PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: KEYED UP - DREAM JOURNEY EP

In and amongst a stellar cast of names that have cemented Bristol's status as one of the UK's leading lights for innovative 140 cuts, Keyed Up is the latest to really grab my attention. A producer of merit for some time, his latest EP on in-house imprint 'Space Goon' is a testament to the city's association with the purple-inspired, Joker-esque strands of crossover grime meets dubstep that took the scene by storm back in 2009. 

Entitled 'Dream Journey', it's a cohesive, theme-led three-tracker that, although borrows from Joker stylistically, certainly sings it's own tune. First track 'TranZit' builds slowly, almost recreating some sort of sonic day dream, before crashing into life with trademark square wave synths and 'Stratos' continues that theme with aplomb, joining the dots between the dreamy atmospherics and rugged club-worthiness. B.P.D.R's remix of TranZit rounds things off with a bit more punch, with jazzy keys and tribal drum patterns giving the original a far funkier feel. A really enjoyable listen.

Keyed Up's 'Dream Journey' EP is out now on Space Goon Records. 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: MR MITCH - SUAVE EP

Mr Mitch's latest EP 'Suave', released this week as both a 12'' and digitally via Run Music, showcases his hip-hop leaning beats and penchant for melodies perfectly. An intriguing talent for a few years now, it seems he's starting to develop a niche that he's really comfortable with. 

I wrote a few words on it all for Hyponik - have a read here: http://hyponik.com/2013/09/mr-mitch-suave/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: LIFE AT 140 #13

My latest 'Life At 140' column for Clash Music took a look back at the world of grime in August, including the surprise release of Riko's long awaited new mixture, 'Rise Of The Farda'. Top tunes of the month from Arctic, Boofy & Lemzly Dale, TC4 and lots more also feature.

Read up in full over at Clash here: www.clashmusic.com/features/life-at-140-13 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: SR MIX #163 - SAGA

Ahead of the release of his debut EP for Lost Codes, incidentally one of the best instrumental grime EPs this year, I caught up with Saga for Sonic Router. His mix makes for essential listening too.

Read / listen over at SR here: http://www.sonicrouter.com/2013/09/sr-mix-163-saga-lost-codes/

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: GRIME vs DUBSTEP

Clash asked me to give my thoughts on this morning's twitter debate, namely between Wiley and Skream, about grime vs dubstep; which genre is stronger? I concluded probably neither. Introductory paragraphs are from Mike Driver. 

Read up in full over at Clash here: http://www.clashmusic.com/features/genre-clash-grime-vs-dubstep

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: HYPONIK STAFF PICKS - AUGUST

As part of Hyponik's new staff picks feature, I got asked to choose five releases that have blessed my ITunes more than most throughout August. Look out for more staff picks over the next week too.

Read up in full at Hyponik here: http://hyponik.com/2013/09/pick-your-own-august-part-1/