By now it’s common knowledge that Etch is one of the brightest sparks working in the field of contemporary breakbeat mangling. The Brighton-based producer has the depth of knowledge about breaks, and the expressive affinity for how to slice and rearrange them, to rank among some of the greats. We’re talking Photek, Paradox, Source Direct levels of drum science here. Of course he’s more than just a break slicer too – look no further than last year’s Strange Days LP on Seagrave for a more widescreen angle on the Etch sound.

Toasting five years since we first carried some of Zak Brashill’s advanced junglisms on Sneaker, and three since his 2018 album Ups & Downs, we’re thrilled to welcome him back for an excursion into the heart of his drumfunk practice. On the A side of this single the sound field is sparse and taut, echoing the stripped-back, minimalistic atmosphere Paradox just brought to SNKR029. All emphasis is on the drums, and the staggering contortions they’re bent into. Where there is additional sonic dressing, it comes in noirish chord drops and distant celestial vapours that add to the palpable sense of tension.

By the contrast the B-side welcomes in a little more human warmth, with a vocal hook on ‘Shadows Passed By’ that calls back to Smith & Mighty’s flip of the Bacharach soul standard ‘Walk On By’, and a collaboration with Luo that trades in blue-tinted vibes and airy diva vocals. In both instances, needlepoint beat programming is still key and an overall sense of restraint guides the composition, lingering in a sustained mood rather than breaking out in excess drama. Etch sounds more accomplished and in control than ever on this 12”, and we’re honoured to be releasing such vital additions to the jungle narrative.

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Etch - Shadows Passed By

Basic Rhythm - 07th MAY 2021

YOD w/ L Major & Etch (Production Mixes) - Subtle - 24/05/2021

Forthcoming limited 7' cut on Helecho Dub,
30 copies + digital files too
w/ Istari Lasterfahrer on the flipside

Picture : Gisela Fleischer

Sycamore Dub [HELECHO DUB 16]

Etch was live with another instalment of his show Disconnecting The Dots. He ran through a selection of experimental club cuts from the likes of EVA808, Walton and himself.

Disconnecting The Dots w/ Etch - July 2021

Subtle

Judder Show w/ Distant Roots, Stace Bam, FTRRLT & Flint - Subtle - 28/07/2021

CIARKI TRACKLIST:

Axnt - Meet me @ the Dungeon [Raund Haus]
Mercy System - Vincent's Rhythm [Pollination]
Groovy D - DarkSide [Hardline]
Tower Block Dreams - Be The One [Self Release]
SPEKTRALSOUND - Big Up (VIP) [Forthcoming City Road Records]
Jeigo - Bloom [Forthcoming Banoffee Pies Records]
Ross From Friends - Grub [Brainfeeder]
Call Super - bodiesinheaven II [Can You Feel The Sun]
JamaszkaFT - Xnob [CIARKI]
Đ.K. - Disciples of Power [Gang of Ducks]
Kaval - Tell 'Em [Self Release]
Coldpast - Overtime [Frothys]
RNBWS - Devotion [Nehza Records]
Beneath - High Five [Livity Sound]
Gemma Dunleavy - Return (DJ Selky Remix) [Up De Flats]
Otik - Soulo [Forthcoming 3024]
Djrum - Emerald (The Antidote) [Smokin' Sesions]
TÉNÈBRE - Wum [Yuku]
YHSYHS - Aina [[re]sources]
Fixate - Confusion [Exit Records]

CIARKI 055 with AL WOOTTON

Crystal Spike

lesson 3/43 feat Christofer Bo

MITOSIS

Rinse FM Podcasts

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Swamp 81 with Etch (Guest Mix) plus Loefah & Neil Landstrumm Live Set - 24 May 2020

► Community-led radio station
► Platform for young and fresh talent, with a range of established and emerging DJ’s and presenters
► Hackney, London

YOD w/ L Major & Etch (Production Mixes) - Subtle - 24/05/2021

Subtle Radio