As a label always looking to push new talent and cover the full D&B spectrum, Dirtbox Recordings certainly keep listeners on their toes. From neuro and deep dark rollers to jungle and liquid, and boasting releases from artists like Kleu, Conrad Subs and Sola, it’s near impossible to predict what they’ve got cooking up. Fortunately, you don’t have to; Just Breathe’s incoming Reality EP provides a fix of unapologetically gritty, raw jump up, just in time for the peak of club season.
Following a string of remixes on Dirtbox, Guildford-based artist Just Breathe returns to the label for DRTBX078, delivering three original high energy jump up tracks. Each tune is ready-made for the dancefloor, none more so than the featured track ‘All Mad’. Fusing classic jump up basslines with his own unique production, the tune is both an ode to the lesser heard 00’s jump up style and a showcase of more modern sounds.
A multi-genre producer also spanning house, techno and garage, Just Breathe has already demonstrated his impressive versatility in drum & bass with releases on the likes of Sound Bully Audio and Red Alfa Records. From smooth liquid to punchy dancefloor, he is well-versed in producing all manner of flavours, very much in keeping with the Dirtbox ethos. The Reality EP sees Just Breathe master the aggy, club-focused jump up style.
‘All Mad’ encapsulates this bold sound. The weighty drums set the tone from the get-go, while the interplay of synth stabs and basslines is reminiscent of noughties jump up greats like Taxman, Original Sin and Dominator. While these influences are there to be heard, Just Breathe has adds his own unique twist, keeping the track fresh and unpredictable with intriguing sound design throughout. The whole EP follows suit, while also deploying dramatic instrumental build-ups and progressively outrageous sounds. If this latest release is a sign of things to come, then jump up heads will certainly want to keep an eye on Just Breathe.
The Reality EP drops on Dirtbox 24 October and lands on Beatport and Spotify. Click here to save or pre-order.