The eagerly anticipated Platinum Breaks Vol4 is finally available for the minions to get their paws on. For months many of these tracks have represented the highpoints of many a mix and set throughout the land. Plenty of variety here for all ears, here’s a run by run walk through of each of the 18 tracks available.
Purchase – https://shop.metalheadz.co.uk/download/metacd002d
Metalheadz have pulled it off as usual. Metalheadz Platinum Breakz 4 is a perfect combination of Drum and Bass, to cover all the aspects of this legendary label. Not only that but it’s hard not to except that almost every subgenre isn’t covered in this selection one way or another. Fancy variety? then buy the whole package at less than two pints why the hell not. If not there’s a certain favourite in there for all.
01. Om Unit – Timelines
Om Unit shows a more intricate side to drum maneuvers on Timelines. Paying homage to the Jungle sound this journey into the drum and pattern undulates into the deaths and punctures through with mid-range glory
02. Calibre – Archive
Tickling keys and deep intelligent basslines are the order of the day for this intelligent, chained piece. Like a retrained killer dog on can never be sure this is about to break free
03. DLR & Script – Blue Room (feat. Martyna Baker)
DLR & Script work up the drum patterns as their intelligent constructs hammer through this dark cold soundscape, all enhanced by the fear present in the vocals of Martyna Baker
04. Ulterior Motive (feat. Will Manning) – Gods Neighbours
Ulterior Motives – Gods Neighbours features metal work snares and a sinister bass synth all wrapped up in meek haunting layers
05. Digital & Spirit – Creeper
An aptly named piece as creepers sinister bassline is relentless backed up by a lightly pacing drum work. Sure to get the crowd down low.
06. Ivy Lab & Hydro – Make It Clear (feat. Frank Carter III & Lucy Annika)
Ivy Lab can’t go wrong these days. This Hydro collab is no exception. Following 5 comparatively dark pieces, this track represents a change of scene for the album so far. Make it Clear is a chilled, vocal piece of drum and bass featuring a perfect vocal collaboration with Frank Cater and Lucy Annika and some elegantly light keys.
07. SCAR (Survival & Script) – When
Survival & Script get low down and dirty on this joint venture under the name SCAR. A wet and squelchy bassline permeates this piece; prepare to get your face on.
08. Lenzman & FD – Joanie’s Theme
Two of the premier soul inspired producers get together on Joanie’s Theme to put together an deep piece of Drum and Bass. Always a winner this, perfect warm up, fills the room with deep concentrated smiles.
09. Blocks & Escher – Madness
Next up Blocks and Escher take the listener through a rushing piece of drum work on Madness. A touch of circulating madness on the layer creates a caged in soundscape which releases before enveloping the listen again. #darkdrumpatternbusiness
10. Loxy & Resound – Paradigms
Paradigms kicks off with light layers before launching into a driving bassline, massive kicks and well executed breaks , creating an immersive soundscape.
11. Artificial Intelligence – War Horse (feat. DRS)
DRS builds up the vibe with some energy inspiring vocals before Artifical Intelligence unleashes a relentlessly ripped bassline adding layers only to heighten this raging stepper.
12. Jubei & Consequence – Black Hornet
The album takes a more minimal stance at this point as the low sub bassline of Black Hornet shakes the ribs relentlessly as Jubei & Consequence join their styles to create a dark Drum and Bass moment overlaid with some crisp, pucnchy snare work.
13. Dub Phizix & Skeptical – Deeper Love
Continuing the minimal agenda Dub Phizix & Skeptical collaborate on Deeper Love. It’s easy to feel that this isn’t the most minimal these two artists have been as the piece features some warming layers which accentuate the piece on when the pair remove it to focus on the percussion. A sublime piece.
14. Sunchase – 420
420 snaps right into an caged anger. The piece feels stripped bare at first before Sunchase focuses on bringing in some subtle highs.
15. Heist – Great White
Heist halves the beats per minute on Great White and takes the different take on his usual sound to bring the listen a pleasant combination of brooding bassline and classic synth patterns. Features one of my favorite deep sub pads, so it wins for me.
16. Digital – Mini Cooper
Digitals Mini Cooper continues the half beat theme and strolls into the Dub arena. A sinister track in feel, will keep you looking over your back. No idea why Mini Cooper.
17. The Invaderz – The Ascent
Low down rumble underpins the wet basslines of The Ascent. This frantic piece of Drum and Bass progresses through multiple sections, travelling deeper through an encroaching darkness. Perfect naming section and
18. Bipolar – Interlude
The final chapter is offered up by Bipolar. Interlude is a Jazzy little stepper. Veering ever so slightly to Jungle and hailing praise to this particular subset of Drum and Bass which crops up every so often to accompany us. Perfect for morning and after hours funs.
