These are exciting times in the UK drum & bass scene, but with so much going on at Basswerk Records, there's plenty to look out for in the German scene too.

The versatile label is about to release Low Pressure Area, a 13-track album by Kiel-based duo, Subz & Matik. The impressive collection showcases a deep, junglist style throughout, fusing modernised productions with elements of the old-school.

Label boss Heiner Kruse was buzzing about the latest release. "We're all really excited about the album," he told us, "Subz and Matik are putting out unique deep sub-basslines, lively, rolling drum patterns and fit in to the Basswerk style nicely.

"They've bought the jungle sound up-to-date, it's not too cheesy, but they're careful not to do too much, I'd put their style somewhere in between that of Calibre and Serial Killaz. The sound is unique, and that's what we're all about at Basswerk, individuality."

As the album progresses, Heiner's description proves all the more suitable. The opening track Could We Be Wrong sounds like something fresh out of the Calibre school of excellence, whereas Hear Dis VIP is  most certainly one for the raves.

"The album's received a lot of support, and has been played by the likes of Bailey and Random Movement in recent weeks," he mentioned, "the reaction has been brilliant, there's not a lot of new music that sounds like this any more, with such a strong focus on the sub-bass, which is why we're so excited about it."

Originally started as a jungle label in 1995 under the name Junglegrowers, Heiner was keen to stay true to his old-school roots as the scene evolved.

"We were playing a mixture of tunes from jungle and soul to punk and techstep, but a lot of the demos we received were new drum & bass. We then decided to give it a more neutral name in 1997, and opted for Basswerk.

"Now we're on vinyl release number 37, and have been voted best German drum & bass label on many occasions. We're really happy with where we are musically, having released we believe we've found the balance between old and new perfectly with the release of Low Pressure Area.

"We've stayed open minded to new styles of drum & bass, and had a successful artist album from N.Phect & Dizplay in 2006 with contributions from Phace and State of Mind," he added, "but the early jungle elements in Subz and Matik's production make them a really exciting prospect.

"We've also got at least four more artist albums, a digital album, plus many EPs on our sister label Basswerk Files coming later in the year."

The German scene is making some serious waves in the global drum & bass scene, and with Basswerk at the forefront, it's well worth keeping an ear open for the abundance of forthcoming releases.

Words: James O'Connell

 

Lightghouse Blues by matik

• Basswerk Records
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• Subz
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• Matik

Related Links:

• Subz & Matik Interview
• Issue 101
• German Drum & Bass Awards
• Dizplay Readies Shift Happens LP
• Cluekid Interview

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