On Cue: Om Unit
Later in 2018, Coles introduced Mahakala, an outlet to keep his jungle cravings sated. Launched via a live streamed DJ Mag Bunker party, in which Coles systematically dismantled the dancefloor with savage break-led combinations, the first Mahakala release came in October as two tracks: unadulterated slammer ‘The Exodus’ and the more subdued, smoky vibes of ‘Desert Road’.
Coles' most recent delivery was his ‘Violet’ EP, a hazy world of lumbering dub bass and sporadic drum work centred around the 160bpm mark. It’s a tempo Coles is no stranger to, and the style he says interests him most at the moment: “That’s kind of what I’m exploring now, which is a little slower, and yeah, I’m inspired. I think there’s certain people out in the field doing stuff that is...
The mix also features multiple offerings from rising Russian talent A.Fruit, who Coles describes as “really driven and very talented”. Recently appearing on Coles’ Cosmic Bridge label, she delivered ‘Nocturnal’, a four-track EP marking the second edition of a new series titled Earthbase, which focuses on club tracks.
Throughout our conversation Coles is considered in his responses (though, conversely, admitting to being “a bit over-caffeinated”). It’s well-known he’s a philosophical, spiritual kind of guy, humble as they come and always open to exploring both sides of an argument. In a previous interview he even casually referred to himself as “a total hippy”.
Tracklist:
DJ Stingray ‘Sphere Of Influence’ [Naked Lunch]
Jodey Kendrick ‘Item 3 [Rephlex]
Lewis James ‘KIT 5000’ [forthcoming Astrophonica]
CRZKNY ‘Futuro’ [Atomic Bomb Compilation]
ReDraft ‘4real’ [Depth Range]
Client_03 ‘Hope Repeater’ [forthcoming Astrophonica]
Om Unit ‘Untitled’
Sun People ‘Give It UP’ [forthcoming Rua Sound]
Philip D Kick ‘Bleach’ [forthcoming Astrophonica]
Mel G + Nikes ‘Bounce (A.Fruit Remix)’ [Black Marble Collective]
Captivate ‘Shimmer’ [Sublimate/Noctilux]
Stanton Warriors: "It's time for a more underground sound to rise"
Premiere: Toma Kami ‘Aces’
Ever-reliable Bristol label Livity Sound will release Toma Kami’s new EP ‘Negative Extasy’ this Friday 28th June.
The label’s first release of 2019 – following superb outings from Laurel Halo & Hodge, Facta, Cando, Forest Drive West and more last year – ‘Negative Extasy’ finds Toma Kami on particularly percussive form, bouncing from sharp, dubby trips to the headier hard-drum energy of the title track.
Crowdfunding campaign launched for new Bristol venue
Bristol promotion team Dirtytalk have launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund the creation of a new music and arts venue in the city, named Strange Brew.
With a capacity of 330 people, the multi-use space will boast a large bar/café area that will also be used for live performances, exhibitions and hold a small record shop, plus separate secondary performance room.
Premiere: Ishmael Ensemble ‘Full Circle feat. Holysseus Fly’
Bristol contemporary jazz and electronic outfit Ishmael Ensemble will release their debut LP, ‘A State of Flow’ on 3rd May.
Following a banner year in 2018, saxophonist and band leader Peter Cunningham moves Ishmael Ensemble forward from its beloved ‘Severn Songs’ series, and sees the six-piece outfit and collaborators championing the UK’s thriving contemporary jazz sound while simultaneously keeping in step with experimental and inventive electronic tropes.
Fresh Kicks 97: Henry Greenleaf
22-year-old Henry Greenleaf is one of the young leading lights in the UK’s bass-led techno sphere. Relocating from his native London to Bristol after graduating from the same Creative Music Tech course in Bath Spa University as his favourites Addison Groove, Shackleton, Appleblim and the Timedance crew, he is carving a sound and reputation for himself that is rooted in richw, low-end, percussive sound.
Massive Attack’s story is to be told in a new book, ‘Out Of The Comfort Zone’
Massive Attack’s story is to be told in a new book, ‘Out Of The Comfort Zone’.
The work is due to be published on 4th March by Tangent Books, and will feature interviews with names including Portishead, Smith & Mighty, Tricky and Roni Size.
The author, Melissa Chemam, charts the development of the band alongside the wider Bristol music scene over a number of decades, tracing roots back to the 1960s and 70s before moving through the outfit's efforts to produce timeless albums such as 'Blue Lines' and 'Mezzanine'.
Podcast 118: Pinch
Bruce talks sonic evolution, versatility and his debut LP on Hessle Audio
New 1,600 capacity venue announced for Bristol, The Marble Factory
Bristol venue company Motion have just unveiled a brand new space to add to their impressive portfolio.
Named The Marble Factory, it’s where the city’s leading In:Motion series is set to take place.
Boasting a 1,600 capacity area in what was formerly a Victorian warehouse, the building makes use of architectural features such as the space’s steel amphitheatre-style mezzanine.