Juno Recommends Breakbeat: October 2024

Review: Objekt's 'Chicken Garaage' serves up two tracks that redefine breakbeat with a fresh, inventive spin. Side-1's 'Chicken Garaage' unfolds with creative energy, weaving acid-tinged beats and a tribal rhythm that feels both raw and sophisticated. The track's melody is subtle but perfectly placed, enhancing the track's intensity without overpowering its intricate layers. On Side-2, 'Worm Dance' dives even deeper with crushing beats and a hypnotic progression that makes for an unforgettable listening journey. Equally intense and rhythmically compelling, it's a track that feels like a full-on "trip".. Both tracks combine to create a distinctive, edgy release that brings a unique sound to the breakbeat scene. Killer stuff!

Review: Rave R's 'Good Feelin'' delivers two tracks that tap straight into the core of UK rave and breakbeat. The title track, 'Good Feelin''. drives with piano-led, peak-time energy, blending techno with that unmistakable rave spirit. It's a hands-in-the-air anthem built to lift the crowd. On Side-2, 'Heart Break' ups the tempo with a high-energy house-breakbeat fusion. A classic rave breakdown and emotive piano lines give it a timeless feel, ensuring it hits the sweet spot for dancefloors. 'Good Feelin'' is a great choice for anyone craving that classic rave rush with modern punch.

Review: Leo James is back on his own Body Language label with a sixth tasteful take on breakbeat-driven sounds. He shows his range here with different grooves all exploring different moments. 'Better Days' is one that has you gazing off to the middle distance, lost in the rueful pads. 'Olive Grove' is a slowed-down and dubbed-out sound with lots of lovely reverb and 'Burst The Gates' is a deep digi-dub style cut with angelic vocals. 'A Thousand White Kites Flying High Above The Sea' is the ambient laced downtempo closer for late-night dreaming.

Review: Will Hofbauer and Igaxx collaboratively expand the all-too-easily received palettes of electro, techno, garage all in between, and even more yonder, proving to us that the boundary edges of each genre may be blurred without worry. Sharing three groove-bays each on this latest 12", Hofbauer indulges an across-the-pond sojourn, guesting on Japan's Ladybug label, which is managed by the also eminent Igaxx, who occupies the B with equal grip. Hofbauer's 'Cricket', 'Clod' and 'Cocodrilo' bring three endocrine C's to a singly sanguine side, echoing a Hessle Audio-esque experimental dance sensibility while secreting all manner of vital sonic fluids from his ears unto ours; the last track is especially alarming; cursedly toothy, its growly lead zombifying the elsewise rapid mix by way of an enthralled grunt. Igaxx's contributions are relatively supportive and yet mad, moving from the squelches and pipey ascensions of '4 5 SL Trip' to the parabreaks flows of 'Liquefy' and the sloshing cosmo-funk astro-vista that is 'Ray In Space'.

Review: Stereophonk hit gold with volume one of this series so no wonder it now presents the eagerly awaited Bunch Of Funk Vol. 2. This one features 18 unreleased tracks making their vinyl debut, including two exclusive cuts created in collaboration with the talented Medline. Iconic breakdance figure DJ Marrrtin is known for his hard-hitting breaks played at major events and always makes sure he serves up music that invites listeners to express themselves on the dance floor. Here he infuses a powerful, organic sound that honours breakdance heritage while innovating for future generations.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned sees producer Liam Howlett deliver a hook-ridden album that nods to the British rave scene with uninhibited bass and bleeps, but plenty of blazing guitars that maintain The Prodigy's bridge between rock and dance. Hollywood glamour shines with Juliette Lewis on standout track 'Hot Ride,' channeling PJ Harvey's energy. Lewis also appears on the opener 'Spitfire,' an alluringly sinister track. The Gallagher brothers bring aggression to the closing track 'Shoot Down,' with Liam on vocals and Noel on bass, showing Oasis's punk side. Howlett's battle with Kool Keith on 'Wake Up Call' and the exuberant 'Girls,' featuring disco-punks The Ping Pong Bitches, showcase The Prodigy's willingness to experiment. Fans might miss Keith Flint's ghoulish presence, but the album's flair remains strong. Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned is a storm of apt samples, grumbling percussion, and memorable riffs, reaffirming The Prodigy's place in the dance-punk genre.