The latest record in my collection is a Record Store Day 2023 exclusive, released on the 22nd of April. Scuba’s Hardcore Heaven is a 12 inch wax disc which is six tracks of a fresh take on euphoric 90’s style hardcore with production features such as hard-edged beats, euphoric breakdowns and helium vocals.
I haven’t bought many records in a while due to attempting to save money during the cost of living crisis, however when I saw a few video snippets of the EP being played on Old Skool Hardcore’s Instagram page, I immediately fell in love with track 5, Yesterday. With this being a RSD exclusive release, at the time I bought this there wasn’t a digital copy to buy online (however there are now streams on Spotify and Soundclound if you do want to check it out yourself without paying for a physical copy), so I headed to google to see where I could purchase such an audible beauty.
I bought it from Horizons Music, who have a massive catalogue of records on their online site. I have never bought a record from them before until now but I will definitely be buying from them again. They sell records of all genres – not just dance so be sure to have a nosey at what you could also pick up from there too https://www.horizonsmusic.co.uk/ !
I love both versions of hardcore (punk sub genre and the dance genre) and this is the first dance hardcore vinyl in my collection. Not only does it sound brilliant, but it is also a really pretty number to add to my collection with the green splatter across the neon yellow.
One release I have checked out this week and really liked is one from September 2022. Want U is a two-track single from Dutch producer Coco Bryce, alongside a remix from Breaka, on Yanis Koudjo aka Dr Dubplate’s label, EC2A. The single was released digitally and is/was available on a limited edition 12 inch vinyl, as part of a series called Twelvez, a vinyl offering from the label which is a nod to the classic club ready 12 inchers, with one track per side at 45 RPM for extra bass weight and emphasis. Twelvez is a powerhouse for darker, bass-heavy club sounds with the coldest onboard.
Opening the single, Coco Bryce delivers an RnB vocal sample, which is commonly featured within his jungle tracks. Alongside the vocal, there is a 160 4×4 pattern fuelling the energy throughout the track.
For the remix, London born, Leeds based Breaka introduces keys and pitched up vocals for fans who prefer just that extra little bit of oomf. He is a Rinse FM regular with a signature sound of prominent basslines and unique percussive rhythms, and his work has taken him to creating mixes for Mixmag and even to the tiled walls of Berlin’s HÖR bathroom.
EC2A was born in 2020, and it’s name is an ode to the post code of Plastic People’s Curtain Road days, a former London clubbing institution where the UK bass scene began and formed a nest for many of the early sounds that have continued define eras of UK music. Recognised by Electronic Beats, Dance Wax, Mixmag and more for his spirited and no-nonsense approach to the industry, the future looks bright for Dr Dubplate and ec2a.
As 2022 draws to a close, so does the On Repeat series. December’s edition of On Repeat will be the final of the written blog posts. I have loved writing each month’s edition over the past two years, however I am now ready to switch things up a bit and move on to other projects, including the Grooves on the Vinyl series and other things like more reviews and artist / release promotions. I will also soon be launching The Ruthless Raver mix series on Soundcloud in the next few months. On Repeat will still exist in playlist form, which I will update every month and post on socials for music fans to enjoy. But for now, here are my top ten favourite tracks I loved in December 2022:
Coatie Pop – City Song – First up for December is Coatie Pop’s City Song from their 2022 album Deathbed. Hailing from New York City, the duo describe themselves in their Instagram bio as a “post-punk grunge rave trip-hop duo”. Whilst it’s quite the mouthful, I would say it is a pretty accurate description. Particularly in this track, it’s like if Grimes and DJ Seinfeld collaborated; with lead singer Courtney Watkin’s soft fairy-like vocals alongside a morose synthesiser to underline the post-punk bassline.
Guilt Trip – Tearing Your Life Away – The second song for December is from Manchester crossover hardcore punk band Guilt Trip. Tearing Your Life Away was released as a single on Malevolence’s label M.L.V.L.T.D on the 2nd of December and is also the band’s first release on the label. In true Guilt Trip style, and appropriately fitting to the label, the track is a metal smash hit, packed full of intense riffs and a brutal breakdown. What seemed to deliver as an early Christmas present from the Manchester lads, it’s an insane track to round off 2022 with as the year finished and is easily one of the best metal releases of the year. I got to see Guilt Trip for the first time in December at The Foundry in Sheffield, supporting New York’s Stray From The Path. Guilt Trip are one of the coolest bands in the scene right now and I can’t wait to see what they bring in 2023.
Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard? – It would be so wrong of me to not feature my darling Lana Del Rey when she releases her new single in December when I am getting ready to finish up 2022. Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard is the first single from the forthcoming album of the same name which is due to be released in March. It is typical of Lana, beautifully poetic and emotionally provoking like most of her best work, not to mention sonically calming and soft. She loves to devastate her dear listeners, with her themes of loneliness and heartbreak, which she has stuck with on this single, which is ultimately a song about her being forgotten over time and abandoned. Lana, I could NEVER.
Funk Tribu – Nakir – Moving ontothe uplifters for a bit now. This next track is from Colombian producer Funk Tribu, who has already put his stamp on the scene with his explosively colourful track Phonky Tribu. Nakir is from his latest EP Acid Angels and is the third and closing track on the EP which features a sample of Lil Uzi Vert’s XO Tour Life amongst high energy acid/trance/techno beats, with pumping bass starting on the upbeat, before the classic trance lead comes through, creating the melody.
Mall Grab – Without The Sun VIP – Mall Grab released the deluxe version of his debut album, What I Breathe in December which features special additions of instrumentals and two VIP tracks, Without The Sun and Love Reigns; expanding the original track list to 21 components. The regular, first release of the album was featured in both Resident Advisor and Rough Trade’s top 100 albums of the year lists. Without The Sun VIP is still as anthemic as the original version, yet it has been transformed into a rave-ready staple with abrasive soundscape.
Drenge – Never Awake – I’ve been having a bit of a nostalgic fix recently, and have been listening to bands I loved when I was 17, so the likes of Fidlar, Peace and Drenge. The latter band, originally from Castleton, now Sheffield based where they first formed Drenge appeared in my Spotify daily mixes and it was like someone took a key and unlocked a memory, I cannot believe I ever forgot about this band. Never Awake is from their 2015 album, Undertow and was the second single released before the album. It is an amazing post-grunge track, opening with some patterning drums from Rory Loveless and twisting, mysterious vocal tones from frontman and older brother Eoin, with lyrics that cover subjects of love and loss.
Brutalismus 3000 – 3ISBAR – The latest single from Berlin gabber punks Brutalismus 3000 is 3ISBAR, released 9th December. Notorious for their intense, murderous tracks I must say this one is the most “pop-py” and uplifting tracks of their catalogue so far, but without straying too far away from their hellish signature sound. They have dropped a bomb once again with 3ISBAR, which features a post-punk bassline with heavily down sampled drums which suddenly drops into a little hard trance beat, coupled with singer Victoria Daldas’ playful vocals.
Jack Marlow – Old’ On – One artist I discovered in December was Liverpool based Jack Marlow. I was scrolling through Instagram one day when I stumbled across a reel featuring his track Old’ On and I immediately added it to my liked songs and other Spotify playlists. The track is from his 2022 album Tastes Like the 90’s, released in August. I don’t know what the rest of the album sounds like as I have only heard this track, but I would say the album name is definitely appropriate for the vibe of Old’ On as there are some massive 90’s dance influences throughout, whilst simultaneously being the perfect mix of deep house and UK garage; This track is a classic before its time.
Renounced – Self Inflicted – the hardcore pick for this week is from London based band Renounced with their song Self Inflicted from their 2019 album, Beauty is a Destructive Angel and features Counterpart’s Brendan Murphy. Self Inflicted is the second track on the album after the instrumental opener Ghosts, before breaking into machine like drums and hammering riffs, before being met by vocals from frontman Daniel Gray. Such an explosive song, and a great full length opener for the album.
Black Sabbath – Sabbra Cadabra – Finally, we come to the last track of December’s, the last track for 2022 and the final track for the written On Repeat series. Sabbra Cadabra is by Black Sabbath (the clue is in the name) and is from their classic 1973 album Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. It is a love song originally written by Ozzy Osbourne but then changed by bassist Geezer Butler. Sabbra Cadabra oozes rock and roll without being too soppy, it is Black Sabbath after all. The song was later covered by Metallica in 1998 on Garage Inc. album
That’s a wrap for 2022 and the written series of On Repeat. I have absolutely loved creating this series over the past two years but now it is time for me to move on with other projects I have in store for 2023. The On Repeat playlist will still be on Spotify and I will still add to it each month, there just won’t be a readable version up on the blog exploring the ins and outs of each track. I will also be sharing each track individually on Instagram stories and adding the sound so that everyone can still hear my favourite top ten. I cant get rid of it completely!
I also would like to say the biggest of thank you’s to everyone who reads each post every month and those of you who follow the Instagram account, listen to the tracks and follow my playlists. None of the support goes un noticed and I am so grateful, I cannot wait for everyone to see what is coming this year.
As the year draws to a close, I am preparing my final favourite tracks I have loved this year and drawing the written version of On Repeat to a close. Here are November’s favourite tracks:
English Teacher – R&B – First up for November is from a Leeds originating band called English Teacher. Their song R&B was released as a single in April 2021 and is about impressions people have on artists based solely upon appearance. The song is sang by lead singer Lily Fontaine with the remaining members providing backing vocals alongside initially interlocking guitar and tight rhythm before the energy is switched up with nerve shredding riffs.
Fontaines D.C – I Love You – A band I have fell in love with in the past few months is Dublin’s Fontaines D.C. They are definitely one of the best indie bands of this generation, with three incredible albums already in their catalogue. I Love You is from their latest album, Skinty Fia released in April this year. I saw them play at Leeds Festival this August and I specifically remember them playing this song which I think is my favourite of theirs so this moment in the setlist really stands out for me, this sparked my urge to listen to them more. It opens with some stunning guitar shortly followed by Grian Chatten’s vocals featuring his alluringly beautiful Irish accent. Whilst its not a love song, it certainly is a passionate perspective of the current state of affairs and political climate
Viagra Boys – Sports – Another band I have discovered lately and am really enjoying is Sweden’s Viagra Boys, who are an alternative, post-punk band who first formed in 2016. Sports is from their 2018 debut album, Street Worms. The song is a parody of hypermasculinity displayed by men when playing or talking about sports; within the narrative of the song there is a beach party going on with frontman Sebastian Murphy throwing out various types of balls used for sports, party-goers are eating hot dogs, smoking cigarettes and dope. Meanwhile the music grows with the tension, with vocals becoming increasingly deranged with Murphy screaming out “sports” as though clinging on to his manhood for dear life.
Jeff Buckley – Nightmares By The Sea – One of my favourite musical discoveries this year has been Jeff Buckley. Of course I have always known of him and his incredible cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah but this year I have really listened to his work and explored his creations. Nightmares By The Sea comes from the 1998 compilation album Sketches for My Sweetheart The Drunk, released a year after his death. The album features recordings he made in 1996 and 1997 as well as alternative mixes and demos. The song opens with eerie guitar which matches up with the vocal themes in the song. As well as his incredible voice, Jeff’s guitar playing is nothing to shy away from, some fantastic arrangements on so many if not all of his releases.
Porij – Figure Skating – The first dance release for November is Manchester’s Porij with Figure Skating, a lovely little bit of liquid drum and bass supported by sweet vocals from Eggy. The track was released in February this year as a single and is about “intimacy and sensuality in moments that aren’t overtly sexual” the band explained in an interview with NME. I really like this track as it clearly shows the band’s ability to experiment with other genres and it is something other bands and artists out there should admire and maybe even try themselves.
Mick Jagger – Gotta Get A Grip (Kevin Parker Remix) – It took me until I was 23 to like The Rolling Stones, and much to my surprise I even came across this Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) remix of Mick Jagger’s solo song, Gotta Get A Grip. The original version was released in 2017 as part of a 2 track single, alongside England Lost which featured Skepta. The remixed versions then followed shortly after with editions from Kevin Parker, Seeb, Alok and Matt Clifford. For his remix, Parker added fuzzed out guitar and his signature reverb to create a grittier, even more rock and roll version of the song.
PJ Harvey – Big Exit – I have also started listening to PJ Harvey throughout November, all thanks to me rewatching Gilmore Girls on Netflix. In an episode, Tristan buys Rory tickets to PJ Harvey’s concert in the hope he would go with her on a date (just for some context no one asked for). I’d heard of PJ Harvey before and I’m familiar with her work with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke but had never really listened until now. Big Exit is from her 2000 album, Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea, which was inspired by her time within New York City.
IDLES – When The Lights Come On – Here is another IDLES song, who I have featured in September’s edition with Samaritans. Just like Fontaines D.C, they’re another band I have really become a fan of this year. When The Lights Come On is the third track on their 2021 album Crawler, and is about vocalist Joe Talbot’s memories of being the last man standing at gatherings or nights out where alcohol and drugs are involved.
Joy Orbison, Overmono – Bromley – I went to Eat Your Own Ears at Warehouse Project this November and saw both Joy Orbison and Overmono for the second time. During their set, Overmono lightly teased Bromley, a collaboration produced by both artists in 2019, released on XL Recordings. For the most part of the track, not a lot happens. There is a lack of climatic moments and is mainly monotonous and repetitive, however fast forward to 3 minutes and 43 seconds into the song, this all changes. The beat drops and an unbidden vocal sample breaks through of “say it yeah”. The vocal lick returns throughout several times towards the end of the track and each time it appears it remains as startling as the first time you hear it. The sudden switch up in the track makes all the difference, the whole track almost feels like a hallucination. It is a staple British underground dance track, now loved by many.
Turnover – New Scream – The final track for November is from Virginian band Turnover. New Scream is the second track on their 2015 album Peripheral Vision, which had me and any other person into alternative “emo” dream pop in an absolute chokehold at the time of its release. The album is a timeless classic, it is both lyrically and musically so beautiful and will have a place in my heart forever. New Scream is one of the more underrated tracks on the album in my opinion, it feels like a breath of fresh air, even with how miserable the lyrics are on this song and the rest of Peripheral Vision. This album saw me through one of the darkest times in my life and whenever I listen to it, it feels like reuniting with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. I always turn to this album in the Autumn time, so for that reason it felt wrong to not include at least one song in the On Repeat Series.
That is it for November’s tracks, thank you so much for reading. As always, all ten tracks can be found and listened to in The Ruthless Raver Spotify playlist below:
I really meant it when I said in September’s edition of On Repeat that my track selection would get darker the more into autumn and winter we get; because in October’s edition there are only three dance tracks! When it reaches mid-October, I tend to listen to a lot more grunge and rock than any other genre, it just feels like it fits the changing of the seasons. I’ll start with the three dance tracks and then discuss my other selections of grunge, metal and hardcore:
Tjade – Voyager (Marlon Hoffstadt AKA DJ Daddy Trance Remix) – The first dance selection for October is this trance number, Voyager, remixed by DJ Daddy Trance (otherwise known as Marlon Hoffstadt when he isn’t djing or producing under his trance alias, or previously known as Dansson when he formerly made house music belters such as Shake That from 2013). Originally by Netherlands based producer Tjade, the track was released in July this year on the four-track Voyager EP, including this remix, which boasts extended breaks and a high bpm alongside sparkling chords and acid trance interludes that unironically remind me somewhat of Darude’s Sandstorm. This is a great track of the new wave of trance-techno that has blown up this year.
Schak – Moving All Around (Jumpin’) (Feat. Kim English) – Next up and the second dance release for October is from North Shields newcomer Schak with his debut single Moving all Around (Jumpin’), released on fellow geordie Patrick Topping’s label, Trick. The track has been doing its rounds on social media both before and after release, in a video where Schak and friends invaded their local B&Q to host a kitchen sesh complete with decks and PA system, and other videos where they have been spotted on public transport including buses and the Newcastle Metro. The track is a complete party anthem, there hasn’t been a tech house track with this much wallop in a long time in my opinion, and the icing on the cake here is that it features vocal samples from the late, amazing, queen of house; Kim English.
Selker – Too Much For Me – The third and final dance track for October is up and coming scouse producer Selker’s Too Much For Me. This is another debut single, which first landed on Soundcloud last year and since its 1.6 million listens, has now been signed to huge label Warner Records and was officially released this July. Too Much For Me is a more modern, tempo-pushed take on the 2010 house mix of the 1995 Charlene Smith hit of the same name. What I can only imagine is relatively simple to do production wise, the tweaks and studio wizardry on Too Much For Me have certainly excelled it onto a path to become a timeless house classic for years to come. It has that really nice nostalgic house feel to it, like classic old school house. This is definitely the track I have had on repeat the most out of all of this month’s selections. It is an absolutely gorgeous track, I love it.
Melvins – Honey Bucket – Now its time for the rock picks. This is a song I found on one my spotify daily mixes and I’ve been obsessed with it. Melvins are a sludge metal grunge band, formed in Washington in 1983. Honey Bucket is from their 1993 album, Houdini and features a face screwing riff approximately one minute in. What drew me in initially were the vocals from Buzz Osborne that sound a lot like Metallica’s James Hetfield in the Garage Inc. era, right after the guitar work that is very Black Sabbath-esque. They never quite broke through the way they definitely should have done, but Honey Bucket and the rest of the Houdini proves that Melvins are one of the best kept secrets in metal.
Counterparts – Bound To The Burn – Canadian metalcore band Counterparts released their seventh album A Eulogy For Those Still Here on the 7th of October and I think it is definitely a contender for album of the year. My favourite song on there is Bound To The Burn, the third single released prior to the album, following the previous two singles, Unwavering Vow and Whispers Of Your Death. Bound To The Burn is a song about the pressures of making music for a living and the mental turbulence that comes with it, and features a bone-splintering breakdown and unrelenting drums.
Minerva – Deftones – Deftones are one of my favourite bands of all time and their music sounds like it was made perfectly for Autumn, or as I like to call it, Deftones season. I tend to listen to them more this time of year when the days are darker and shorter. One song I have had on repeat is Minerva from their self-titled album released in 2003. It has a heavy shoegaze influence throughout but is one Deftones’ more softer songs, a break from their usual heavy sound.
Alice in Chains – Rain When I Die – Another band I’m a sucker for this time of year are the great Alice in Chains. Rain When I Die is from their classic 1992 album Dirt which is one of the greatest albums of all time (fact, not opinion), and I also think this song in particular is one of the most underrated on the album. Frontman Layne Staley’s voice is at one of his best performances here, along with the guitar lick that just soothes the soul and utters out all emotion.
Joy Division – Interzone – I’ve recently finished reading Joy Division bassist Peter Hook’s book, Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division, and really enjoyed it. It is a really insightful book on the band and is full of interesting and funny anecdotes about them and what they got up to, as well as of course the delve into the album Unknown Pleasures and the stories and meaning behind the lyrics. I often listened to the album whilst reading the book (as recommended by Peter) and Interzone was the one song on the album that caught my attention on this particular day. This is one of few songs with Peter on vocals (as well as Ian Curtia) and is one of the less miserable sounding songs on Unknown Pleasures, it’s a song with a skip in its step.
Helmet – Like I Care – Helmet are a band I have recently discovered in the past few months and I’m really stoked to be writing about them and my new found love for them. I can’t remember ever hearing of them before which I’m surprised about because their music and sound is exactly the kind of post-hardcore rock music I love. Like I Care is from their 1997 Aftertaste album which got very poor reviews as far as I can see from my research. I haven’t listened to the album as a whole but if it is as bad as the critics say, I would be very surprised because I think this song rocks. It has a weighted bassline throughout alongside crashing drums and lyrics that sound very Deftones inspired by how suggestive and almost flirtatious they are. It’s your typical, late 90’s alternative rock. This song made me listen to their other works such as their 1994 album Betty, which is sick; I guess I should probably check out the rest of Aftertaste now too.
High Vis – Walking Wires – Finally, to wrap up October’s edition of On Repeat, I have selected a song from another band I have listened to a lot this past month or so. London-based post punk High Vis were at Outbreak this year and unfortunately I didn’t get to see them and hadn’t listened to them before, so I checked them out a couple of months ago and was absolutely kicking myself for not doing so earlier. They’re a really good band and I really like their song Walking Wires from their 2019 debut album No Sense No Feeling. Walking Wires was the first single before the album was released and has an absolutely stunning intro riff, met by pattering drums creating an 80’s style post punk sound.
That’s it for October, thank you for reading and be sure to check out all ten tracks, which have been added to The Ruthless Raver Spotify playlist below:
September came around pretty quickly this year, which meant summer has well and truly ended; but I still managed to stretch the fun out for longer. I started a new job working from home (which gives me so much more time to focus on the blog and my writing), and gave myself a well deserved week off before I started, which included going to Alton Towers and lots of retail therapy, and then I went on holiday to Spain to finish the month off! Now summer is done, and autumn has arrived, its finally time for spooky season, which means On Repeat is about to get a whole lot darker! Here are my top ten favourite tracks I listened to the most in September:
AISHA, Franck – Bump It XO – The first track for September is a collaborative number from Scottish producers AISHA and Franck released in August on his label, Carouse Records. Bump It XO is from their EP, Helfy Rapid and is an ode to 00’s Scottish culture they experienced growing up and the current burgeoning European hard dance scene. Expect massive BPM, and massive energy. Make sure you check out the three-track EP as a whole if you love hard dance, this is a great release!
Jimmy Whoo – Nite Eye (Featuring Sabrina Bellaouel and Loubenski) – Slowing things down now, this next song comes from Parisian producer Jimmy Whoo featuring fellow French artists Sabrina Bellaouel on vocals and Loubenski on the production. Nite Eye is from his 2017 album, Motel Music Pt. II, which is part of his series of albums, all titled Motel Music (either part one, two, or three); and the third and most recent volume of which was released in June this year. Nite Eye is the only song of his I have listened to, but from this song alone you can immediately feel the sunset strip, motel vibes. French-Algerian singer Sabrina Bellaouel’s voice adds a delicate touch of R&B to the track, and alongside the electronic production makes a stunning late night song overall.
Skin On Skin – Burn Dem Bridges – Upping the pace again here, next we have the latest single from South Sudan born, Australian-based producer Skin On Skin, Burn Dem Bridges. The track went viral online before its release, as he played this in his incredible AVA Boiler Room set and rightly so, became one of the most highly awaited releases of this year. I won’t say too much as I wrote a new release article about this track for Oculate, which you can read here: https://oculate.uk/archive/music/burndembridges-sos
IDLES – Samaritans – IDLES are one of the most popular bands to come out of the UK in the past three or four years, and I have really got into them a lot lately. Samaritans is from their 2018 album, Joy As An Act Of Resistance and was one of the several singles released prior to the release of the album. The snarling punk song is a searing takedown of toxic masculinity, confronting the subject and exploring the mental pressures it causes. It is a song to make a statement, and makes IDLES one of the most important bands in UK punk.
bdrmm – Happy – From punk, and now to shoegaze from Hull five piece, bdrmm. Happy is from their 2020 album, Bedroom, which I assume is how you pronounce the name of the band, too. This is the only song I really know by the band, having not yet listened to the full album yet but if Happy is anything to go by then I am sure I will not be disappointed. What stands out to me the most is the beautiful guitar work on the song and nothing like what you may expect from typical melancholic shoegaze, Happy, as its title may suggest, is a bright and upbeat track, speaking of the release that comes from a breakup; a more positive account of a heartbreak which focuses on moving on with life.
The Rolling Stones – Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’ – The oldest release this month is The Stones’ Can’t You Hear Me Knockin, released on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. It took me about 22 years to appreciate The Rolling Stones as I always though they were really overrated, but the more they have come up on my Spotify over the past two years, I am starting to think that maybe my music taste is just maturing like fine wine. This is my favourite song by them, opening with a Keith Richards guitar intro, this is pure rock and roll.
Antss – Stopp – I may be lowering the tone here quite a lot, as the next track selection for September is one of tech house from Antss, his single Stopp released in 2021 on Solid Grooves (yikes). It is not very often I find a tech house track that really wows me these days, but boy did I put any slander behind me after listening to Stopp for the first time. It embodies a no nonsense floor-filler , be that a dancefloor, kitchen floor or even the fields of summer festivals with its rubbery bass patterns, metallic drum shots and hooky vocal interjections.
Big Bite – Relentless Healing – Back to a more, shoegaze, grunge release now from Seattle band Big Bite, with their song Relentless Healing from their 2018 self titled album. Consisting of eight songs and only 22 minutes long, the album was released on Turnstile / Trapped Under Ice label Pop Wig. Relentless Healing features a monotone vocal and warbling guitar riffs, giving that post-punk feel. This is probably my favourite of September’s selection, just because of the grunge, post-punk sound I absolutely love.
Praise – Makes No Sense – Whilst were on the lines of rock releases, here is my final of the genre for September. Makes No Sense is a melodic hardcore song from Baltimore rockers Praise, who are another mash up band with members coming from other similar bands, including Champion’s Andy Norton on vocals, Turnstile’s Daniel Fang on drums, and members of Have Heart, Mindset and Sacred love.
Burnski – Go – The final selection for September and the final dance release is the British wizard of production Burnski’s track Go from his Trigger EP, released on the 2nd of September on Constant Sound. Go perfectly encapsulates UKG, with rough bass and a killer 4×4 groove, this is set to cause serious damage on a dancefloor.
Thank you for reading all about September’s favourites, all ten tracks have been added to the Ruthless Raver On Repeat Spotify Playlist below:
August was another fun filled month for me as always, I went to the very first Teletech Festival in Manchester at Bowler’s Exhibition Centre and Leeds Festival for the 5th time (and most definitely my last), and I even got to meet Mall Grab! Here are my top ten favourite tracks for August:
Show Me The Body – Loose Talk – I think everyone knows by now that I will literally never be over Outbreak this year so don’t expect me to stop going on about it any time soon. One band I hadn’t listened to much before the festival were Show Me The Body who played on the Sunday, and their set left me with a desire to listen to them some more. Loose Talk is the first single released this year from the New York hardcore trio, which came out in July after I saw them in June, and is a drawn-back curtain into what else is to come from the band.
Brian Eno – King’s Lead Hat – Next up is a new-wave, psychedelic rock song song from Brian Eno. Originally performing with Roxy Music, Eno left the band in 1973 and began working on his own extensive catalogue of music. King’s Lead Hat was released in 1977 and is the fifth track on his album, Before and After Science. King’s Lead Hat, in my opinion, is a seriously overlooked pop rock masterpiece; I am familiar with Brian Eno’s work such as the absolutely stunning Ending (Ascent) from zombie horror film 28 Days Later, but upon first listen I could not believe I had never heard this before until a few months ago. It is mechanically rhythmic, and the title of the song is actually an anagram of Talking Heads, as apparently it is supposed to be a tribute to them. After King’s Lead Hat, Eno went on to produce Talking Head’s second, third and fourth albums.
Dax J – China White – Techno king Dax J released his latest EP this August, titled Brixton. China White is the fourth and final track on the EP and my favourite on the release, the only problem is, it just leaves you wanting more from him, four tracks was not enough! Personally I think he really did save the best track until last here, its an explosion of face melting techno from the get go. Hopefully the EP is a teaser of another upcoming Dax album where we can hear more stuff like this, for longer.
Megan Thee Stallion – Captain Hook – I have absolutely no shame that my favourite set of Leeds Festival was Megan Thee Stallion’s on the Saturday night. I have always liked our Meg, I knew she was going to be good but I never thought she would be THAT good, she absolutely blew me away with her performance. Within her setlist, she sang the outrageous Captain Hook, from her 2020 album, Suga. I made a feeble attempt to pretend I knew the lyrics when I was watching her, but I managed nothing but a babble of gibberish, as you do when you literally don’t know what you’re saying. It was only upon my return home from Leeds festival when I Googled the lyrics, that I made the discovery that the song is actually a musical metaphor for a man who is phallically bent.
Rage Against The Machine – Know Your Enemy – I have spent most of my years wanting to see Rage Against The Machine live as they’re one of my favourite bands of all time; unfortunately my dream was shat on from a very great height they pulled out of Leeds festival this yearand they were the only reason I was going which was fucking marvellous, and to make matters so much worse, they were replaced by The 1975 which felt like a very personal attack considering how much I don’t like their music. Know Your Enemy is from Rage’s 1992 self titled album featuring the political statement image of a burning monk, and features Tool’s Maynard James Keenan on the bridge. The song itself is about identifying those who are there to make us conform, and therefore are more effective in creating change. Frontman Zack De Le Rocha claimed his teachers were his enemies as they told him to fight his own humanity.
Kush Jones – Earth Note – The second dance release for August is from US producer Kush Jones. Earth Note is from his 2020 release, EP (which funnily enough is an EP), released on Future Times. The track has a loose groove but the energy is plentiful, all thanks to the deep synths alongside claps and high hats to create texture and emotion throughout.
Fantastic Man – Aurora Digitalis – Keeping with the dance releases now, the next one on the list is from German producer Fantastic Man. His track Aurora Digitalis was released in November 2019 on his EP DJ Mentality on Superconscious Records, which he co-runs. The track is layered with piano over hypnotising pads which draw to the peaceful sound of birdsong alongside a vocal “woo” sample. Overall a really great track that is making me miss the summer nights.
Mall Grab – Times Change (Feat. D Double E, Novelist) – One of my favourite releases of this year so far which came out in august is Mall Grab’s latest album, What I Breathe. Times Change is one of my favourite tracks on there, mostly due to the collaboration with grime MC’s D Double E and Novelist, both of whom’s music I like very much. The track is a divergence from Mall Grab’s regular, high-octane sound as it is rammed with rolling breaks and heavy basslines as well as murky, syncopated drum patterns. Times Change was one of the singles released before the album, I believe it was the second single after Understand with Turnstile’s Brendan Yates. Both London legends Novelist and D Double bring their own signature styles and finesse to the track, with intelligent lyricism, smooth flow and even hardcore influences seeping in. I was lucky enough to meet Mall Grab at Rough Trade in Nottingham shortly after the album was released, where he did a signing and played an intimate DJ set. He was so lovely and we had a great chat about music and his collaborations with Turnstile and Brendan.
Jacidorex – Titania – One of the more harder dance releases comes from Belgian techno don Jacidorex. Titania is from his most recent EP, Two Minded, also released in August on 999999999’s label, Nine Times Nine. Much like Dax J’s China White, this is another track where you are hit with soul splitting techno, it’s the musical equivalent of opening an oven door.
Politics Of Dancing X DJOKO & Lowris – And now ending on a more softer BPM, with some minimal house from legend of the genre DJOKO and Politics of Dancing with their collaborative track on the label of the same name as the artist, Politics of Dancing. The release is a two track EP featuring tracks from both DJOKO and Lowris, and DJOKO’s cut is a spaced out transcender of house with warm pads and metallic drums.
That wraps it up for August and for the summer. Coming soon will be September and October’s editions. I’m very excited to share my Autumn favourite tracks. All of August’s favourites have been added to the On Repeat Playlist on Spotify below:
Welcome back to another monthly roundup of my favourite tracks I listened to the most. Here are July’s top ten:
Cat Power – Pa Pa Power – American singer songwriter Charlyn Marie Marshall AKA Cat Power is notorious for her incredibly spell bounding covers of already amazing songs – if she covers something, you know it’s going to be good. Pa Pa Power is a cover of Ryan Gosling’s band Dead Man’s Bones’ (consisting of Gosling and Zach Shields) song from their only album, self titled. I went to see her this summer in July when she supported Pearl Jam in London at their British Summer Time gig at Hyde Park, unfortunately she didn’t play this (or her exceptional cover of Lana Del Rey’s White Mustang which I was hoping to hear the most) but did perform a setlist that included a cover of Bad Religion by Frank Ocean. She has a very distinct voice that is very drawing, and with the haunting, goth-themed lyrics of the Dead Man’s Bones duo, this is another top shelf cover for Power.
Negroni Nails – White Matter – An electro release I’ve had in my library for years, but seemed to have forgotten about. I was reminded of this when I ordered a Negroni cocktail for the first time (quite simply, the cocktail reminded me of the artist) when I was out in Sheffield this summer, which I won’t ever be doing again because of how strong it was, couldn’t even finish it and ended up giving it away. Anyway, White Matter is an outrageously groovy seven minute club-ready cut for dancing. This is one of my favourite electro tracks of all time.
Mac Miller – People Under The Stairs – This song comes from the latest of Mac Miller’s post-homously released albums, I Love Life, Thank You. The album was originally a mixtape he made in 2011, his sixth to be exact, then was re-issued this July. People Under The Stairs is the second song on the release, and is a really nice little interlude, which features a sample of San Francisco Knights by Los Angeles hip hop duo, People Under The Stairs, hence the title.
Locklead – Bumpin’ Headz – It’s been a while since I have included any minimal in the On Repeat series, but one track I couldn’t get enough of this summer was Locklead’s Bumpin’ Headz, released in December 2021 on Chris Stussy’s label, Up The Stuss. The track is thriving with shimmering, bouncy chords.
Body Maintenance – Glass Faces – My favourite rock release of July is from Australian post-hardcore band Body Maintenance. Glass Faces is from their self titled EP, released in February 2021 on Unwound Records. This is the opening track on the EP and it bursts with grimy punk, cloudy guitar tangled with frontman Riley Stafford’s looming vocals. They were hard to research as they have no online presence whatsoever, and the EP is their only release so far. Hopefully they will release more like this because this is one of my favourite songs at the moment and I love the badass, grunge feel to it.
Chris Liberator & Sterling Moss – Croydon Girl – The techno release for July is the ever-classic, Croydon Girl by infamous duo Chris Liberator & Sterling Moss, originally released in 2011 on a Stay Up Forever compilation. If you’re into techno, this track needs no introduction. If you aren’t, you will be after listening to this. It’s a guaranteed party starter and always a hit on a dancefloor. It’s throbbing with acid techno and a thundering percussion alongside a pounding kick drum and a heavy, rumbling bass. Not to mention the iconic vocal sample of, “cos I love fat 303’s, fat rigs, fast drugs, fuck you”.
Pearl Jam – Even Flow – As mentioned earlier, I went to see Pearl Jam in London this Summer after an eight year wait to see them since I was 16. Even Flow is from their 1991 album Ten. This is one of the greatest rock albums ever made and Even Flow is my favourite track on there and in my opinion one of Pearl Jam’s best. It opens immediately with a guitar riff and straight into Eddie Vedder’s vocals, which are the narration of the life of a homeless person. In this song., they have managed to turn such sore subject into a solid greatest hit of rock.
Pixies – Debaser – I also saw Pixies play at Hyde Park alongside Pearl Jam and Cat Power, which was a dream come true for me as I have loved them for such a long time too, and Doolittle is one of my personal favourite albums ever. Debaser is my favourite song from the album which was released in April 1989. I was waiting for this to be played throughout their set, and when they finally did I was in the queue for the bar! But I still managed to have a dance and sing along when I was getting my pint before running back to the crowd to enjoy the rest of their set. The opening bass on this song is smooth, ever present throughout the song as the verses and chorus come in, Debaser took ten minutes to write and inspired Kurt Cobain.
AADJA – Falling In A Dream (D. Dan Remix) – Another techno release for July is American born, German based D.Dan’s remix of Canadian producer AADJA’s track Falling In A Dream. The remix was released in July 2021 on AADJA’s EP of the same name. It is a deep, pulsing power dub of groove techno with that more darker, streamlined feel to it.
Nina Kraviz – Skyscrapers (Dissolver Remix) – Finally for July, we have Dutch producer Dissolver’s remix of Russian techno aficionado Nina Kraviz’ track Skyscrapers. This version of the track was teased several times including in Dissolver’s HÖR set earlier this year and was released on the 22nd of July. It has that very distinctive sound of his, and it starts off with heavy thuds but builds up nicely to a really uplifting track overall. This is my second favourite remix of the track, after Hi-Lo (Oliver Heldens)’s take.
Thank you for reading about July’s top ten, all tracks added to The Ruthless Raver: On Repeat playlist below:
Here are my top ten tracks I loved the most in May ’22:
ESG – Dance – The first track for May is New York’s all female band from the 70’s ESG’s Dance. I came across this track from my Spotify daily mixes and despite its age, it is one of the grooviest and coolest songs. Dance was originally released on the band’s first full length album Come Away With ESG in 1983 and has been sampled in many speed garage tracks of the 90s and have been very influential amongst other genres including hip hop and dance-punk. I had never even heard of ESG before I listened to this song, so they are clearly one of the best kept secrets of the 70’s and 80’s.
Rove Ranger – In My Mind – Next up is In My Mind from German producer Rove Ranger. In My Mind was released on Asquith’s label Lobster Theremin in May 2020 on the EP 101010 and is a sexy cut of peak time techno with 90’s nostalgia. It blends lush vocal samples of the track title “In My Mind” with more housier elements and squelching basslines, definitely a club pumper.
Hermeth – Situationship – An electro pick for this month is Swiss DJ and producer Hermeth’s track Situationship from his 2019 album After My Bae. This is a track I have loved for a few months so it had to get a feature at some point in the series. Hermeth is an artists for those that love electro (obviously) as well as breaks and getto tech. This will be the vibe track for the summer ahead I have planned, it is dirty breakbeat meets electro, and features a sample of Iggy Azalea’s Work.
Coon Daddy – Big Baller – Another electro track for May is Coon Daddy’s Big Baller, released on Databass Records back in December 2004 on the Big Baller EP. This is one of my favourite tracks I have discovered recently, again, thanks to Spotify daily mixes. It is a track loved by the likes of Partyboi69 which is no surprise as it is a head bopper of a track that sounds like it belongs in the tiled bathroom of Berlin’s Hor mix series.
Viers – Dolphin Telephone – Here we have some breakbeat mixed with piano house from UK producer Viers aka Jordan Saxton. This is definitely more of a summer track due to its genre elements as it is so uplifting and pours out good vibes with an old school sound. It is also one that could be deemed as a festival essential for a house music set in the sunshine, attracting that front left crowd.
Ice Nine Kills – Hip To Be Scared – Now for the non-dance music related releases, I’ll start off with one by a band I have become very familiar with after seeing everyone’s Instagram stories and Tiktok’s of Bring Me The Horizon’s Malta Weekender, Ice Nine Kills. I began listening to them as they played the Saturday at Download festival which I attended the following week. This song in particular is a pop punk take on American Psycho’s most popular song on the soundtrack, Hip To Be Squared, originally by Huey Lewis and The News.
Deftones – Rocket Skates – The main reason I went to Download was to see Deftones, who have been my favourite band since I was about 15/16. Rocket Skates is from their 2010 album Diamond Eyes and is one of their heavier, screaming songs. This was on their Download setlist so I got to hear the roars of “guns, razors, knifes”.
Jeff Buckley – Grace – I have had a Jeff Buckley obsession this year, I don’t really know what started it off but Grace from the album of the same name is an absolutely stunning song and I wish I had began listening to him sooner. He was a man of pain and passion, and you can hear it through his voice and lyrics.
Bad Seed – Justice Deserved – Next is one of my favourite hardcore punk discoveries from my Spotify daily mixes, Pennsylvania’s Bad Seed’s song Justice Deserved from their self titled EP released in 2009. It’s badass and packs a solid riff, and the lyrics represent an anger towards a wrong-doer. You can’t help but shout along and feel the frustration.
Megadeath – Symphony of Destruction – Finally for May is another Download-esque song from Megadeath who also played at the festival this year. Sadly we missed them as we were waiting for Deftones who came on late. I had never listened to Megadeath much before the line up was released but Symphony of Destruction is one that stands out to me the most. It opens with a harmonic choir, then goes straight into a gritty guitar intro, and I would say it is a proper dad rock classic!
March soon came around after what was a very fast beginning to 2022. I’m slowly but surely getting back on track with my writing and post commitments after a very busy start to the year, with preparing for my driving test (which I passed, woo!), preparing for Tribal Warehouse’s opening 2022 show with Skream, and being appointed as event manager for Nottingham based event brand Intuition Events. This time only a little late; here are my favourite songs I had on repeat in March:
Malevolence – On Broken Glass – Sheffield based heavy metal band Malevolence released their first of two new singles in late February, On Broken Glass. They also announced their new album, Malicious Intent, due for release on the 20th May this year. I heard them play On Broken Glass live for the first time in September, where they played a hometown gig in Sheffield alongside Leeds based hardcore band Rough Justice and Essex based Splitknuckle, where they actually filmed the video for On Broken Glass that day. The single is sublime, as is the second of the singles, Life Sentence. I am predicting an absolutely massive year for them after the album release. They are heavy metal royalty and deserve so much more recognition from outside of the UK hardcore scene as well as the dedication from current UK fans. Expect eye watering riffs and gut rendering vocals.
Overmono – Gunk – Brothers Tessela and Truss released their first single of 2022, Gunk on the 8th of March. The track is taken from the London based duo’s upcoming project, Cash Romantic, due for release on the 8th of April. Gunk is an addictive listen, which fuses elements of house and techno with UK garage. The single cover artwork features a gorgeous Doberman, much like the artwork for Diamond Cut/Bby, and the Everything U Need EP.
DJ Steaw – Tribute To Doug Willis – A minimal house pick now from Parisian DJ and producer DJ Steaw. Tribute To Doug Willis is from Steaw’s West Side EP released in March 2019 on ever popular label, Rutilance Recordings. The track is a funky, deep house cut with a French touch featuring a sample of British DJ and house producer David Russel Lee aka Doug Willis’ I Got It.
Folly Group – Sand Fight – One of my favourite indie discoveries of recent is Sand Fight by London based collective Folly Group. Within the song, Sand Fight delivers an audio-ode to the quartet’s youth of being carefree with limitless energy. From their 2021 EP, Awake and Hungry, this song is an essential for your indie playlist. Their sound is slightly reminiscent of the likes of Idles, and they are definitely a band to listen out for.
Joe Unknown – Ride – Another indie pick for this month is Joe Unknown’s Ride. The song is his only release on Spotify, adding a mysterious element to his overall demeanour as an artist. Spoken word vocals combined with gritty, urban lyrics describing day to day British Culture. Not quite rap but now quite punk, Joe Unknown has a distinct sound similar to the likes of Slaves, Sleaford Mods or Slowthai.
Sunny Day Real Estate – The Blankets Were The Stairs – This song is a discovery I made from TikTok, where creators ask day to day people roaming the streets what songs they are listening to. I already knew Sunny Day Real Estate from their songs In Circles and Song About An Angel, which are on the same album as The Blankets Were the Stairs, called Diary which was released back in 1994. Having never listened to the album in full, I hadn’t heard this song before I had seen the TikTok, which lead me to listen to the full album, and it is a perfect example of 90s grunge punk. Featuring whiney vocals like most soft punk bands, and a lovely bass pattern in the chorus.
DJ Mell G – I Fuck As I Live – Spotify discover weekly came through with the electro in March with German based producer DJ Mell G’s I Fuck As I Live. The single was released in 2020 and is a fast paced banger which combines various styles in one track, showing just how badass on production she is. I can expect the likes of DJ Stingray to be rinsing this track in future sets!
The Clash – The Magnificent Seven – I don’t often feature classic, iconic bands within my posts, as it often goes without saying. The Clash need no introduction, but they are one of the best bands ever to come out of the UK and the original punk scene. The Magnificent Seven is one I’ve had on repeat throughout March as it was sampled in Pete Tong’s mix for The Ministry Of Sound’s The Annual II, which I have been listening to on my way to work in the car. The song was inspired by the likes of US early rap musicians The sugar hill Gang and The Grandmaster Flash and is one of the earliest recorded attempts of a band attempting to write and perform rap, especially with its lyrics of social and political content. The Magnificent Seven is one of The Clash’s most underrated songs in my opinion, and irrefutable proof of their eclecticism. Listen out for the killer bassline alongside Joe Strummer’s songwriting *chef’s kiss*.
Dissolver – Amputee Thai Chi – One of my favourite artists at the moment who I cannot stop listening to is Dissolver, and if you asked me for my top five DJs, he would be up there. Amputee Thai Chi is a pumping electro track featuring an intriguing build up to claps and a vocal sample leading up to a perfect drop, back to low thudding kicks all put together with those elements. The track comes from the compilation album COURTOISYD03, featuring other artists such as Frazi.er and Charlie Sparks. At only 23 years old, the Netherlands producer his soaring up to an incredibly high status within dance music, if he isn’t there already.
SNTS – Hopeless (Paula Temple’s Descent Into Madness Remix) – Finally, my irl soundtrack pick for this month is Paula Temple’s remix of SNTS’ Hopeless. I went to Re-Textured at Printworks where I finally got to see Paula, and this track was one I listened to the most before attending to increase the excitement. Both SNTS and Paula Temple are well known in techno for their unrelenting sounds both in DJ sets and production, with high bpm and industrial components to provide an audio experience into hell. This track does exactly that, taking you deep into the realms of underground industrial techno.
Spotify playlist with all tracks from my On Repeat series has been updated as always, which you can find below. Have a listen for yourself! :
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