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Tune ALERT: Calibre - Even If

Erm, massive tune. An epic intoduction, eluding away from a hint towards drum and bass, the strings soothe and calm whilst soulful undertones and a mesmorising vocal help one float. All quite easily achieved and then amplified by rolling another fat one. Keep an eye out for Calibre's 7th album out November 15th (vinyl) and November 22nd (digital).

Enjoy.



Label: Signature Records

Event Review: 'Thrasher' @ The Warehouse Project

What appropriate timing to make an entrance to The Warehouse Project, a definitive moment of the night for many I’m sure, that of Joy Orbison’s 'Shrew That Cushioned The Blow' mixed wonderfully into ‘Hyph Mngo’. Nice. And no better does it sound than in this moment right now, surrounded by mash-faced revellers and stunning lasers that silhouette arms twist shapes for.

As the night’s progressing, the young crowd respond to Katy B in her newfound modern icon status, with 'Perfect Stranger' proving to be the best of the night so far. Flying Lotus supplied us with edgy, experimental hip-hop sounds that only the die-hard fan missed the bar to see. And Magnetic Man prove their supergroup status, and true to their name the people swarm and squash to see this forward thinking, 21st century boy band. Or is that man band?

A few random video selections that can't really highlight the superiority of this night but can let you in to the brilliant production of a Warehouse Project show. Enjoy!

Katy B - Perfect Stranger (clip)



Oh my word! // Magnetic Man - 'Flying into Tokyo'

Event: DJ MAG's TOP 100 Winners Party at Sankeys!

It’s nearly time to announce the winner of the definitive DJ poll with a massive awards party. Get ready to party with the Number 1 DJ in the world at the Number 1 club in the world! The newly crowned World’s Number 1 DJ, will proudly be transported by helicopter (swanky!) from London to Manchester in time for the final set at Sankeys.

Completing the Manchester line-up, Gareth Emery, Ferry Corsten and Mat Zo will be smashing it out before the winner touches down to round off proceedings, whilst Sankeys residents Greg Vickers, OD Muzique and Ellesse complete the night’s musical showcase in the intimate upstairs room, Spektrum.

So with undeniably the hugest line-up of the year , The Top 100 Winners party looks set to cause one of the biggest roadblocks ever seen in Manchester.

We'll be there so look out for news later in the week. Just who will win? Let us know at newsicmoos@yahoo.co.uk or on Twitter @newsicmoos.

Wednesday 27th October

The Worlds Number 1 DJ, Ferry Corsten, Gareth Emery, Mat Zo & Greg Vickers

Doors open 10:00pm

Peace.

Interview: The Squatters - 'Superfly' Single And Sankeys Gig // Champion Records

Champion Records duo The Squatters (Alex Powell and Oliver Portamento) are to release their next single entitled 'Superfly' on November 15th - be sure to support them by buying the release! Or, why not download a remix of it for free right here? Their glitchy beats and breaks combined with top synth sequences and volcanic bass lines are reverberating through the UK dance scene. Latest single is a fresh take on Dutch house featuring lyrical talents of Dutch Courage, whose vocals turn and bend into rhythmic percussion in true Squatters style.

Enjoy!

The Squatters - Superfly by championrecords

And check this video!



Release: 15th November 2010
Label: Champion Records
Link: official // myspace

The Squatters can be found supporting Kissy Sellout on his San City High Tour - and following a night at number one club in the world Sankeys, we caught up with the team for a mini-interview.

*****

How did the Manchester crowd respond to your tunes?

Amazing! Being from the north we kind of relate to the scene alot more and know which of our tunes go off more than others.

Does Sankeys live up to it's "number 1 club in the world" status?

Most definitely - the size is perfect, not too big and not too small. The sound system is amazing with the JBL custom-built Larry Laven bass cab setup (as told by our technician!). The vibe of the venue is living up to the top shelf reputation.

Where do you draw inspiration for your sound?

Our inspiration comes from many avenues such as past events we have played, other inspiring artists, oldschool sounds and even fashions and trends.. As long as it's jump up party style and not deep or depressing.

What can we expect from The Squatters in the near future?

We aim to deliver plenty more tracks like 'Superfly' and 'Drop', which are out this November. Also working on our live performance, incorporating samples and live elements to accompany our DJ set, taking visuals and audio to the next level.

****

We thank The Squatters and Champion Records and remember 'Superfly' is out November 15th. Buy it!

Peace.

Single: Basher, DEEP & Shafie - Shivers

Enjoy the clip below. 'Shivers' follows up an atmospheric introduction with a bit of grimy drum and bass. Get yo groove on.

Enjoy.

Basher, Deep, Shafie - Shivers (clip) by Deep & Shafie

Released: 18th October 2010
Label: Subtitles Music UK

EP: The 2 Bears - Curious Nature // Southern Fried Records

Southern Fried Records release an EP from a couple of bears, who after listening to this EP, don't emit any kind of cuddliness. Though Hot Chipper Joe Goddard isn't a stranger to them hypothetical cuddles, having encompassed a strict following from Hot Chip fans. A fine release, take a listen, and a buy.

Enjoy.

The 2 Bears: Curious Nature EP by Southern Fried Records

Released: 15th October 2010
Label: Southern Fried Records
Link: official // myspace // southern fried link //

EP: Kenton Slash Demon - Matter EP // Tartelet Records

Dark and rhythmic, this latest effort from the Scandinavian duo (moonlighting from their dayjobs as members of the Danish band When Saints Go Machine) eases in with a gradually layered chorus of manipulated vocal samples, before settling into a glossy and intoxicating beat.

Only the Scandinavians, it seems, have the ability to make music so simultaneously positive and morose, up beat and down tempo. I guess it's a trick you learn when faced with an eerie twilight during the summer months and a pitch black winter. It's influence is well represented by the ponderous bass in this track, looming over the rest of the track, threatening to envelop all that is there, whilst simultaneously providing the heartbeat that keeps the song moving.

The whirl of contradictions this song brings up as it rushes past my ears are almost beyond my powers of articulation, and with the disembodied vocal line whispering about 'interstellar frequencies' and 'falling stars', the intoxicating power of the song becomes clearer with every listen. It's ethereal, otherworldly and, unlike most electronic music, emotive. Fans of Gold Panda, The Field and Tensnake should certainly apply within.

Enjoy.

Released: 18th October 2010

Label: Tartelet Records

Link: official // myspace // facebook

Words: Darcy Mitchell

Manchester Weekly 22nd - 27th October

It's been a nice week for Manchester with lots going on culturally; Manchester Lit Festival, Blog Awards, launch of the Levenshulme Festival and of course the Oxjam Takeover. It will take place in various venues across Manchester, so the best thing to do is check out the blog or the myspace page for more info. It's for a fantastic cause so try and get down to at least one event fellow Mancs!

Friday, 22nd October


"CONTENT 1st BIRTHDAY @ JOSHUA BROOKS" with KENNY LARKIN (A taste of Detroit techno)






BENNY BENASSI, CONGOROCK













Saturday, 23rd October

"MORE THAN ALOT" @ THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT Line-up: Chase And Status, Grandmaster Flash, Scratch Perverts & Dynamite MC, Stanton Warriors, Nero, Redlight + more ...includes special guests Beardyman & Prophecy! BIG!
Our PICK OF THE WEEKEND. We'll be there, will you?









"DUB N BASS" @ THE CONTACT THEATRE Line-up: Trojan Sound System

New Single: Riya featuring Skream - The Cycle

‘The Cycle’ is yet another release to feature the vocal talents of Riya who has quickly established herself as the go-to girl for many leading producers such as 8bits and Total Science... and now Skream. Taking time away from the juggernaut that is Magnetic Man, Skream has taken his foot off the pedal with this release using Riya’s beautifully soft and soothing voice to create a track that could be best described as ‘melancholy electronica’, which is coming to prominence under the huge spotlight focused on wonderkid James Blake. Whilst the A Side ‘Seems Like’ is a radio friendly modern soul track, the AA Side ‘the Cycle’ is a different beast altogether. Working along a chugging backing track, her vocals loop and cycle their way round the Rhodes chords and the pumping bassline. Its beat initially gives you the impression that it could go off; however her voice quickly establishes itself at the forefront of the track. At one point you feel like she’s teasing the beat to move into something else 'You say you will/but I know you won’t'. Autonomic has built a reputation on using and releasing quality evolutionary music (to put it in their words) and they may continue that path if they continue to use/discover talent like Riya. I’m confident that this won’t be the last collaboration to feature her exciting talent.

Enjoy.



Released: 18th October 2010
Label: Autonomic
Link: myspace // twitter //
Words: Ryan Kelsey // http://walkintothesea.blogspot.com

COMPETITION: Vote for The Warehouse Project & Parklife! In commemoration: competition for guestlist entry to Annie Mac Presents at WHP! AHH!

Manchester’s two premier dance music events The Warehouse Project (WHP) and Parklife have rightfully been nominated for UK Festival awards. And Manchester wants your votes!

WHP is up for ‘Best Metropolitan Festival’ and Parklife is up for ‘Best New Festival’. It’s a fitting tribute that a city steeped in such a rich musical heritage should have its two foremost dance music offerings acknowledged in this way. The Warehouse Project is now in its forth year and continues to push the boundaries of music, putting on at least two blinding weekly parties from late September all the way through to January 1st. Parklife is the new kid on the block, having made its first appearance this summer and selling out in only 6 weeks.

Voting closes on Wednesday 27th of October so get your skates on.

Click here to vote for WHP or Parklife in the UK Festival awards. Then see below on how to enter.

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All you need to do to be in with a chance to WIN tickets to a showstopping Annie Mac Presents at The Warehouse Project on November 13th is email newsicmoos@yahoo.co.uk stating your name, age, email and contact telephone too. Write 'competition' in the subject line.

Closing date: 7th November 2010. (so hurry!)

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Good luck!

Peace.

Singles Of Note: 18th - 24th October // Triad, Peverelist & Hyetal, Starsmith...

This is where we feature some of the best singles that have been released this week. Let us know what you think! newsicmoos@yahoo.co.uk

Also, follow us on Twitter and we'll love you forever :)

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Triad - 'Spellbound'

With classical training and an affinity for analogue synths, Triad stand out from their peers who are still content with churning out identikit songs with no room for innovation. Critics who accuse DnB of lacking the imagination and innovative spark of other electronic music should be silenced by this intelligent and mature track.

The German trio combine their skills effectively to produce an array of crisp percussion and wicked sub bass, driving the song forward without ever losing the subtlety which characterises it and makes it stand out from the crowd. The sinister bassline at the end of the song is a personal highlight; a small island of madness amidst the relative calm of the song.

Having never been convinced fully by DnB (and maintaining throughout my teenage years that every song sounded the same), this track could very well turn me over to the dark side. If 'Spellbound' proves to be indicative of the raw talent and skill found amidst the ranks of DnB producers, then there's hope for us all yet! Truly stunning.

Released: 18th October 2010
Label: Engine Music
Words: Darcy Mitchell

****

Peverelist & Hyetal - 'The Hum/Rrrr'

Forever consistant, next up on Bristol based imprint Punch Drunk Records is the collaboration between label head and scene veteran Perverelist and one of the rising stars of the Bristol second wave Hyetal. The release of 'The Hum' follows a dazzling run of big productions for both artists, Hyetal stamping out his sound and garnering much acclaim for his Orca 12" Phoenix, as well as his Short Stuff collaboration on Punch Drunk, earlier in the year. Likewise, Perverlist dropped the awesome 'Better Ways Of Living' to a glowing reception recently, and let's not forget the original pairing of these two with Peverlist's stunning remix of Hyetals 'Pixel Rainbow Sequence'.

As to be expected in a collaboration between two totally unique and distinct artists, each of the producer's trademark sound are very much apparent and complementary of each other. Hyetal's emotive and melodic based synths and wonky melody lines shimmer and swirl effortlessly over Perverlist's distinct tribal-synced percussion and ground shaking sub bass to amazing effect. Both interesting and inspiring, the track is full of intricate detail. Heavy kicks, stabs and snares energetically propel the track from start to finish, while a clever conga line of drums drop following a beautiful burst of dischordant synth, creating a deep hypnotic rythym. A track that will have wide ranging appeal in dupstep circles as well as attracting house and techno heads, 'The Hum' has an eerie but uplifting introspective mood to it, brought on by its melancholic melodies and bright emotive synth tones. A sound perfect for the dubstep dancefloor.

Released: 18th October 2010
Label: Punch Drunk Records
Words: Rupert Worthington

*****

Starsmith - 'Give Me A Break'

Starsmith has been a busy dude over the last couple of years, remixing the likes of Katy Perry to N.E.R.D, as well as producing and writing for Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding, to namedrop but an illustrious few. On top of that he brings us a killer of an EP. After giving many pop princesses a slick synth makeover he turns to releasing his own work 'Give Me A Break/Knuckleduster' EP.

'Give Me A Break' is a catchy and fun electro-pop song with a buzzy synth lead that will warm your little cold winter faces. The vocal is so simple a monkey could have wrote it, yet looping the short burst of lyrics is all that is needed; 'Got my education/got determination/got imagination/come on give me a break'. 'Knuckleduster' doesn't provide the same kind of reaction, but in terms of 'Give Me A Break', Starsmith is onto a winner. Keep an eye on Starsmith's work, this guy is getting big!

Released: 17th October 2010
Label: UIR Ltd
Words: Sonny Van Loef

*****

Tune Of The Week: Camo & Krooked - Can't Get Enough //

Camo & Krooked tear it up on our Tune Of The Week with this disgustingly dirty track off the highest of shelves. 'Can't Get Enough' is a relentless onslaught of drum and bass majesty which bulldozes itself through speakers before smashing the room to pieces. With each drop the crunchiest of synths detunes for your pleasure over the simplest of string licks, whilst some euphoric piano work calls upon the spirits of the early 90's before destroying it in a blaze of glory. Miss this tune at you peril.

Enjoy!

Released: 18th October 2010
Label: Breakbeat Kaos
Link: myspace // facebook // last.fm // twitter
Words: Tom Wells

Single: Jamie Woon - Night Air

A very sultry, deep tune, vocally orientated - something incredibly nocturnal about this track. 'Feel that night air/flowing through me' - it's rather eerie too how this electroacoustic tune falls somewhere between relaxation and psychotic insomnia. Beautiful nonetheless. Much like his other Fink-like productions, he's definitely worth checking out and one to watch.

Enjoy.



Link: official // myspace // facebook // last.fm

Tune Alert: Kode 9 - You Don't Wash

If there's an urge to label this tune under any specific genre because that's what we as humans feel the need to do, then welcome to a little bit of 'future garage'. A very cool tune presented by Kode9 (Steve Goodman), or the big chief at label Hyperdub.

Enjoy.



Released: 20th July 2010
Label: !K7 Records
Link: myspace // wikipedia // blogspot // last.fm // Hypderdub official