Juno Recommends Bass: February 2025

Review: As with all the releasing artists on the London label unknown-untitled, we're not to know the identities of those behind this one. In a crunched out techno-garage-speed statement in six parts, we can safely say that whomever hooded figure(s) has procured these mega meanderers on 12" vinyl (and in so doing topping up the eleventh edition in their equally nameless series) is a real talent. In characteristically mysterious fashion, the release is digitally liner-notated by an all-caps persona of label boss Kane Dansie, whose intent is clearly rather guileful: "SIX VERY VERY BIG ONES. IS IT SIX ARTISTS? THREE? OR JUST ONE?" We're to suppress the compulsion to get hung up on questions like these, despite the tantalism: instead, we'll comment on the sheer darkside insanities of 'Track 3', 'Track 4', 'Track 5' and 'Track 6' especially, marking an upwards trend through such spinoff styles as UK hardcore, grime and snareless dubstep. It just gets better and better.

Review: Carrier's latest release continues his exploration of rhythmic pressure following his work with FELT and The Trilogy Tapes. This trio of kinetic and minimalist sounds sees Guy Brewer expanding on the approach from Neither Curve Nor Edge, stripping down dance forms to their micro-structures. The album focuses intensely on sound, texture and tense atmospheres with predictably excellent results. Tracks like 'Coastal' pulse with faint hardcore energy and muted dub, while 'Wood Over Plastic' deconstructs rhythm across surreal spaces. The closer, 'Locus,' delves into sharp percussion and creeping sub-bass that leaves you wanting more, in a good way.

Review: Dogpatrol returns to Sneaker Social Club with four more tracks of gritty, genre-bending rave damage. Despite hailing from Offenbach in Germany, his sound blends UK influences like breakbeat hardcore, dubstep and garage and that results in a mutant style that's uniquely his own. '1200kcal' features jagged UKG drums and cosmic bass arps while 'Baby Flame 'channels warehouse electro with a heavy synth splat. 'Ya Playin Yaself' delivers a dubstep roller with playful keys and 'Offgenbach HBF Riddim' adds a breakbeat twist with echoes of The Blapps Posse. Dogpatrol's irreverent, misfit approach to rave shines again here.