks N Pieces Vol. 15

Kyoto, Japan producer Stones Taro has been making waves recently with his sick blend of percussion led UK-funky, house, garage, stripped back jungle and hefty UK influence; whether it's serving up grimey shellers or screwface bassline, he always brings the heat.

The versatile producer readies four of his finest dubs yet on Cheeky Sneakers and thrusts himself into a the spotlight currently shining on Asia’s underground electronic circuit. 

‘Step Into Midnight’ skanks into the frame with it’s energetic 2-step and glitched-out vocal stabs creating a sense of grimey energy, before ‘Emotions’ begins to tug on the heartstrings with its teary-eyed, bubblegum UKG flavour; pitched vocals giving off nostalgic early 00’s wifey riddim vibes. Garage made with real tears.

The second half of the record showcases Stones Taro’s knack for jungle, previously explored most extensively on his release with Third Place. Classic R&B samples are intertwined with stripped back breaks and dubbed-out basslines on ‘Spend The Night’ to create a vibe similar to that championed by Ghost Phone, with their distinct reshaping of 90’s R&B through a contemporary lens.

‘Change The Mood’ sees us out with a score that wouldn’t sound out of place reverberating off the walls of a NYC underground as a busking drummer uses what he has to create a mood; a beauty lying within its careful repetition.

>> @stonestaro

CHEEKY002

CHEEKY002 // Stones Taro - CHEEKY002

Council Work founders Tom Frankel and Dayne Harper have been bubbling up through London's underground circuit with their unique take and varied influences; all the way from UKG to house, jungle and hip-hop. Over the last few years the pairing have been prolific, releasing records on Oldivibes, Fraise LDN and a string of free downloads and EPs on their own forward-thinking imprint; never becoming solidified with any one sound, yet carving a distinct and audible palette. Now the London duo drop some not so obvious garage in one of their most dynamic releases yet. 

‘Tortilla Flex’ shimmers through the speakers, understated and oozing with class. Neon painted stabs effortlessly skip through shuffled grooves and polished bass; giving the track a classic touch mixed with the flavours of contemporary UKG. On ‘Hydraulic Temperature’ the duo power through dubby stabs, warped melodies and a bass-line as smooth as melted butter - providing a fresh and elusive rhythm as the A-side comes to a close. 

Just like diamonds, conditions of intense heat and pressure formed an absolute gem of a tune as the B-side begins to spin. ‘Under Pressure’ is a visceral listening experience driven by pure emotion; elevated, tough and one of those special B-sides you never knew you needed. ‘Sessil’ brings things to a close with its acid tinged leads and crisp claps nestled amongst shuffling grooves - resulting in what feels like a hazy ride through the outer reaches of UKG and beyond.

>> @tomfrankel
>> @dayneharper

Tortilla Flex

BRKN017 // Frankel & Harper - Tortilla Flex

After an intriguing debut appearance on Lobster Theremin’s PLUR compilation in 2020, New York’s Talker prepares his debut on Cheeky Sneakers with four varying cuts of emotive breakbeat and squelchy electro NRG.

‘Information’ takes the swaying aesthetics and waved basslines of contemporary breaks and wraps it in a digital ribbon; a periodic dip into a post-humanoid world where information is no longer something we consume, but something we have become. Delicate melodies swirl above the clouds leading the raver to their inevitable peak, before large kicks and percussive power sparks the fuse with a flurry of gun fingers and hands ascending towards new heights.

‘Da Business’ again wraps its electronic sequence in a modern blanket with elements of grime, garage and electro taking it in turns to wow and delight; a distinctive, lairy UK energy moulds together with ice-like synth work on an emotional trip that packs a punch, before the B-side is introduced on ‘X’, a squelching cut of acid-electro made for late nights and strobe lights.

‘Echolation’ finishes things off the way it stated - cinematic breakbeat that invites the listener to take a moment for themselves on the dancefloor, looking inward for moments of private contemplation as the euphoria is pushed increasingly outward.

>> @tlker

Information EP

BUY RELEASE

Talker - Information EP // CHEEKY003

Leeds based UKG Peaky Beats follows up a killer release on Breaks N Pieces and self-released collaborative EP with Highrise with four cuts of ragga-tipped Dub that show a different sonic side to the typically lairy producer. It also comes complete with a remix from aya, the artist behind one of last year's most impressive tapes - I’m Hole.

LOTR-inspired ‘Helms Deep’ is a melodic battlecry; what would have been played when the Rohan army defeated Sauron’s forces had 140bpm dubstep existed within Tolkien’s fantasy world - haunting, meditative and deadly. ‘Shire Steppin’ makes clever use of stripped-back production with oddball samples and reggae-inspo that inspires mental images of hobbits smoking around a fire. What was in Gandalf’s pipe anyway?

‘Turn Up’ maintains the cemented minimal aesthetic, this time with a more tribal approach than ragga; swirling atmospherics soar overhead before screw-face dubs and heavy bass-weight invites the contemplative darkness across the threshold. Heady electronic and tribal traditions continue on ‘Greywind’ with more ragga-tipped goodness best played at 4am through the early morning haze.

Aya’s remix is typically brilliant - remaining at 140bpm, a standout producer of 2021 delivers a devastating, roughly chopped cut of malfunctioning dubstep - a percussive and experimental masterclass through light and dark.

>> @peakybeatsrecords
>> @aya_yco

Helms Deep

BDPR001 // Peaky Beats - Helms Deep EP

Nikki Nair never misses the mark with his dynamic and versatile sound, effortlessly blending a plethora of genres into one singular mind-altering composition; deservedly becoming synonymous with the forward-thinking era of hybridized electronic music. Now on Breaks ‘N’ Pieces, Nair recalls his signature sound in the form of weighty bass & breaks; while continuing to twist the templates of old to create something truly unique. 

Nikki opens things up with ‘Way Of The Void’ showing off his talent for impeccable drum programming and bass-driven dance music; demonstrating how only a few carefully selected elements can create maximum impact. ‘Pop Music’ is an idiosyncratic cross-over between Nair’s far-reaching influences, fondly reminiscent of one of his stand-out releases ‘Power Tools’ on Dirtybird in 2020. This time there’s an even greater sense of flexibility, as heavily manipulated sounds cause havoc across dance-floor sound systems. 

‘Unit’ utilizes gritty vocal samples and squelching bass that jump from your eardrums straight to your toes, before Nair shares another string to his bow, going far left with the minimal inspired ‘Trackiing’. Expert use of panning creates a 3D effect, encompassing a 4/4 kick-drum and percussive elements in forward-thinking motion. The EP comes to a close with ‘The Person Or Persons’ a multi-layered story beamed down from another universe; tales clouded in mystery, personality and the creativity we’ve come to expect from one of electronic-music's most eclectic artists.

>> @nikki-nair

Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol. 18

BRKN018 // Nikki Nair - Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol. 18

Arriving hard on the heels of his Lobster Theremin debut, Swiss-born, Berlin based techno artist Chlär prepares the first ever release of Welcome to the Loop World with four devastating cuts of furious and fun pounding rhythms.

Honing his skills as part of the Swiss free-party scene, Chlär has exploded onto the Berlin soundscape with his futuristic blend of break-neck electro, old school trance melodies and typically noisy grooves, with regular appearances coming on Berlin’s leading streaming platform HOR catching particular attention thanks to his skilful, precise and high velocity blends.

‘It’s a Common Thing’ is as subdued as it is raw; an unapologetically in-your-face energy with emo-vocal samples and tense, swirling sonics that allow no room for rest. ‘The Tribe’ begins with high-filter kick and wooden instrumentation that quickly evolves into a full-scale bassfest; not for the faint-hearted.

The manipulated synth-strings of ‘Staying True’ make for a contemporary-classical take on the typically black-and-white techno format, creating something new and exciting that is distinctively Chlär, before ‘Right Mood Supplier’ swaps harsh noise for something a little more progressive; wriggling basslines and jump-up-and-down energy creating something punchy and fun.

>> @chlaer

Staying True

WTLW001 // Chlär - Staying True

Following a collaborative release on Sherelle and Naina’s Hooversound Recordings and EPs on Sneaker Social Club, WNCL Recordings and his own Club Glow (ran alongside Denham Audio, LMajor and Borai), contemporary UK breaksmith Mani Festo readies four typically lairy cuts of gun-finger, rush-in-the-rave energy. 

Mani Festo has become something of a breakbeat assassin in recent years with a deserved spotlight being shone on the producer as one of the brightest artists to emerge from within the dark ‘n’ dutty UK breaks and electro scene. What you see is what you get from Mani Festo; what you’re getting is a screwface and a smacked jaw. 

‘Leviathan’ kicks things off with its stripped-back, grime-like textures - distorted kicks, frantic claps and growls from the belly of the beast blend on a minimal-breaks sequence that packs quite a punch despite its uncluttered soundwaves. ‘Tethys’ follows in a similar vein; distorted screams come from a brass-creature deep in the darkness, scattered percussion and step-tipped production blur the lines between garage, breaks and electro.

Large wubs and basslines guide the listener front left (just make sure you’ve got your protective earplugs in!) on ‘Night Drive’ before ‘With U’ strays down an emotional and introspective route with its otherworldly atmospherics, jungle tones and contemplative stillness - a creative combining of both heaven and hell.

>> @mani_festo

Leviathan EP

LOWBATTERY000 // Mani Festo - Leviathan EP

Over And Out label head and all-round speed garage bubbler Xander joins the Breaks N Pieces family with his sights firmly set on deep and dark 2-step grooves following a string of killer Bandcamp releases through his own DIGI series.

Those with a keen ear for the emerging producers sound will have heard lead track ‘Restless’ across the BBC Radio 1 airwaves as part of Jaguar’s show; Looney Tune inspired sound effects give a whacky feel to the growling bassline and crisp percussion, before Break-a-Dawn provides a glimpses into a previously unexplored side of the Xander sound - dreamy atmospherics mould with playful vocal samples and rolling breakbeats in a killer blend of warm-up and UK energy.

‘Untitled (Afterhours Mix)’ is designed specifically for the club; large wubs and stipped-back production make for a minimal wobbler designed to set dancefloors alight, while ‘Don’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ maintains the darkness with flashes of screw-face brilliance.

Finally, Main Phase comes through with massive speed garage remix of ‘Don’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ crafting for sweaty hugs and beautiful moments on the dancefloor. 

>> @xanderuk
>> @mainphase001

Restless EP

BRKN020 // Xander - Restless EP

Club Glow co-founder Denham Audio is no stranger to linking up with friends. Running the label alongside fellow breaksmiths Mani Festo, LMajor and Borai, the rave-focused producer has established the imprint as one of a leading name in acid hooks, lairy basslines and whiplash-inducing breakbeats, and here - on Cheeky Sneakers - he readies the release of five varied cuts of low-end pressure and sky-high euphoria alongside Swankout, Thugwidow and Coco Bryce.

‘Good Time’ does what it says. A cut of happy-hardcore inspired breaks beamed straight from the Midlands; there is just enough headsy energy to keep the chin-stokers entertained, whilst inspiring an emotional, smiling release for those whose infatuations lie closer to ravey keys and Bangface Weekenders. 

Swankouts second collaboration - ‘Keep On’ - is a growling slab of screw-face electro and breaks, highlighting both producers' knack for finding the sweet spot between varying forms of UK music - fast, hardcore and dutty, it’s a sure-fire party starter. Thugwidow is introduced on ‘Testing My Patience’; the producer has been making a name for himself with some excellent releases on Sneaker Social Club and Circadian Rhythms, and here he and Denham Audio combine on a chugging steamroller of malfunctioning, soulful riddims.

It’s a dreamy meet on ‘Close 2 Me’ - Coco Bryce recently collaborated with Amy Dabbs on an excellent jungle EP which received support from BBC Radio 1 and more, and here the Netherlands produce brings his native hardcore spirit to the surface on a pitched-vocal cut of jungle-techno.

Seeing out the release is a remix from enigmatic producer RAVETRX, who has recently enjoyed sessions on Rinse FM and NTS alongside Roni and Hooversound Recordings co-label head Sherelle.

>>@denhamaudio
>> @swankout
>> @thugwidow
>> @cocobrycebeats
>> @ravetrx

Denham Audio & Friends Vol. 2

CHEEKY004 // Various Artists - Denham Audio & Friends Vol. 2

Arriving on Cheeky Sneakers and bringing the essence of UK rave with him is UK based producer Ravetrx who deliver four huge cuts of breakbeat, jungle and trance-licked hardcore for the masses.

‘Run ‘N’ Hide’ begins with fairly familiar territory for the producer. Sitting somewhere between techno, breaks and speed garage, this peak-time warper is a sure-fire party starter, before ‘Show Me’ transitions into breakbeat completely; it’s deafening bass-kicks, euphoric builds and jungle-percussion providing a throwback to a golden era for dance music.

The familiar chords of the M1 ring out on ‘Mind Games’ - a classic trance love-cry brimming with emotion - before the 160bpm jungle riddims of ‘Shebeen’ provide a lairy and screw-face-inducing climax.

>> @ravetrx

Run 'N' Hide

CHEEKY005 // RAVETRX - Run 'N' Hide

Following appearances on London’s Threads Radio, Balamii and Lobster Theremin’s own Rinse FM show, in addition to contributions to Juke Bounce Werk’s JBDUBZ Vol. 9 and a recent release on Leeds based Gimme A Break Records, LA based DJ Introspekt prepares to be welcomed into the Breaks N Pieces family under a brand new alias.

Pulling inspiration from the UK-laden worlds of UKG, jungle and dubstep, Sage de Lestrogen has conjured up four killer cuts of heavyweight bass-pressure brimming with skippy riddims, chunky low-ends and low-ceiling energy.

‘Slippy Bxtch’ walks the line between melodic and lairy; a seemingly sun-kissed cut of 2-step quickly evolves into a sludging sequence of large wubs and gun-finger aesthetics. The tempo is raised ever so slightly on ‘Femme Fatale’, a jungle influence distinctively noticeable above the crisp percussion that highlights this as a certified stepper. 

‘Tough Technician’ makes use of a familiar vocal-sample twisted into a love triangle between warehouse rave, breakbeat and the future-facing sounds heard at FWD>>, before ‘System Test Dub’ abandons the dark energy in favour of a bubbling cut of dubbed-out house-garage. 

Also available via digital download are two dub mixes of ‘Slippy Bxtch’ and ‘Tough Technician’.

>> @sageintrospekt

Femme Fatale EP

BRKN021 // Sage de Lestrogén - Femme Fatale EP

San Francisco based DJ and bass extraordinaire Farsight knows how to make an entrance, first bursting onto the scene with his adventurous and daring EP ‘Wisdom’ back in 2016. At the time Farsight's music sounded like it had been beamed from another planet and has played an important role in the cross-pollination of genres we’ve seen in recent years. Farsight has gone on to release on Scuffed Recordings, Maloca and Noire State, remaining firmly fixed on the future of club music. Now his blend of trap, jersey club, reggaeton and dancehall makes its way across the Atlantic with six mind-sizzling cuts for Brakes ‘N’ Pieces vol. 23.

Opening track ‘Triangulation’ combines rolling drums with party-starting vocal samples and steady whistles, letting listeners know we’re really off! ‘Mr Right’ then enters the fray with throbbing subs, ravey stabs and a vocal that sits halfway between fun and outright menacing. The A side comes to a close with ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ a dubstep infused cut of choppy breaks and wide-eyed melodies. A masterclass in raising tension, this track will shut down any club, please use wisely. 

‘Lesser Light’ shows Farsight’s love for bass exploration; it’s looming shadow pressing amongst some of the darkest corners of electronic. A unique brand of grime infused techno. ‘Water Margin’ delves even further, adopting a more measured pace for those heads down moments. The record comes to a close with ‘Fulminous Edge’ and is a reflection of the artist’s darkest material. The drums still have a familiar spring in their step but the track’s melodic bassline is mesmerizing; resulting in a melancholy trance that deserves a second play.

>> @djfarsight

Triangulation EP

BRKN023 // Farsight - Triangulation EP

In what’s been a stand out year for the Berlin based, London born, DJ & producer, Amy Dabbs has dropped releases on Lobster Theremin, launched her own label ‘Dabbs Traxx’ and collaborated with junglist Coco Bryce on new label project ‘LT CODA’.  With a distinguished sound and undeniable flair, both behind the booth and in the studio, Amy’s brand of classic house and radiant jungle now comes to Low Battery with her ‘Baddest Gal’ EP. 

‘Don’t Go’ opens the EP with shimmering synths and lighter than air percussion. The mood is light and understated, conjuring warm and affectionate emotions without the need for amplified design. ‘No You’ then welcomes us with mid-summer melodies and sprawling pads; vocal loops adding to that feeling of fuzziness and warmth. 

The B side opens with title track ‘Baddest Gal’ an emotional percussive workout that combines thoughtful arrangement with euphoric and dreamy notes. It’s one of those tracks that could work just as well in a DJ set or cloud watching as the world slowly drifts by. ‘Your Move’, The record's finale shows a different side to Amy’s dynamic productions; the track ebbs and flows and could be likened to the mixed emotions of meeting an old friend: Excited but nervous, happy but always with a heart-heavy goodbye. 


>> @amydabbs

Baddest Gal EP

LOWBATTERY003 // Amy Dabbs - Baddest Gal EP

Balamii resident and Sticky Tapes-founder Theo Everyday arrives with a huge debut on Cheeky Sneakers, seamlessly blending the worlds of jungle, electro and trance with his signature sauce of nostalgic and futuristic hyper-funk.

Having curated the Sticky Tapes mix series and label – supporting music from artists such as Stones Taro, Om Unit, Jossy Mitsu and Lobster Theremin label head Asquith – the DJ and producer knows a thing or two about merging differing styles and energies. The Holsten FM EP plays out like a three hour club set; placing classic UK sounds at its foundation and throwing multi-coloured paint all over them.

‘The Way You Feel’ makes use of the pitched-vocal, SoundCloud hyper-pop aesthetic with hardcore-piano stabs and heartstring-tugging cheese wrapped within a huge low-end swinging bassline. A great lights-up tool to leave them with a smile on their face. The classic rave energy is maintained on the EP title track - a stripped-back cut of ragga jungle-step that’s as meditative as it is devastating.

From golden-era rave and jungle future-mutations to heads-down club sounds, ‘Every Body_s Talking (well let_s talk) is a strobe-light power sequence for when things are in full swing, before 90s breakbeat and trance join forces on a ‘Six and Two Threes’ hands-in-the-air moments.

Breaks-littered dream sequences that feel like a warm hug follow on ‘Summer Lie In’ – its chopped melodies and stirring atmospherics causing ripples within the pond of paradise – before ‘Mod Cons’ closes with a squelching cut of acid-electro on a killer digi-only exclusive. 

>> @theo-everyday

Holsten FM

CHEEKY006 // Theo Everyday - Holsten FM

Madison, Wisconsin producer Bottoni exploded onto the breaks circuit with his debut EP on Prague-based record label YUKU – exploring classic underground jungle and juke templates and stretching them into new and distinct formats – and now the emerging artist readies four varied cuts of stylish, club-ready breakbeats and bass on Low Battery.

With one gun-finger fixated on the past and the other firmly pointing to the future,  Bottoni implements a unique form of production within his work. Holding down a full-time job as an artist is never easy, so Bottoni now works in 20-30 minute bursts, capturing the creative spurts and happy accidents, and allowing space between creation to allow ideas to breathe.

Ragga-tipped jungle at break-neck pace kicks things off on ‘The Breath’; a cut of vortex-breakbeats that strikes a fine balance between meditative and energetic, like all great ragga-inspired cuts should. ‘Uproar’ lowers the tempo slightly in favour of stretching basslines, underwater-wubs and murky atmospherics on a growling cut of breaks that transatlantically shatters over the UK-sound.

‘Chance’ puts the emphasis on ‘less is more’. Stripped-back percussion, nature-atmospherics and hefty low-end bass vibrations combine on a minimal jungle cut designed to vibe in the rave, before Teklife and Cosmic Bridge affiliate A.Fruit rounds out the release with a stuttering breakbeat-footwork remix of its predecessor.

>> @sambot
>> @annafruit

The Breath EP

LOWBATTERY005 // Bottoni - The Breath EP

Despite his young age, Carlton Doom is viewed as a legend amongst the Irish electronic scene, first making a huge impact under his enigmatic moniker Unknown with fellow Irish artist Gemma Dunleavy. Since the birth of Carlton Doom, he has gone on to release music on labels such as Hypercolour, Lobster Theremin and Hotflush, earning a reputation as one of the most forward thinking producers within the UK & Ireland. With that has come an unmistakable sound, his tracks instantly recognisable for their gritty and powerful energy. 

Doom’s latest work comes in the form of a four track EP on UK label Breaks ‘N’ Pieces titled ‘The Lost Tracks: Blue Galaxy’ the only EP which Doom had a clear picture in his head, aiming to make it sound otherworldly and not like anything else before him. Originally made in 2014, thankfully these tracks have been re-birthed, resulting in an exploration of profound thought, colour and oceanic layers.

Title track ‘Blue Galaxy’ is a place where freedom, peace and enchantment come together, blissfully interwoven into a headrest for your soul. Sprawling pads connect with yearning vocals, 
each new element adding to the feeling of interstellar migration. A grime influenced, chirpy lead is the center piece to ‘Mistriot’, keeping things fresh while incorporating signature low-slung kick drums and dense basslines. ‘Jektify’ then bounces through a labyrinth of revolving doors, managing to keep the energy at a lower BPM; the bass and lead compliment each other perfectly, richochotting from one note to the next.  

‘Life On Marble’ is a space opera narrated by Irish MC and hip-hop artist Emby. A tale of stargazing while reimagining life on a planet where we could be anyone, the rat race was no more and where sentiment was real. It’s a deeply profound end to an other-worldly EP from two of Ireland's finest artists. 

>> @carltondoom

The Lost Tracks: Blue Galaxy

BRKN024 // Carlton Doom - The Lost Tracks: Blue Galaxy

Hot on the heels of an EP release on 1Ø PILLS MATE, LA producer Justin Jay preps four diverse cuts of contemporary electronic music that highlight just how rounded his sonic palette is; taking into consideration the sounds of LA, Miami and Europe and stretching them into distinct jay-ed up productions.

As a DJ and producer dedicated to pushing the listener outside of their comfort zone, it should come as no surprise that Justin Jay’s debut on Breaks N Vibes is a varied listen. Despite its assorted genre line-up, there is undoubtedly a vibe that unites the sonics together. As inspired by headsy underground music as he is by mainstream EDM producers like Avicii, Justin explores playful electronic-pop, soundboy-slaying jungle, west-coast breaks and emotive electro on a killer five-tracker.

‘Freedom’ is a cut of steppy breakbeat-electro that balances moments of analog meditation with spirals of colour and cosmic intention; an emotionally stirring sequence of smiles and melancholy. ‘Brb’ sets its sights firmly front-left on a deep garage-house track that does what all great garage-house does: keeps it simple and keeps you moving.

Teaming up with fellow LA producer jahjaylee on ‘Miss You’, the pair craft a cut of sugar-sweet vibey house music that could soundtrack a trip through the most psychedelic of dreams, before the stripped-back jungle rhythms of ‘Soundboy’ bring yet another dimension to an already wide scope. 4x4 kicks introduced after the second breakdown bring a warehouse rave energy that is both contemporary and nostalgic.

Justin invites Angelo Jsn and Edward White to see out the EP on ‘You’re The Only’; a piece of transatlantic booty-breakbeat delivered in Justin’s signature hyper-funk style. 

>> @justin-jay

Breaks 'N' Vibing Vol. 1

BRVB001 // Justin Jay - Breaks 'N' Vibing Vol. 1

Channelling the pioneering sounds of the 90s and entering the modern-rave era is London producer Greg May who – following releases on Hottwerk Records, Stripped and Arcade Pony – readies four classic cuts of raw party material for the genesis release in Lobster Theremin’s A&P series. 

‘Yep (Extended Mix)’ makes use of iconic M1 chord sounds and twists them into a warped 4x4 slammer; simple, colourful and fun. ‘Freestyle Body Rockin’ maintains a more headsya appeal; wriggling acid-lines find their way deep into your brain, causing it to malfunction as the electro robot-funk takes control.

‘Peech Kids’ is a cut of chugging house that lends influence from the classic sound of Chicago; soulful and joyous grooves that transport the listener back to a time when the club floors were heavy with smoke and everyone had their shirts off. ‘Regular Man’ closes out the release with a skippy cut of acid-breakbeat; classic hip-hop samples moulding with future-electronics on a steppy rhythm. 

>> @dad-house-greg-may-dj

Freestyle Body Rockin'

A&P001 // Greg May - Freestyle Body Rockin'

Following an outing on celebrated Italian label Cosmic Garden, Dynamic duo XPRESSION ready their Low Battery debut with four expressive cuts of jungle laced magic, with deep roots in the quintessential era of rave. 

‘Nitebreak’ moves effortlessly across five minutes of cosmic acid and contemplative rhythms; flickering street lamps lighting the nocturnal city as day turns to night. ‘Quadranite’ diverts to a steadier pace, its springy percussion, vocal samples and zero gravity grooves giving off the nostalgic energy of a homecoming visit. 

The B side opens with ‘Sacred Sessions’, a primal slice of breakbeat heaven. Ethereal pads spill out amongst earthy drums in a spiritual relationship between body and soul. ‘Quiet Earth’ gently brings us back around as the midnight fire slowly begins to dim.

Quadranite EP

LOWBATTERY006 // XPRESSION - Quadranite EP

L.A producer Justin Jay continues his bass-driven quest for lairy sounds as he serves up six typically diverse cuts of stretchy, club-focused material on Cheeky Sneakers, this time bringing some friends along for the ride in DJ Buster G, Farsight, Bayer & Waits and AK SPORTS.
Uniting the worlds of simplicity and chaos, Justin’ ability to manoeuvre through elements of popular EDM and headsy underground sounds is reminiscent of artists like Disclosure, who have one eye on the mainstream and another firmly fixed front-left in the club. As a DJ and producer dedicated to pushing the listener outside of their comfort zone, his release on Cheeky Sneakers is a typically eclectic experience; elasticated bassline-jungle, minimal-garage, west-coast electro, warehouse techno and rave-stabbed dubstep all contributing to what might be Justin’s most complete work to date.
‘Emotion’ begins with trance-licked hyper-pop melodies and vocals that soon evolve into a devastating cut of wubby jungle; large dubs threatening to overspill at every turn on a sequence of complete rave mayhem. The DJ Buster G-featuring ‘Wut’ extends the chaotic aesthetic on a high-tempo electro cut that sounds like Lil Jon being put through a blender.
Teaming up with Scuffed Recordings affiliate Farsight on ‘Chex Out’, the duo conjure up a wicked bassline that takes the listener by the hand – guiding through the sweating bodies and flashing lights – on a Jersey-club inspired sequence of bouncey breakbeats, before brains turn to green, gooey mush on a frightening blend of hardcore, techno and dubstep on ‘Wait For The Drop’.
Joining forces with fellow L.A based producer AK SPORTS on ‘Game Recognize Game’; two of the very best emerging artists from the contemporary, hyper-electronics scene coming together on a typically unrelenting cut of grime-dipped techno-breaks, before Justin closes the curtain on his ones with ‘Right Now’; a warped 2-stepper designed to inspire the ugliest bass-face ever seen. 

>> @justin-jay

Cheeky Sneakers EP

CHEEKY010 // Justin Jay - Cheeky Sneakers EP

Following a digital art renaissance, deconstructed-club tape on Lobster Theremin earlier in the year, and following their debut Berghain performance and Rinse FM Culture vs Reality residency, Overthinker Mob founder Bloomfeld readies six cuts of heavy-duty science techno and grime-laced fuck-step on Breaks N Pieces.

Whilst the Berlin based producers full length dealt with themes of live-action roleplay and anti-ego aesthetics, Probe Report 1 keeps its aim firmly fixated on the club experience. ‘Countdown Now’ is a mutated sequence of broken UK techno; wobbling, bleeping and wubbing its way through off-kilter percussion, icey synths and brooding bass. ‘U Damaged’ makes use of half-time percussive patterns and distorted bass on something that sits between dubstep and North African techno.

‘Window Matrix’ sounds not unlike the sounds emerging from Woozy Soundsystem in Dublin – again striking a delicate balance between 140BPM sound and future-facing techno – before we enter 140 territory entirely with a frightening soundboy grime-dub hybrid.

‘Phonk Off’ brings the tempo down a notch but maintains the high levels of energy thanks to its Pulse X-esque bass stabs and Walton-like textures, before the experimental music-box grime rhythms of ‘Glockk’ brings Bloomfeld’s melting and distinct experience to a close.

>> @bloomfeld

Probe Report #1

BRKN022 // Bloomfeld - Probe Report #1

Proper heavy UKG, breakbeat, bass & club fodder. Does the bizz every day of the week >:)

A1. Skeleton King - Exhale Out 
A2. Blair Sound Design - Wanderer 
A3. Warwick - Pass Tru
B1. Finnaman  - Watch This 
B2. Eliphino - You Said That 
B3. DJMC - Break 

>> @th3sk3l3tonking
>> @blairsounddesign
>> @warwicktunes
>> @eliphino
>> @whoisdjmc
>> @finnaman

Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.1

BRKN001 // Various Artists - Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.1

Breaks 'N' Pieces returns with another cut of bass driven dance music from rising producer DJ Sunroof.  
Australian DJ // producer DJ Sunroof has had a killer year with notable dance discs on imprints such as Nerang, 3 Feet Deep and contributing to the recent Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.3 various artists release to top. His debut full vinyl EP via rising UK label Breaks 'N' Pieces hits the stop, weighty breaks meet chest rattling bass on this 2-step laden cut.  
‘Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.5’ drops Friday 29th January, via Breaks 'N' Pieces. Preorder HERE

Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol​​.​​5

BRKN005 // DJ Sunroof - Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol​​.​​5

Nicolas Duque is a producer whose playful take on UK Garage, House & UK rave sounds is attracting ears far beyond his native Colombia. After an appearance on the Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.2 VA, the Bogota producer makes his full release debut on the label.  

The release opens with UK To G, an unpredictable but alluring tribute to the spectrum of sounds across the hardcore continuum. If Just The Way is a sweet UKG song for the lovers on the edge of the dancefloor, then Moshpit Rave is it’s breakbeat-lined alternative for the couples in the middle of the rave. This romantic thread is amplified on the B-side with 2You, a sugary-sweet R&B flip. Bristol Love, with its whompy bassline & tightly-chopped breaks are an ode to the soundsystem city & Holloway’s remix ramps up the dread with a menacing reese bassline.      

‘Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.6’ drops Friday 26th February, via Breaks ‘N’ Pieces.

>> @nicol-s-duque-1
>> @holloway-95

Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol. 6

BRKN006 // Nicolas Duque - Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol. 6

London based newcomer Bartholomew Kind combines deep emotion with disjointed rhythms on his debut release. 

Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.7 opens with the sparse, emotive drum & bass of Memento while Sweetheart follows suit with rolling drum breaks lined with melancholic pads & yearning vocal samples. Sapien Beat takes the tempo down to a 2-step rhythm without comprimising on poignancy. Opening the flip, Would You Do That To Me morphs from a halftime dancehall-inspired stepper into tearout jungle. The breaks continue on the UK hardcore influenced Feelz while Get Well Soon is a minimal, atmospheric builder closing the record with a message of hope.

‘Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.7’ drops Friday 19th March, via Breaks ‘N’ Pieces.

>> @djmetakin

Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol. 7

BRKN007 // Bartholomew Kind - Breaks 'N' Pieces Vol.7

Cheeky Sneakers celebrates its grand opening in style as Denham Audio bring in a few friends for a masterclass in breakbeat rooted club music.
Opening track Single Minded, featuring the prolific Coco Bryce is a playful take on classic house tropes with a dark, ravey twist while the raw, stripped-out roller So Good, produced with fellow Club Glow affiliate Mani Festo nods back to the original jungle sound.
On the flip, another Club Glow affiliate enters the fray as LMajor assists on the cascading warehouse firecracker Down On Me while rising Japanese producer Kazuho joins to help close proceedings on the hyperactive Love Addiction.     

>> @denhamaudio
>> @cocobrycebeats
>> @mani_festo
>> @lmajor
>> @kazuho-1

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