Browsing Tag

Beatmaker

NI-RAVE earned a PhD in rhythmic anatomy with his techno anthem ‘Play Right’

Posted on 16 January 2025

With ‘Play Right’, NI-RAVE proves himself as a sonic architect capable of building euphoric tension and releasing it in ways that defy expectation. Hailing from Mumbai, NI-RAVE (Nirav Advani) has crafted a reputation for his versatility and profound understanding of techno’s rhythmic anatomy, synthesising electronic textures with an innate sense of pacing.

After cutting his teeth as an electronica artist at just 14, NI-RAVE has evolved from small, intimate events to prestigious international stages, with global releases on labels like YHV Records and Trippy Code Records.

‘Play Right’, a standout from his 3-track EP, Karma, featuring collaborations with techno heavyweight Datlow, pulses with kinetic energy. NI-RAVE’s meticulous progressions lead the listener into a sense-seducing frenzy of anticipation for the drops which he teases with tantalising precision, ensuring the build is just as exhilarating. His ability to subvert rhythmic expectations pushes the boundaries of the genre without losing its intrinsic dancefloor appeal.

The track’s hypnotic and subtly transformative textures echo NI-RAVE’s philosophy that techno offers a healing escape.  Having shared stages with artists like Stereo Express and Almost Human, NI-RAVE is shaping the rave scene’s future with his innovative touch.

Play Right was officially released on January 3rd and is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, as part of NI-RAVE’s 3-track EP, Karma.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Manchester beatmaker Mankub broke the mould with his unbroken wave of immersion, ‘Fly in the Ointment’

Posted on 24 December 2024
Fly In The Ointment (GOTM062) by Mankub

Manchester-based beatsmith Mankub broke the mould with his bold decision to release ‘Fly in the Ointment’ as a single 30-minute track rather than chopping his mix into separate cuts. It’s an ingenious move to keep the album format alive, providing an unbroken wave of immersion for hip-hop fans craving a continuous flow of classic boom-bap, breakbeat, and lo-fi edges. Every sample and beat is meticulously placed to weave a narrative through echoes of hip-hop’s golden era, letting the vibes steer the momentum of this instrumental LP, which was put out by Gold on The Mixer Records, and is now available on cassette and digital download.

Compiled from fresh material and unreleased beats, it merges skits, loops, and fragments of gritty vocal samples to form a loose concept that resonates with cinematic force. Strings, piano, guitar, and jazz motifs drift alongside hard-hitting drums, illustrating Mankub’s skill for building sound constructions that land somewhere between laid-back downtempo and era-defining breakbeats.

Every progression is a revelation—be it a deep, resonant bassline or a mellow section of lo-fi bliss—the release is all hits and no misses.

Fly in the Ointment was officially released on November 18; stream and purchase the single on Bandcamp now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bluku: A Fusion Firestorm of Culture and Beats by Hype and Fever

Posted on 20 February 2024

Hype and Fever lived up to their moniker with their universally magnetic standout single, Bluku. The monocultural mould was rhythmically obliterated by the pulse-pounding kinetic melodies in the synthesis of Jamaican, Indian, and UK sonic culture.

If you like your beats hot, your bass heavy, and your rhythms tight, let your speakers ignite to the sound of the UK-residing duo which melds bansuri flutes with dancehall kicks to create a kaleidoscope of hybridic culture in their self-produced beats which pay an ode to their Jamaican and Indian heritage.

The explosively vibrant smorgasbord of culture delivers a burst of colour as Hype and Fever create friction on the instrumentals with their distinctively dominant bars that bring energy, fire, and enigmatic flair to ensure Bluku unravels as a dynamically intense release that is far too addictive to quit.

The momentum around Hype and Fever is only growing; be a part of their ascent.

Hype and Fever is now available to stream on YouTube, or you can add the release to your playlists.

To follow the next moves of the brother duo, link up on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lost Gold grooved soul into old-school hip-hop instrumentals in ‘FILE.0016’

Posted on 20 February 2024
lostgold.file.0016 by lost gold

With ‘FILE.0016′, Lost Gold, the moniker of Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist Dylan Heidt, crafted an instrumental odyssey that resonates with the warmth and soul of old-school hip-hop. This track, part of Heidt’s ambitious solo project, is a testament to his versatility and deep-rooted appreciation for diverse musical genres.

The track opens with a beat that could easily be mistaken for an Alabama Shakes number, immediately setting a tone of nostalgic familiarity. It’s a rich, soulful foundation that harks back to the golden era of hip-hop, yet feels refreshingly contemporary. The warmth of the beat is palpable as the track progresses and the impossible-to-resist grooves take centre stage.

The keys cascade with a melodiousness that’s both playful and profound, while the guitars add a shimmering layer of complexity around the robustly funk-infused basslines that are meticulous when carving pockets of rhythm.

As Lost Gold continues to release more music through Bandcamp, ‘FILE.0016’ stands as a shining example of his talent and vision. It’s a piece that connects with listeners globally, proving that true artistry lies in the ability to blend the familiar with the new, creating something uniquely resonant and timeless.

FILE.0016 was officially released on January 3rd; stream or purchase the single on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Track “Aqua” Flows Like Water

Posted on 5 December 2022

Thinking back to the days of Kool Keith’s instrumental ventures as well as those of King Brit and folks of that ilk, I’m loving the fact that we don’t have to look very far to find young artists who are holding up the mantle of creating exciting new beats for the musical landscape. One such artist is American composer/beatmaker Blondci, particularly with his new track “Aqua.”

Beginning the song, the pads sound quite new-age in their approach, but the bassline tempers it with a neo-soul vibe that becomes irresistible. Fans of acid-jazz will feel extremely at home with the groove-centered jam that is “Aqua.” The listener is also gifted with a horn fanfare towards the end, which is just the ear-candy we all need from time to time. Overall, it’s a laid-back work, back in my day we would have called this “chill out,” and I’m a little embarrassed that I’m not sure what the kids are calling these genres currently.

“Aqua” does bring to mind, however; that prior to the “lo-fi” revolution of popular YouTube playlists, we weren’t too used to hearing instrumental tracks; I’m thankful that has changed and a piece like this can stand on its own without someone saying “hey, when are the vocals gonna start?”

Blondci’s Instagram account is also worth a visit, as we get a window into his production techniques via Ableton Live as well as some of his multi-instrumental talents. He’s quite adept at acoustic/electric guitar, bass, and keys – I think the fact that he’s such an outstanding musician is a clue into why his music sounds, well, so musical.

Stuck At This Job: Salt Lake City-based blues rapper BC Roadz imagines counting all those ‘Stack$’

Posted on 3 December 2021

With his highly innovative style that is assuredly worth many a listen, BC Roadz drops his new track taken off his latest 6-track EP called ‘AD‘, with the money-counting ‘Stack$‘.

BC Roadz is a Salt Lake City, Utah-based indie self-described beatmaker/blues rapper who makes a sterling blend of compelling music that has you thinking about levitating your life upwards.

As he daydreams about this new life that he has set himself out to get while plodding through his dull job, BC Roadz discloses his wildest dreams on a beat-filled track that has your curious mind in absolute awe of the creativity on offer. There is much to commend about someone who is aspiring to be diverse and not just make the same sound like everyone else.

‘Stack$‘ from the highly-entertaining Salt Lake City, Utah-based beatmaker/blues rapper BC Roadz, is a dream-sharing single that is all about telling the world what you would do if you had enough money to do whatever you wanted. With an inventive style that is a ravishing mix of blues and hip-hop. Featuring a confident tone and eloquent vocals that seems to lift your own mood away from a lazy slumber, this is a top track that deserves acclaim for its exuberant inventiveness.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

soundslikeLANG has made an indulgently accordant debut with “Hold Tight”

Posted on 29 August 2020

Electronica artist and producer soundslikeLANG has made their 2020 debut with the chill-inducingly stunning single “Hold Tight”.

The past few months have been a bumpy ride for us all, Hold Tight offers a smooth tranquillity to sink into and soak up the stylistic soul which is authentic and sincere enough to fill your own. You practically owe it to yourself to hit play.

After you’re suitably entranced by the deftly reverb-laden instrumentals, the echoed vocals are fed into the indulgently accordant mix to feed us the mantra “Hold Tight” along with timely sparse drippings of vocal optimism.

You can check out soundslikeLANG’s debut and offer it a well-deserved spot on your playlists via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Quincy Valentine drops new track and music video for “Like You Do”

Posted on 28 August 2020

A native of the Bronx, New York, Quincy Valentine grew up with music influences left, right and centre, from his pianist mother to local rappers and the church.

He’s produced and played keyboard for local and major artists such as Mr Complex, and Scarface. Now, Valentine is here, unleashing his soulful take on RnB, a flashy, summery upbeat number with Valentine’s cool rapped vocal a mix of old school boom bap with a more flowing, lyrical style. All hooked up with duetted chorus vocals from Bronx stable-mate singer/songwriter/producer Winston Ward. ‘Like You Do’ is slick, sexy, and it grooves with some proper old-school sass.

You can check out Like You Do via YouTube.

Review by Alex Holmes

Slip into David Taylor’s transcendently light mix “hours”

Posted on 24 August 2020

Australian Electronica artist and producer David Taylor has recently released their distinctively sweet Lo-Fi Chill EP 050392. The perfect introduction to their catharsis-spilling sound is “hours”.

The hazily blissful track which comes with slight Chill Hop nuances may not easily squeeze into any constrained branch of Electronica, but it does ooze potent and organic good vibes. With the warm tones and the transcendently light textures, hours is an incredibly easy track to slip into and get pulled along by the seamless reverb-soaked progressions.

It’s not every day we can say the Electronica we hear serves up plenty of soul, but discernibly, David Taylor isn’t your average producer. After hearing their latest release, we’re stoked to hear where their sound which drips with commercial potential takes them next.

You can check out David Taylor’s EP 050392 for yourselves via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

JFK – Dropping some ‘Shroomz’

Posted on 21 August 2020

“Pop one, pop two wi’d’a mushroom/girl you know that I can’t live without you” seems, at first glance, to be an unusual declaration of love but hey; it ain’t stupid if it works, right? And hell, it seems to be working for Florida’s JFK, judging by this chilled out slab of old-school trap.

Slightly trippy sounding, like its title, ‘Shroomz’ blooms and swells, a chiming background synth track over bass and stuttering snare beats, a psychedelic lullaby, insidious, worming its way into your head behind JFK’s rhymes. It’s catchy, poppy, and it properly hooks like the some laid-back T-Pain or Flo Rida; “Down a rabbit hole” indeed.

You can here JFK’s ‘M.Y.F.B.’ EP on Spotify.

Review by Alex Holmes