urban essence
REVIEW: Exit Records presents Mosaic Vol. 2 Album Launch
July 12, 2013 | Jack Smith 1First of all, I’d just like to give a huge big ups to the following: gyrating couples; the ever-present oversized rucksack and briefcase (!) crew; the sweaty ogres who thought they were at a Ram night; and all those who … Read More
FIVE ESSENTIALS: Phobia [Chroma]
June 19, 2013 | Jack SmithAs one third of trailblazing new trio Chroma, Phobia has been a figurehead of the rolling, ‘depth excess’ minimal associated with Renegade Hardware, Ingredients et al since his first release in 2001. We caught up with the producer who gave … Read More
REVIEW: Subtension – ‘Black Haze’
June 9, 2013 | Jack SmithThe refreshingly experimental juggernaut that is Samurai Music has been on fire this year so far. All three divisions of the main label, including Samurai Red Seal and Samurai Horo have put out a host of quality, often exceptional releases … Read More
FIVE STEPS: Bryan Gee
May 27, 2013 | Jack Smith 1One who certainly needs no introduction, Bryan Gee has and continues to be one of the scene’s front-runners in terms of contribution and commitment to Jungle and Drum & Bass in the twenty-four years or so since first getting involved … Read More
INTRODUCING: Kaiori Breathe
May 6, 2013 | Jack Smith 1Having recently released his equal parts fascinating and intricate Kokoro on Loodma Recordings, we thought it apt to speak with Kaiori Breathe about the Yucatán Peninsula, octopuses and bacon. Oh, and the release itself!
So, first things first. Who are you and … Read More
EVENT: Swamp81 @ Fire – 27/04/13
April 30, 2013 | Jack SmithMore Carhartt than you can shake a stick at. Girls sporting bulging rucksacks cos it’s obviously the ‘in’ thing. Joey Essex slicked-back hair everywhere. ‘Wash your finger for the minger’. Cold air jets through strobe lighting. Shoes held aloft in … Read More
J. Robinson & Gantz – The Maasai / Misread
January 22, 2013 | Jack SmithI think it’s about time we added J.Robinson to the list of exceptionally talented, brooding new-school artists including Clarity, Overlook, Sam KDC, and Ruffhouse to name just a few.
With a handful of accomplished releases on a variety of top labels including Renegade Hardware, Loxy‘s Cylon & Ink’s Architecture, … Read More
FIVE STEPS: Lynx
December 11, 2012 | Jack SmithWith 2 stellar releases on Warm Comms and Soul:R within the space of a few weeks, Lynx has once again stepped into the fore following on from the Devil’s In The Detail LP release – one of the finest and most creative artist albums to have emerged from … Read More
FIVE STEPS: Billion & Codebreaker MC
December 4, 2012 | Jack SmithFollowing on from the belated release of Defence and the Skeptical remix last week on Alignment, we caught up with Billion and Codebreaker MC (two thirds of the former Fathom Audio crew) who gave us their Five Steps from origins … Read More
RETROSPECTIVE: Hamilton – Echoes
November 6, 2012 | Jack SmithSomething a bit different from the UE camp: in our new ‘Retrospective’ series, we’ll be taking a subjective look at some of the key tracks that have shaped our taste in music – those that have led to the creation … Read More