Picks Of The Week (09.05.20

1. Metrik - Automata [Hospital Records]

Recommended if you like: Dimension, Flowidus, DC Breaks

When talking about producers that have blessed us with the most lockdown content one name should definitely be mentioned: Metrik. Not only does he do the best weekly stream in the game (B E E R C A M), he also did a banging set for Beatport's stream two weekends ago! Oh and did I mention that he plans to release this third album "Ex Machina" next month (26.06.)? You heard that right! After the absolutely massive first string of singles, namely Hackers, Gravity and We Are The Energy, Metrik continues his hot streak with Automata, the Intro tune of the new album. While the athmospheric buildup truly makes you feel like you're slowly embarking on an adventure into the universe, the drop quickly changes gears into overdrive. I could not think of a better way to start this album. I absolutely cannot wait to hear this album in full.

2. Aktive - Sunchase EP [YANA Music]

Recommended if you like: Dancefloor DnB circa 2012, Maduk, Smooth

You know what? Lets talk about some more Dancefloor DnB. Speaking as someone who can't get enough of it, this week has been an absolute blessing. Metrik, Flowidus & TREi, Mob Tactics, Friction, Bensley all dropped absolute bangers. But don't forget to look past the big names and look at the smaller producers too or you might miss a gem like Aktive's latest Sunchase EP! Released on Toronto Is Broken's YANA Music imprint, an underground dancefloor label that likes to feature what I'd call early 2010s dancefloor, this one's one of my favorite releases this week and also my Hidden Gem Of The Week™ (working title). To kick it off, the high-pitched synths of the title track immediately invoke memories of Tony Igy's Astronomia in me and I mean that in the best way possible. After this uplifting trip down memory lane, Aktive lays down the dancefloor banger one-two punch of Muraki and Acid Organic, a collab with the label chief himself. Last but certainly not least Aktive returns to the aforementioned early 2010s vibe with the vocal-driven Nobody Like You. But fair warning: might cause repeated listening.

PS: Did you know that Toronto Is Broken isn't even from Toronto? I know, I was heartbroken too.

3. Mefjus, Noisia - Foundations [VISION Recordings]

Recommended if you like: Optiv, Ed Rush & Optical, Matrix & Fierce

The collab everyone's been waiting for. The final entry in the Particles collaboration series by Mefjus. Instead of doing what everyone thought they'd do and put out an utterly ridiculous banger, Martin & the gang decided to take a different path and pay homage to the Foundations of the (sub-)genre. Rolling, funky, dark, just like in the heyday of neurofunk legends like Ed Rush & Optical or Cause 4 Concern, but with an unmatched production level. In fact, as Mefjus & Thys explain the accompanying track commentary, this track is actually a tribute to the late Edd Holmes, also known as Optiv and one half of C4C. May he rest in peace.

4. Various Artists - RAM Rave Pt. 3

Recommended if you like: Something for everyone in here actually

Okay I don't want to end this on such a sad note, so I'll tell you about one more release from this week. Yes, there might be dancefloor involved. I promise I usually cover other subgenres too. RAM Rave Part 3 is the next entry in the RAM Records mixtape series, which tries to shine a spotlight on all kinds of producers from all across the scene, no matter the following or subgenre. We've got DC Breaks & Smooth, Disaszt, Focusfire, LQ, Prestige and NC-17 delivering stompers each in their own way, be it Dancefloor, Jump Up or even Jungle. But we also have Simula taking it a bit deeper in what is probably my favorite of the bunch, Psynchro & Whalespruce bringing sounds straight out of a fairytale, Living Plastic & Kyöku jumping back into it with vocal-driven uplifting goodness and HeadRead calming us all down a bit with some liquid. This combined with the weekly RAMLive House Party streams showcasing fan mix submissions right next to household names and their sister label ProgRAM giving all kinds of producers a home just shows how much the label cares about the drum and bass scene.

Or should I say dRAM and bass, heh.