Back in stock: UK Garage

Review: The Mancunian tones of Swamp81's resident MC Chunky are well known to those who tune in to the label's Rinse FM show on a regular basis. However, this debut EP, forwent any kind of vocal showcase for the kind of hefty, refined fusion of garage and techno we've come to expect from Loefah's empire. Arriving as a 12" doublepack featuring four tracks, The Chunky EP shows Chunky to have the production chops to match his skills on the microphone, showcasing a wide range of influences channeled through a uniquely dark mood; "Decca" is a straight up piece of rolling deep house with a shadowy basement vibe, while "Experiment 727? recalls the syncopated techno of Bambounou or Boddika's leaden beats, while on the second 12?, "Thang" is a masterclass in stripped back garage mechanics, and "Rugged" provides a lo-fi beat that ploughs the darkest recesses of instrumental grime for inspiration.

Review: Nocturnal Sapce Entity revisits a couple of originals here and asks PU to remix them for the fledgling label's fifth outing. The first one is as smooth as you like - a perfectly frictionless tech house cut with balmy cosmic pads, a muted but funky bassline and soft chords that do a gentle dance up top. The second cut is another backed in solar rays - a silky groove for cruising along to early in the night, locking you in, filling you with excitement for what's to come as the super piano chords and bouncy drums perfectly intertwine to exude a lovely air of West Coast cool.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Torn sleeve, product unopened & in excellent condition***


Mike Skinner is surely deserving of National Treasure status by now, is he not? From mischievous young MC upstart to garage innovator and now the voice of the nation, his journey has been remarkable and as this album shows it isn't done yet. He said in the built-up to it that for the first time in his career, he has allowed himself to be more loose with his lyrics, to say enigmatic things, make odd references and use stranger metaphors that might not always make perfect sense but that feel right in the moment. That makes it a great listen, as well as all the usual catchy hooks and compelling beats.