It has been another colossal year for Drum & Bass with groundbreaking music coming out every week from a plethora of supremely talented and accomplished artists across the globe. 2019 has seen arguably the most anticipated jungle/drum & bass album of all time along with some cutting-edge music from the up and coming artists in the scene.
To celebrate the year of some stunning music, we decided to give you our favourite Drum & Bass releases this year in no particular order.
Need For Mirrors – Lambo
Let’s be honest, No one is making Drum & Bass like Need For Mirrors at the moment and if you are an ardent follower of Drum & Bass, you would know that “Lambo” has been a staple in every other set across Europe. The tune is a perfect crossover of Drum & Bass and Techno packed in the most futuristic style by the V Recordings extraordinaire.
Sam Binga & Redders - Vandilero (Particle Remix)
A new member of the Critical Music family, London based producer, Particle has been smashing it since the release of his release on Critical Music’s Binary Series. Since then, he has been on a relentless of top notch releases with this refix of Sam Binga’s Vandilero being the best of the lot.
Camo & Krooked – Loa
The ingenious Austrian Duo returned to Hospital Records, after nearly 2 years after the release of their highly successful album, Mosaik. “Loa” follows the unique style of Drum and bass Camo & Krooked have championed over the years. The tune is inspired by the roots of Haiti combined with the duo’s forward-thinking Drum & Bass swing.
Satl - Bravehearts (ft. Dan Stezo)
“Bravehearts” by the Polish sensation, Satl remained to be a dub for the best part of 2017, 2018 and 2019. Finally, in May 2019, this track saw the light of day on SunAndBass. Featuring Satl’s signature dubb-y textures along with Dan Stezo-fronted fire-tongue magnificence, “Bravehearts” is the perfect set starter.
J Majik – Serenity
One of the youngest members to have signed up for the legendary Metalheadz imprint back in 1994, J Majik is arguably one of the finest veterans of the scene. After delivering numerous bonafide classics like “Your Sound”, “Jim Kutta” and “Arabian Knights, the eclectic producer hadn’t released a full album for over 20 years. “Full Circle” which was released in May 2019, is J Majik’s first full album release after two decades and “Serenity” which is a dazzling tribute to the famous Good Looking Records sounds, is our favourite from the album.
UK Apache with Shy FX - Original Nuttah 25 (Chase & Status Remix ft. Irah)
It’s hard to believe that the genre’s most iconic tune is 25 years old and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Original Nuttah”, Chase & Status along with Irah delivered an absolute scorcher. Yet again, Chase & Status reminded us why they are the most celebrated producer’s in the scene by giving a fitting tribute to a timeless classic.
Sub Focus - Solar System
Probably one of the biggest releases of 2019 so far, if not the biggest. “Solar System” has Sub Focus DNA written all over it. To sum up this banger, we found just the right statement in the YouTube comments section; “This is what area 51 has really been hiding from us”. Absolutely, Sven Blake.
Benny L & Inja - Vanta Blackin
“Vanta Blackin” along with Inja is a sonic statement which is packed with marauding reese bass pressure, gushing pads, skippy hi-hats and funky little double kicks from the man on the moment, Benny L. Another contender for the tune of the year, Vanta Blackin is arguably Benny L’s darkest drum & bass offering to date.
Chase & Status - Program Ft. Irah
It is only fair that Chase & Status feature twice on our list; for one simple reason, “RTRN II JUNGLE”. Never in the history of the genre was an album anticipated and hyped as the trio’s ground-breaking RTRN II JUNGLE” album. It was incredibly difficult to pick a favourite from the album but after a lot of contemplation, we decided to go with “Program” which takes us back to the Champion Sound era of the genre. Certified Dancefloor demolisher.
Dimension - If You Want To
Any Drum & Bass top tracks list would be incomplete without a Dimension release. To give you a glimpse of the amount of damage this tune can do, head over to THIS link and fast forward it to 10.30. And yes, thanks us later.
*Another feature with tunes from our Indian folks coming up in a few days! :) And here's wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!