Browse by Label: LODUBS

Artist:	CLUBROOT
Title:	II-MMX
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.00
Catalog #:	LODUBS 10001CD

"With the benefit of almost zero British press attention, Clubroot's self-titled debut CD gained quite a cult following last year, with plenty of enthused chat on message boards like Dubstep Forum, while both Mary Anne Hobbs and Rob Booth commissioned Clubroot mixes for their respective (and much respected) radio shows. His sound is often compared favorably with Burial's more atmospheric sequences, and with a similar air of anonymity characterizing his public (non) profile, he seems already to be attracting an audience who betray a certain obsessiveness in their listening habits. There are distinct and catalytic events and occurrences in our lives, and when thinking of these events in retrospect, unusually vivid mental pictures sometimes remain. For some, the summer of 2009 will carry a soundtrack of Clubroot along with the stories of their life, and when they mentally mark said period, will always conjure up along with it the music of the grey album, with the fog enveloped tree on the cover. The moment the elements of the debut release were sealed and disseminated, our artist set out on a new path involving visits to such disparate locales as Türkiye and Polska, which became parts of the cinematic ambiance that is the new Clubroot album, II-MMX. In doing so, our artist has created a series of images, with sounds so absolutely married to its accompanying elements that it seems as if it was unearthed in complete form as opposed to constructed. It possesses some of the most pronounced and arresting bass-lines ever heard, delivered musically in a language as ethereal and intense as, say, Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, or perhaps Muslimgauze, but couched in a language informed by the scene around dubstep and UK garage."

Artist:	TRUTEK
Title:	Crossrhodes
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12" + CD
Price:	$8.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 10020EP

"TruTek is a trio from the midlands consisting of Rutile, Panza, and Senate. Between the three of them is many years of experimentation if electronic production in forms as widely spaced as drum and bass (Rutlie is the editor of the drum and bass magazine Uprise) and heavy metal. In the process of all this experimentation, the sounds of the minimal techno influenced side of dubstep have crept in, which has led to a trio that from the very start is galvanized in the art of constructing some of the more intricate steppers to be pushed out of a sub. A clear touchstone for 'Crossrhodes' would be something along the line of the 140 leanings of Instra:mental should he be channeling the tropical elements of UK funky into that tempo, yet with leanings far more akin to that of LTJ Bukem. In doing so, we are witness to one of those rare moments of near grace in dubstep when a track can be overpowering with the lightest of elements. This one will likely become a secret weapon for many, and exist as that perfect way to add a bit of substance to the dancefloor. As for 'Mystery Machine' the trio take things in a slightly darker direction, with a subtle 4/4 that leads into a slightly old skool rhythm track territory, in a way that creates a bounce in its interplay." Includes a CD with the same tracks from the 12".

Artist:	MEESHA
Title:	Clack/Block
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12" + CD
Price:	$8.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 1018EP

"...and once again, with regards to music with the cojones and the cerebellum intact, we can thank Starkey for the Connect. As LoDubs was working through material with Starkey for his mix CD on LoDubs, Starkbass (which also features tracks from Wonder, Joker, Rafertie, and a host of others), Meesha happened to be one of those who ended up in, and stayed in the pile for the mix. Once you hear the tunes, it's easy to see why. For one thing, and unlike a lot of peak of the night, big drop dubstep tunes, the drums on both Clack and Block are not secondary to big wobbles, but remain as the runnin' force in each, and are pushed out of the woofer like some entirely new structure that has yet been undiscovered in a largely unknown territory somewhere between the break, the 2, and the dubstep. For the other, the bassline is in its own right a horse of a different color, which interweaves subharmonics and midrange into a pliable frequency, which Meesha then expands and contracts over the framework of the drums, much like a massive, synth driven accordion. All in all, everything the sound is in its most base description, yet so much more, and thus, more of what you have come to expect from LoDubs."

Artist:	PACHEKO/DJ 100MADO
Title:	Figure 8/Trance 8
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12" + CD
Price:	$8.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 1019EP

"Strangely enough, if you want to get much of the bass music coming out of Venezuela, you have to go to Japan, and the primary source once there would be Murder Channel, a long running club night, which has played host to artists as diverse as Melt Banana to Goth Trad, and also a label, based in Tokyo. Amongst the releases featuring Venezuelan artists, like the Cardopusher full length Unity Means Power came the Pacheko/DJ 100mado collab CD, which was released near the end of 2009. LoDubs, having a long running relationship with both the VZ and JP cultures, has taken up the charge to spread a bit of this material in the other hemisphere. 'Figure 8' is the quintessential builder, with percussion quite stiff and pronounced, and bass weight to challenge any soundsystem, but the melody and rhythm married to these elements is remarkably light, full of interplay, and one could even say elegant, in a way all its own. 'Trance 8' while not a complete departure, does give one an idea of where the anthemic sound of dubstep could go in years to come. An almost overwhelming arpeggiated melody, with dry snares that play cadence to the progression, and a throbbing underbelly of sub that lets loose like an invisible wobble beneath it all." The included CD features the 12", plus 2 extra tracks.

Artist:	SOUTH3RN
Title:	Mangione Tribe Dub
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 7003EP

"We've been wanting to work with the mighty South3rn since practically prior to the label's inception, but as it is our policy not to bite off more than we could chew, we just kept the lips sealed. We waited for the right time and tunes, knowing there was genius down the chronological path a piece. 'La Rana' is the aesthetic antithesis of the 'Mangione Tribe Dub' which instead of the former's groundbreaking tribal affair is an otherwise unpredictable yet catchy number, laden with soulful Tubby-esque horns, very slight ska rhythm stabs, and a thick, articulate bass line that weaves the other elements into a bright, energetic work of soundsystem bliss."

Artist:	6BLOCC
Title:	Analog Clash
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	2CD
Price:	$15.00
Catalog #:	LODUBS 8001CD

"Lo Dubs is pleased to present Analog Clash, their first compact disc, mixed by L.A.'s 6Blocc, and destined to become the Rosetta stone of the dubstep sound emanating from all regions of the Americas. From Toronto by way of DZ, Bombaman, XI, and the doom metal group Nadja (remixed by Vex'd, an exclusive to this release), to Venezuela via Pachecko and Cardopusher, and back to the middle with Philadelphia's own Starkey and the mighty South3rn of Texas, all the earth encompassing the two continents is represented in a release that may very well be the first of its kind to represent the movement on this side of the pond. As a mix, 6Blocc has demonstrated once again his ability to thrill, compiling an hour plus recording that weaves through Lo Dubs' diverse list of releases, in addition to a host of unheard recordings, many of which will be featured on 12"s in their own right, following the CD release, thus continuing the cross-pollination process. As a bonus, included is a second disc, containing every Lo Dubs release to date, in full CD audio format, mastered to perfection. As Lo Dubs strongly opposes digital distribution (hence 'Analog Clash'), this will be the only way any Lo Dubs releases will be available in such a high quality digital format, a point which will be made clear in all aspects of promoting this release."

Artist:	DZ FEATURING AWAKEN LION
Title:	Chalice
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 8005EP

"DZ (Ottawa-based producer Sean Harten) seems to be gradually checking off a classic release each within all spectrums of this sound popularly known as dubstep. From ear-grabbing, head-bobbing wobblers via 2007's 'Slums Dub' (released by Hot Flush) to jumpin', hip-hop infused numbers like 'Leviathan on Black Acre,' and the soon-to-be released collaboration with XI entitled 'Guns At Dawn' on LoDubs, not much territory in the canon of styles remains untouched by a truly evocative tune from the man in discussion. To that list, we add 'Chalice Dub', DZ's contribution to the traditional reggae side of the movement. It is a not-so-widely known fact that much like New York City, many cities in eastern Canada have long been home to individuals with roots in the West Indies, with the famed keyboard player of Studio One, Jackie Mittoo even setting up shop in Toronto in the '70s. 'Chalice Dub' was built with a heavy emphasis on this heritage, both through its soundsystem-themed chord progression, and its inclusion of vocal talent plucked from amongst that culture, courtesy of the one known only as Awaken Lion. A feature, and frequently reloaded peak-point track within the circles of the club night Various in Portland and practically every night on Streamizm radio will finally see the light, and we expect the reaction will be exponential to what has already been witnessed via each aforementioned events respective rinseout. As for the B-side, That 'Bongo Dub' feels as if a culture a world away worked with the aim of a tune akin to 'Chalice Dub,' but via vastly different elements ultimately created a different beast all together. However, of the two things that make this piece distinctively DZ (the other being its immediately catchy, hook-laden bass line) one would be its subtle, yet driving way of infusing small and unobtrusive rhythms akin to drum and bass and 4 beat musics, just a little at a time, to create something that is incredibly driving, yet still dubstep to its core."

Artist:	SOUTH3RN
Title:	Fully Loaded/Muslim Dub
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 8006EP

"This record is HAUNTED. Not really in that poltergeist way, though. More in the Harbinger of Doom way, at least as far as record labels go. From what we have been informed, two different record labels have penciled it in for release, and both, due to a variety of reasons all their own, have ceased to exist. We here at Lo Dubs are not afraid of ghosts though, and even if the earth does swallow us up for releasing 'Fully Loaded,' it would be a fitting end. Ultimately, 'Fully Loaded' could be described as a bit spooky, but in that upsetter vs. the vampire way, with its reverb-drenched, echo-heavy skank. We were actually looking at these tracks before the ones that ended up being the first South3rn record on Lo Dubs, the much-touted Mangione Tribe Dub, But as stated before, the ultimate outcome was far from clear at that point. The two releases almost seem like a tome now, as 'Fully Loaded' is about as epic as roots-centric dubstep may ever get. Add to that the B-side, entitled 'Muslim Dub,' which is pure spring steppiness, with a lush, clean amplified riffing and lyrical toasting that evoke the feel of a soundclash dub, circa 2047. Lo Dubs is very pleased to present Fully Loaded/Muslim Dub, from the southwest masters of the dub, South3rn. As with all previous releases, this 12" comes mastered by Transition, and packaged in a hand-stamped, Kraft jacket."

Artist:	XI
Title:	G Funk-3000/Lucky
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 8007EP

"XI (sometimes known in collab with Loetech, aka Matt Carl/Bombaman), is yet another bright light shining forth from the dubstep rich epicenter of Northeastern Canada, Toronto. A measured producer, full of forethought both in his productions and his mixes on Streamizm, these 2 tracks mark his first appearance as solo producer, but both tunes have already demonstrated an ability to blow minds, being unfurled momentarily on select occasions by both himself and Joe Nice at Dubwar in NYC and internationally. The reason for the 'WTF was that' that tends to emanate from the crowd, following exposure, is as much related to the materials immediacy as to the fact that it symbolizes the dubstep sound once again turning a corner into unknown, exciting territory. This is particularly striking with 'G Funk 3000,' but is no less true with 'Lucky.' As for the former, it is in its simplest sense a jazzy number, with a distinctive bassline coming from a distinctive Rhodes-like tone that surges with the intensity of a low octave piano key being somehow organically overdriven, while a doubletime rhythm of muted midrange percussion practically forces energy. As for the latter, 'Lucky' is a sparse, steppy piece, that seems somehow to have a 4/4 drum pattern hinted at solely through the careful manipulation of bass velocity and swing."

Artist:	DZ & XI
Title:	Guns At Dawn
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 8009EP

"One day it may take a biographer some time to sort out all -- the aliases and collabs that have occurred within the dubstep community of Toronto and Ottawa. From Loetech and High Deaf to Kingpin Sound and Bombaman/Matt Carl/etc., it's a bit hard to sort out who's who within each production half the time. This particular collaboration between DZ & XI, due to its titling, lacks much of the mystery of many of the aforementioned names, but easily makes up for that trait in raw power. 'Guns at Dawn,' on the A-side of this release, is easily one of the most anticipated productions associated with DZ to come forward, even when one considers the relentless list of best-selling 12"s on labels from Black Acre to Off Road and Hotflush in recent history. Essentially a more hip-hop influenced track with regards to the syncopation of its rhythm and melody, the space between these two frenetic arc points fill such a massive area in an ambient space, once heavily amplified that the sheer physical push of those elements creates an enormous push and pull of air from the soundsystem, akin to a lumbering, mythical beast breathing. It truly can be a frightening experience, and as a tune tends to overpower any track it is being mixed from. 'Showtime' and 'Annapolis' round out the B-side, but are no less characteristic of genius at work, the former being built around a pummeling stab of a FM synthesis styled bass line, and the latter a unusually driving vocal."

Artist:	CARDOPUSHER
Title:	Milk Thistle
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 8010EP

"Lodubs is pleased to present a three-track 12" from Venezuela's Cardopusher, an artist well known and well-regarded within many subgenres of electronic bass music, and our second release documenting the dubstep sound of South America. As a geographical companion piece to the Pacheko 12", and directly tied in content to our CD Analog Clash, 'Milk Thistle' was first unveiled on the aforementioned compact disc, which, separate from the enthusiasm generated by the album as a whole, sparked a lot of interest in the track and the artist, in addition to curiosity as to when the tune would be cut and pressed. On equal footing with regards to stylistic ingenuity and power are 'Double Dragon' and 'Jerk Pork,' the first of which is remarkably catchy, with its high-pitched, arpeggiated melody and punchy, distinct bass line, and the latter of which is a truly original and energizing wobbler. Once again, Lodubs is leading the charge in the ascension of a new-to-the-sound artist, as quite soon Cardopusher will also have releases on Hyperdub (remixed by Quatra 330) and a host of other prominent labels."

Artist:	STARKEY
Title:	Starkbass: A Continuous DJ Mix By Starkey
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.00
Catalog #:	LODUBS 9001CD

"LoDubs is pleased to present Starkbass, a DJ mix by Philadelphia's foremost native son Starkey, known throughout the world as the undisputed king of the dubstep/club/grime/hip hop/wonky/bassline hybrid sometimes referred to as streetbass. Although largely composed of the first aforementioned genre, this 25 track DJ mix, comprised of almost completely unreleased material, shows how just how the genius from the east can relentlessly tie all these elements together in a mix, with an air that sounds as if they where all part of some larger style all its own. If you have witnessed and thus heard his phenomenon in person, you will know all too well what we are referring to, and therefore must have been lucky enough to catch one of his dozens of much-discussed live sessions in recent history, on one of 5 of the 8 continents (he couldn't get a booking in Antarctica for some reason.............). Starkbass, as an album, captures this essence precisely. In the process of jumping around the globe with an arsenal of beastly tunes of his own creation, and the experience of being one of a select few to be featured on Mary Anne Hobb's 'Generation Bass' program, Starkey has developed a keen ear for hotness from both established artists and the newest/latest producers, allowing him access to the absolute freshest tunes, which is apparent in who is featured on the mix. From artists like Raffertie, who is just about to blow up large, with releases on Slit Jockey and Planet Mu, to established artists like Zomby, Joker, Geeneus, DZ, and Cardopusher, all came forward with their prime goods, and many with their exclusive bits they saved for just such a mega occasion. Throughout this 25 track mix, covering the entirety of a compact disc, it is clear that the hugely received full length Ephemeral Exhibits was far from a single lightning strike, and Starkbass is the step beyond, showing all the styles that make up the universe of Starkbass. Are you ready?"

Artist:	CLUBROOT
Title:	Clubroot
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.00
Catalog #:	LODUBS 9002CD

"We are, all of us, in the midst of a great change, both of our world, and the way we dwell within it. As with the seasons, it is gradual, but little by little becomes part of the presence that encompasses our existence. The dubstep sound is as much in a state of change. Of this evolution, the forms are many, and quite expressive, but none of these many voices and styles are quite like Clubroot. A St. Alban's Resident (just to the north of London), the one known as Clubroot cut his teeth in the early part of the decade with material baring a likeness to the futurist ideals of drum and bass producers of the time, like Optical, Ed Rush, and the like. Once the sound of dubstep developed into its own entity, the canvas, and its freedom from rhythmic clutter, acted as the catalyst for our artist, the moment when one realizes what is upon them, and therefore is almost instinctually galvanized into action. As these forms commingled out of the mind and into the realized sound, along with thematic and emotional references as profound in scope as many of Vangelis or Morricone's pieces, the music conjured up became far more than just sound, and took on the presence of epic, massive landscapes, ones which have a comprehension of beauty and heartfelt emotion that are rarely seen at this level of grandeur in garage, much less electronic music in general. Of these, the ten track full length presented here acts as a map of this parallel universe. One sees the edge of one landscape to the other as one looks over a used map of their travels. The feeling one experiences from zone to zone is always distinct, always unique, but somehow part of a whole set of senses all their own. Much as one who leaves their home country for a journey, and the anticipation, excitement, and discovery related to the foreign nature of things, and its seemingly otherworldly presence, and thus how such an experience invariably creates memories and emotional responses they will remember forever. This sentiment spreads each time the album is heard. Mary Anne Hobbs was quick to commission a mix for her world renowned Radio 1 show, unveiling alternate versions of many of the tracks on this recording in a showcase right between two seasoned artists cut from a similar cloth, Boxcutter & Jega, and DJ/Rupture will include Clubroot on his Global Steps mix compilation. Meanwhile, word spreading like a looming thunderstorm across the forums and blogs has generated huge anticipation among forward thinking bass music fans, clamoring for the release of this view into the future. LoDubs presents Clubroot. Our vision of the future."

Artist:	HOODZ
Title:	Bad Mind/Clash
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$8.00
Catalog #:	LODUBS 9011EP

"It's amazing what 6Blocc has been able to accomplish in the last year or two. From the top pick mix CD known as Analog Clash, to three European tours, including dates in Russia, Israel, and Venezuela and releases on a slew of labels, from War to L.A.D.N and Tribe Steppaz, and his new imprint, Bloccdubs, we figure he must have figured out a way to fold time and space in order to get more out of the day. Somewhere in that interspace/time jump, he managed to get together with LA's Uome, and together they did a series of tracks under the guise of Hoodz. These, we believe, are the strongest of those collabs, the two tunes known as 'Bad Mind' and 'Clash.' These have both been long time favorites, and likely you have heard them, if you have been lucky enough to visit the night Various in Portland, as they get rinsed out absolutely every session. Maybe even if one has seen 6Blocc in recent months these tunes, and their respective tidal wave of energy, has been witnessed, although if that is the case the subjective reality of such an event has probably taken on a mythology of its own in one's mind. Now that they have been mastered (to startling effect by Sam at Precise), we believe whatever trace elements of drag have been removed (however unlikely that may be) allowing for absolute, unadulterated devastation."

Artist:	DJUNYA
Title:	Elevate/Puja Karna Sangit
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 9012EP

"Sometimes things just don't work out. I mean, we all now what they say about good intentions. I guess that is all a matter of your perspective how true those sort of sayings are, but from our standpoint, with regards to LoDubs, there are many artists out there who are unleashing some truly earth shifting tunes, and although we want to help disseminate these works of art to the masses, sometimes you just have to hold back for the right material. Djunya is a perfect example. We first heard him, and his material a few steps back. Among that batch contained the future classics 'Subsol' and 'Contact' which firmly placed him at the top of the pile of practitioners of the sound from the 415. Like many others, we where blown away by these productions, and although they where not within the trajectory of our release schedule, we knew that akin to celestial orbits, things would line up down the road a piece. That happened with 'Elevate' and 'Puja Karna Sangit,' and quite suddenly I might add, as they are among our most recent signings. 'Elevate' is a sprawling gem of a track, which manages to run with a certain ferociousness without being derivative in any way, carrying its weight above a chassis of pronounced yet unheavyhanded breakstep by adding what is natural to such realms, thick layers of keys and bass, but with a purely optimistic feel, that seems to conjure a largely hidden aspect of the spectrum of bass music. Together, all elements seem so perfectly matched about 'Elevate' that is almost as though it is an object carved from wood; as if it is, and always was, meant to be, as it is."

Artist:	O-DESSA
Title:	Deeper/Million Dollarz
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS 9013EP

"One of the greatest things about this sound, and all its variants, is how it seems to be able to fuse to all styles and genres before it to itself. When we first heard the UK producer known as O-Dessa, it got us thinking of the same overall air of Burial. But as we started truly taking it in, and all the ideas inherit within the tracks completely resonated in our minds, it was clear this was not only a companion to the aforementioned realm of sound in feel, but something completely new otherwise. For starters, the rhythms lurking below the bassline where nothing short of a combination of old skool and something you might hear on a dirty South mixtape. But somehow, even with all that, in what sounds like madness on paper, it all managed to somehow commingle in a completely driving and breathtaking way. The subtle tearout nature of this producer is even more apparent in the second track, 'Million Dollarz' which is a gradual decent into layers of tweaked amens, but with a grandeur unlike anything heard prior, even with how much that drum has been chopped throughout the ages. Once again, we have to thank Starkey for hearing this material, and pulling our coat. You should hear much from O-Dessa down the line, on his path to reinventing the whole sound, as many have in their own individual way before him."

Artist:	SYNTONICS
Title:	Material/Rock Tonight
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS SR002EP

"Starting the year out with a bit of hybrid action, LoDubs is pleased to announce the return of Bombaman of Toronto, Canada to the fold. As with his first release on the Special Request imprint a little over a year ago, (LoDubsSR1, Solvent Think Like Us 12") the styles touched upon are instantly relevant, yet a combination not yet seen within the construct of our sound. Taking its source material from a well known synth/disco/house production/DJ duo based in the same city as Bombaman, 'Material' opens up the 12" with a mighty, shuffling piece of genius, which true to the sound is towed forward by a monstrous, oozing bassline. However, the backing rhythm and its stilted shuffling cacophony of drums may remind many of something more in the backyard of DJ Assault crossed with Herbert on a caffeinated day, rather than the 4 beat dubstep sound du jour. Purely out of its perfection as a pair, we have placed yet another Syntonics remix on the flip. 'Rock Tonight' follows a more open drum signature, which allows for a high/low frequency interplay that when properly amplified almost seems to make the air wiggle in front of your face, like a hot day in Arizona."

Artist:	CLUBROOT
Title:	Remixes I
Label:	LODUBS
Format:	12" + CD
Price:	$8.50
Catalog #:	LODUBS SR004EP

"As for looking at the source material in another way (i.e. the remix), it, for us, is a bit like a skilled actor who is known for comedy who suddenly demonstrates a command of drama. Each of the tracks and their elements are so strong, that once we handed them to other artists known for different shades of music, we knew genius would emerge. SPL -- a pillar of drum and bass, known the world over for the massive tours he embarks upon as part of the Therapy Sessions -- has for a few years been exploring dubstep, with quite a few major successes in this sound under his belt ('Storm in my Heart,' 'Masters of Rave,' to name a couple). Here SPL Remixes 'Sempiternal' and in doing so transforms it into a fearsome beast never before imagined. Bryan Zentz is a singular name in techno, with releases on just about any important label one can name in that genre. He started experimenting with techno-based dub in the year 2002, but to a large degree kept his prototypes unknown. Here he alloys those discoveries to 'Dulcet' with a tinge of dark synth melody akin to '80s minimal wave, with outstanding results. Kuma is one of the original elevators of the sound in Vancouver BC, who had a featured shout out in the original Breezeblock Dubstep Wars, and has releases on Immerse/ Konspiracy/etc. We hear the hidden ghosts within 'Dulcet' with his spooky treatment. This, as a remix record, is the fourth in our Special Series releases, and will come packaged in a black dubplate jacket, hand stamped in silver."

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