New Release // The Sect Music vs. Subsistenz

An awesome collaboration of 2 of Berlins best evolved DnB labels is set for launch next Monday (6th May 2013), with some serious technoid business from the unarguable pioneers of the sound Current Value, The Sect and Machinecode. This EP represents the first of a 2 part release - with the first appearing through Subsistenz, and the 2nd through new, and uncompromisingly solid label - The Sect Music, at the end of the month. It's been an amazing year so far for releases from the Berlin DnB crew, with Machinecode's excellent 'Under The Sun' album seeing the light of day (or dark of night), the launch of The Sect's own label and the continuation of a heavy schedule of releases set for the coming months - including a new album from Current Value and further releases lined up from The Sect.  Check the previews of the release below, and get ready to order this essential wax on Monday.

New Roster Addition // C4C

 MethLab's latest addition to the ranks comprises a trio of accomplished producers who seem to know no bounds in their ambition and ever-increasing ability to create solid left-field DnB. We're really proud to be taking them on at a time which is seeing further releases on the long-running Renegade Hardware and Hospital Records, as well as their own Cause4Concern label gathering more acclaim. They've put together an exclusive mix for us just in time for Christmas, filled with unreleased and forthcoming dubs of the huge, tight and epic varieties - so get stuck in while you read through their full bio. We welcome to MethLab C4C... 2013 is going to be big!For bookings: jef@methlab-agency.com  

That every cause has an effect is common knowledge. For Optiv, CZA and Stuart, the cause is Drum & Bass, and their effect is both indelible and undeniable. Known collectively as Cause 4 Concern, the crew formed together back at the start of 1999, when Optiv was affiliated with Aspect Records and CZA was working for Vinyl Distribution.

A testament to their talent, it took only a few short months of collaborative creation before they scored their first signing – and not just to any old label – but the massive and seminal Moving Shadow. At the time they were known as nCode, but by July they had become Cause4Concern and started their own imprint label. The first 12” dropped that December, and secured the support of DJs Doc Scott, Fierce and Grooverider, amongst many others. Releases on respected labels Tru Playaz, Renegade Hardware, Moving Shadow and Timeless Recordings were to follow, and left little doubt that this was one crew to keep an eye on. Promoters right across the planet couldn’t help but pay attention, and consequently there aren’t many places C4C haven’t performed.

Such was the success of Cause4Concern Recordings that 2001 saw the launch of sister label C4C Limited. Intended as an outlet for experimental tracks and remixes of previous C4C releases by other established artists, the imprint has so far seen input from producers Stakka & Skynet, Teebee, Matrix, Fierce and Rymetyme. By the end of the year, C4C had been nominated in the ‘Best Newcomers’ category of the Knowledge Magazine Drum & Bass Awards. Impressing their peers as well as the press, demand for their product increased, resulting in releases on renowned labels BC Presents, Metro, Quarantine and Virus. This well deserved exposure expedited their inevitable ascent through the ranks of the Drum & Bass scene.

2008 Cause4Concern returned to wreak havoc with their first full length album. Spread over five separate 12”s and followed by a double CD, Pandemic picked up right where the lads left off – the leading edge of electronic music. Now in 2012 Cause4Concern continue to release plenty of new material on their label C4C Recordings. A host of remixes are planned for their C4C label from the likes of Neonlight, Hybris, BTK, Dabs, Nocturnal, Task Horizon, Maldini, InsideInfo and if that wasn't enough the guys are working on a new album.

All of the elements that made them one of the most exciting and entertaining production posses in drum ‘n’ bass remain intact, and are both refined and reinforced.

Now Out // Current Value - Quantum Physics LP, Filthcast & Interview

Out and available to buy on Beatport now!

Following a long, evolving and successful career in electronic music production, Current Value continues to clamber the heights of notoriety. Some of the highlights of 2012 brought him the prestige of collaborating with Bjork on her acclaimed Biophilia album, as well as releasing the 1st and 4th parts of her remix series; with forward thinking DnB reinterpretations of Crystalline and Thunderbolt. The year also saw the re-release of his Noisia remix ‘Soul Purge’ on the famed Mau5trap label, another example of his continuing collaboration with some of the world’s top artists.

Tim Eliot’s sound has continued to push the boundaries of Drum and Bass production; with his perfectionism in creating frenetic beats lushly underscored by driving deep bass and complex undulating harmonies. The Quantum Physics L.P. is a crux point in Current Value’s production path, taking the raw, kinetically charged drum maelstroms of his past, but putting them in a new context with higher production values that match his ever-increasing abilities. This, in combination with tracks that showcase his deep appreciation of highly polished and lean Neurofunk and Rave music; showcases both the evolution of Current Value’s older sound against the establishment of the new – whilst maintaining the bridge and connection between both. 

Listen to the Filthcast that he's put together for Barcode Recordings below, and read on for the interview to find out what he has to say! 

For bookings: jef@methlab-agency.com

- Your sound has undeniably evolved over the past decade, seemingly becoming more focussed and stepping up the tightness of production even further. Do you consider the latest album to be a manifesto of where you stand musically right now?

I was aiming to take the ‘old’ Current Value sound and give it a new production level, such as in ‘Uncertainty Principle, which I think shows this evolution. But, this is as well as showing a different side of the Current Value sound, that feels at home in the realms of Neurofunk and Rave; finding a clearer formula in the tracks ‘Rollin Hi’ or ‘Crusader’. I've been introducing and building up to that with tracks like ‘Grin’, ‘Harm’ or the CV & Cooh collaboration ‘Reket’ already.

The tunes do speak a similar language though, which is a major statement of this album. My intention was to show that my heart beats for both directions and to make visible the transition between the two. I feel that the track ‘Face Its Measure’ serves this purpose here.

- Tell us a little bit about what was going through you head and your life when you were working on this album…

I was in a producing rush in January and February. I had many ideas and feelings that had to be transformed into music early this year to ‘top off’ what I was working on before.

- You mentioned ‘Grin’, ‘Harm’ and ‘Reket’ as some tracks that served as preparation from some of the more Neurofunk flavoured tracks on the album. In terms of continuity – are there other tracks that you feel led to this?

It's to a vast extent been the Bjork remixes that were really experimenting but remaining on quite a dancefloor-oriented side.

Also, the track ‘Burn In’, which will be released on The Sect’s new label TSM (The Sect Music).

- Just when cutting amen breaks seems to be an area of production that’s been exhausted, you continue to innovate. Do you have fixed ideas in mind about your drum break experiments prior to working on the tune?

Often my work is based on ‘blueprints’ that are most of the time whole tune parts that go through my head. So yes, I would say I have fixed ideas prior to working on a tune.

- Your intense bombardment and barrage of drum breaks are perfectly contrasted against some ambient breakdowns of a truly epic nature, such as in the tune ‘Requiem’. Have you ever considered making something totally ambient? Or at least unconstrained by the pressures of the dance floor?

I have never really felt I wanted to miss out on the ‘fun’ part of electronic music production, which for me is and has always been the bass and drum elements. Furthermore I'd like to say that the pressures of the dance floor are a really nice limitation and challenge to the production values. It is as if you had a further musical dimension to work or deal with through this constraint.

- You seem to have had a good relationship with Barcode since your relationship began in 2007, with multiple release on the label. Are you happy with the label being the home for your latest L.P.?

Barcode has had many quality releases, and in that regard a good reputation over the many years it has existed. Donny and I were talking about releasing new tunes on Barcode again and Cyall and him were prepped to rebuild the label properly earlier this year. So I sent a couple of tunes to them, with the initial idea being to have another Current Value 12’ - maybe an EP released soon. Shortly thereafter Donny came up with the idea to have a whole album released. As it happened to be many more tunes that I had at a certain point produced, than was required for the album, I was able to come up with a very fresh selection of tracks; while at the same time giving the opportunity to release some ‘most wanted’ candidates such as ‘Hybrid’ which, despite it being an almost old tune, people are really really thankful for!

New Addition // VHS Head

We at MethLab are all over forward thinking producers, across a wide range of genres; and we're lucky to be able to announce that an incredibly unique artist has joined our roster in the form of VHS Head. With an album and 2 E.P.'s on the legendary Skam label (run by Rob Hall of Autechre fame), and a further album on Skam set for next year - VHS Head stands to be another pioneer of experimental dancefloor electronica. His unique take on mashing up samples from his extensive VHS collection of grindhouse and 80's gems, and turning these into some seriously hectic, shuffling, scatty but tight tunes, makes him something special. He's pulled together an exclusive mix for MethLab which you can check out below. Wrap your ears around something different, and look forward to seeing him in a city near you in the future. Get in touch with jef@methlab-agency.com for bookings!

New Release // The Sect Music - Angel / Protected

As we excitedly put out back in September, new additions to the MethLab roster The Sect have been very busy indeed putting together their own awesome new DnB label 'The Sect Music' (website still under construction). The first release is now available on Beatport (go buy it!!) and features 2 solid as fuck DnB dancefloor pulsators - Angel / Protected. Our favourite is probably Angel, with an epic buildup that explodes in a way that's guaranteed to make ravers go mental and get down to some serious stomping action. The flip, Protected is The Sect's familiar brand of technoid stepper, perfect for peak-time on the dancefloor. You can check out the previews below, including samples from the next release, featuring Hostile MC, that's due out on slabs of vinyl in shops everywhere from Monday 5th November. Also, check out the exclusive mix The Sect did for MethLab back in September to get a taste of how killer their DJ sets are, and then get in touch for bookings with: jef@methlab-agency.com

New Artist // The Sect Have Joined our Roster

Another massively heavy addition to the MethLab roster comes in the form of long-time contributors to the DnB scene The Sect. With their own label 'The Sect Music' due to see its first releases this Autumn/Winter, it's a pretty exciting time for the forward-thinking duo. The Sect Music will feature tracks from artists on the MethLab roster such as Current Value and Dean Rodell, and MethLab will be responsible for managing the label nights - so you'll be hearing a lot more from us about this soon! Their profile is now up on the MethLab website and for all bookings, get in touch with jef@methlab-agency.com 

We've got an exclusive interview and mix in the pipeline, but in the meantime while you're waiting, you can sink you ears into this upcoming remix due out on Aggravated music in October:



Some free tracks for your downloading pleasure they put out back in May:



And their latest mix for the epic Subcast series:

C.A.2k // Upcoming Releases on Prspct and Freak

Check out these 2 HUGE upcoming tunes from C.A.2k on the enormously respected Prspct and Freak labels. C.A.2k has really started smacking it with massively this year, with releases on Future Sickness and Subsistenz, and also in his collaborations with Cooh and remix work with MethLab brother Katharsys. Surely a sign of big things to come... check these bad boys out...

 For bookings: jef@methlab-agency.com
 

C.A.2k // Podcast for Perkussiv Records

Check out this awesome mix that C.A.2k has pulled together for Perkussiv records! Something for some mid-week energy to bring the weekend closer!

Summer festival season is almost over and it's time to start thinking about Winter bookings, get in touch asap to secure your event.

For bookings: jef@methlab-agency.com

01 Eiton & T-Psy - Y [PERKUSSIV DUB] 
02 Amex - Steel [PERK-DNB003] 
03 Katharsys - Cold Spot (Habit Recordings) 
04 C.A.2K - Pulsator (Subsistenz) 
05 C.A.2K - Kontakt (DUB) 
06 Kaiza + Basse (Absurd remix) (DUB) 
07 Denix - Spusk (forthcoming PERK-DNB015) 
08 Absurd CA2K Dextems - Truth (PERKUSSIV DUB) 
09 Ogonek and Cooh - Iron Curtains (Metafiziq) 
10 C.A.2K - Mashine dreams (Tech Cycle) 
11 Absurd - Thereafter (DUB) 
12 Absurd - Antiaircraft (C.A.2K Remix) (Future Sickness) 
13 Dextems and C.A.2K - Fury [forthcoming PERK-DNB015) 
14 Amex - Techno (Venom DUB) 
15 Cooh - Break u Free (C.A.2K remxi) (ABCD) 
16 C.A.2K - Matrix (Katharsys remix) (Future Sickness)

Noiz // New Live Set

Listen to the set here 
Noiz has adapted his unique breakbeat techno tinkering style into a brand new and totally live format, with recognisable tracks being mangled, glitched and beat-sliced with live to form and entirely unique new sound for him. Breakbeats are chopped live with triggers using his Akai MPK Mini midi keyboard controller, as well as the melodic arrangements being implemented on the spot. The set is remarkable because of the territory it crosses; spanning olschool rave influenced breakbeat, offbeat techno, electro, breakstep and modern classical. The evolution of his set pre-empts his latest release on Scan One's impressive Yellow Machines imprint, and you can listen to previews from his release here and here. Keep checking his soundcloud in coming weeks for more previews for what we think is going to be one of his best releases to date.

For bookings: Jef@methlab-agency.com

New Release // Machinecode & Hecq

Machinecode's 'Final Days' EP is now out, featuring the vocals of MC Coppa and an astonishing remix by Hecq. Must-buy stuff - listen to the previews below and head to Juno to get your hands on it!

New Release // Current Value - Megalomania

Check out this must-buy totally epic release from Current Value, put out on Position Chrome earlier this month, featuring tunes he included in the MethLab Ultramonics special mix that came out in May. We've been waiting for these to be put out eagerly since hearing them back then. Check below to listen to a few choice tracks from the ep, and go here to get your hands on it if you haven't already! For booking requests: jef@methlab-agency.com

New Artist // Katharsys Joins the MethLab Roster

Katharsys ripped their name from the ancient Greek word "catharsis"; a word which means 'cleansing, purifying or purging'. Katharsys take a view of their work as purging emotion through through the cathartic journey of their sets, leaving audiences purged and satisfied. The main focus of the duo lies in creating intense walls of sound which which provoke and challenge listeners, and funnel their intensity into the electronic music they create. 

We're very happy to welcome them onboard the MethLab roster, and look forward to sending their heaviness your way soon. Check out a preview of what they have to offer in the MethLab exclusive mix below!

New Release // Balkansky Album Teased

Balkansky's just posted a new teaser trailer to announce 'Orenda' - a new Balkansky/Theodosii Spassov ethno-infused collaboration. Watch below and wet your ears in anticipation! Release date T.B.A... 


For Balkansky DJ set bookings, contact jef@methlab-agency.com

New Release Update // Ruby My Dear

That man from Ad Noiseam has graced us with another track from the forthcoming "Remains of Shapes to Come" album from the freshest sounding breakcore act of the moment, Ruby My Dear.
"Monk's Dream" continues the trend that Ruby has set so far, with a lush and calming intro followed by his frenetic and tight beat-slewing. Listen below to taste something fresh from a genre that many think dead... Ruby continues to boldly resuscitate the scene with his daring and immaculately put together sound. For bookings: jef@methlab-agency.com
 

New Release // Broken Note Remix of Amon Tobin's GoTo10

On the 21st of May, an Amon Tobin boxset of the most gargantuan proportions dropped on Ninja Tune and available to buy here. The boxset follows in the wake of Amon Tobin's hugely popular ISAM audio visual tour, during which Broken Note tunes had frequent appearances - check the video below to listen/see.

The pack features one of Broken Note's heaviest tunes to date; a remix of GoTo10 from the highly acclaimed ISAM album. The remix brings Amon Tobin's complex and intricate sound further into Broken Note's trademark heavy territory. From the intro that retains something of its recognisable form, Broken Note leads the listener into a vast chugging wall of sound and cut up cinematic strings. Remixing one of the modern masters of electronic music is a daunting challenge, but with his reimagining, Broken Note has truly managed to bring his unique style of sound design to the piece in a way that both complements and enhances the original. The track is intensely dancefloor focussed, consistent with his style, but with its tight flurries of intricate edits and huge beats it's one that will have people head banging globally.

Check Amon Tobin's version of GoTo10 here - and listen to Broken Note's version below!

For Broken Note bookings contact - Jef@methlab-agency.com - we're now taking bookings for Summer/Autumn.

New Mix // VHS Head

Lovers of Vaetxh will really enjoy this mix from Blackpool's VHS Head.. Mashed electronica, slow in tempo but hectic in consistency and intricacy. He's not on MethLab, but we have much respect. Enjoy!

New Release // Current Value Bjork Remixes Pt.1

One of the first reviews for Current Values keystone release, cementing his place in the forefront of the electronic music scene. The review is from Italy's (hence the Google translation) Soundwall magazine... read on!

Arrives in Italy, thanks to the London-based One Little Indian Records, the first of the seven chapters of Biophilia Remix Series. The entire collection will be published within a few months with an output every two weeks and we will see Björk in a number of occasions engaged in partnerships rather eclectic, ranging from the Current Value to Matthew Herbert. It could not be otherwise, given the many aspects that distinguishes the artist's Icelandic.

The onerous task of the first issue, "Crystalline / Solstice" is entrusted to Current Value, no doubt stronghold of drum & bass scene European. I am not particularly fond of this genre but on Björk's voice blended with the sounds of scratching Berlin feel the need to stop and reflect on my shortcomings. Current Value is in fact the natural choice to work on these two tracks, here, in fact, the dark essence that characterizes the work of Eliot can easily find its place. Not by chance is inspired remix of Crystalline last part of the piece, much stronger than the rest of the song. The intro immediately develops a key drum & bass riffs multiplying and accelerating the dominant version of Björk. The relative calm did not last long. Imagine being able to watch the eruption of a gyser. Between steam and ice vibrate synth and vocal stuck in a groove that blends with the explosive sound "glass" that echoes the theme of the original version. Seeing is believing.

I continue listening and are pleasantly surprised, "Solstice" strikes me even more than "Crystalline".A rhythmic pad and accompany the voice in a tune that describes emotional landscapes. Current Value decides to develop a sense of stillness that conveys the original version. Albeit slowly, everything grows. Come kick and snare. At the pad combines a simple but strong bass line that will not leave us until the end. One can not remain indifferent: instruments and vocals are balanced on a power play that culminates in the following key changes that leave no escape. Suddenly, then, the calm. The pad that has brought us this far without you noticing it closes the piece by freezing the tension and bringing the heartbeat back to normal.

I confess that when it comes to Björk has always been quite skeptical: I have great difficulty in understanding his stylistic choices and place it in the current musical scene. Someone told me that music is the best thing that could ever happen in life. Do not betray, is always there when you need it, is constantly evolving and never lets you down. Well, this record does nothing to prove this thesis.

New Release // Current Value & Cooh - Subsistenz Natural Selection Album

New album dropping on Subsistenz, aptly titled 'Natural Selection' with tracks from some of the alpha predators of the techno-oriented DnB scene. Set for release April 30th, and featuring tracks from Current Value, Katharsys, C.a.2k, The Sect, Absurd and Cooh. Check out some of the MethLab artists' tracks below! For bookings: jef@methlab-agency.com 

New Release // Dr Bastardo - Stazma // JUNGLE!!!

Have a listen to the lush and epic reworking of FSOL's Papua New Guinea... recoined 'Pappa New Guinea' by Bastardo. It'll brighten up a rainy Monday (it's rainy for me anyway...) with it's warm 90's overtones and well-mashed amen breaks. It's part of the second release with Stazma on The Teknoist's new 'Our Fucking Jungle' label... a label that kind of does what it says on the tin... and is all about bringing the Jungle... Below you can listen to another Dr.Bastardo's tracks from the first OFJ release - BRING ON THE ACID JUNGLE!!!!! Both are available from all good record and digital stores now! (Just follow the links, or go to Juno Download).

New Music // Underhill - Silent Siren

Underhill's album, Silent Siren has been out for a little while now and continues to garner critical acclaim, with a warm review featured in Auxiliary magazine. The genre cross-over project is the collaboration of a number of MethLab artists - Ivan Shopov, Dean Rodell and Current Value - an inspired blend of tastes and high production values. Check the full review below, as well as an Underhill mix featuring tracks from the album, from the man Cooh/Balkansky himself.

Underhill "Silent Siren" presentation mix by Ivan Shopov. by Adnoiseam on Mixcloud