December: 9 breaks releases you need to hear this month

Radiohead 'Codex' (Left/Right remix) (White)

Dallas-born producer Left/Right transforms Radiohead’s 2011 album track ‘Codex’ into a breathtaking club affair while skilfully maintaining the integrity of the original. Kicking his rework off on a house tip, he moulds dreamy piano chords around Thom Yorke's trademark vocals before blending in some understated broken beats. Eyes closed and hands in the air: this one has seminal club moment written all over it.

9/10

Kalahara 'Wildfire' (Black Echo)

Newly formed UK duo Kalahara, aka Lex Shellard and Lydia Kaye, unleash their debut EP on their brand new imprint Black Echo. Sterling remixes come curtesy of Howson’s Groove and Jabru, but it’s the original cut, featuring Kaye’s heart-wrenching vocals and driving rhythms, that makes the most impact. A fantastic introduction to their new project.

8/10

FaltyDL feat ų-Ziq 'Frigid Air' (Blueberry)

FaltyDL’s recent output focuses more towards the private listening experience than the club crowds. This is certainly the case with ‘Frigid Air’, the standout track from his new album that twists and swirls through heavenly, layered synths and rich, percussive beats. Sit back, relax and absorb this thought-provoking production.

9/10

Shadow Child & Bodhi 'Um' (Food)

World-renowned house producer Shadow Child breaks up the beats on the first single from his much-anticipated new album ‘Connected’. He teams up with Bodhi on this d’n’b-inspired roller that builds suspense over a serene two minute intro, before kicking in with fiery reese bass and shuffling, garage beats.

8/10

System2 feat Harleighblu 'Kick The Groove' (Skint)

Skint Records was one of the originating big beat labels in the mid-90s. After deviating towards house in more recent years, it returns to its heritage sound on System2’s new release ‘Kick The Groove’. There’s some tasty drums, and vocalist Harleighblu can certainly carry a tune but, overall, it lacks direction.

6/10

Hybrid Theory & Trilla 'V.I.P' (Four40)

Hybrid Theory see out a hugely successful 2016 with an explosive new release. Birmingham pair James Crone and John Walsh deliver their usual filthy basslines, while label favourite Trilla returns on vocal duties and supplies a grimey edge that suits their sound oh-so well. This is yet another solid release for Four40's impressively flourishing portfolio.

8/10

Malvae 'Labyrinth' (basserk)

Dutch label Basserk celebrates a decade of releases – 130, in fact – with its finely selected new compilation ‘Bleeps, Beats & Bass’. Malvae’s stunning contribution ‘Labyrinth’ is one of the more downtempo and sombre affairs in the pack, but what it lacks in feel-good factor it more than makes up for in character.

7/10

TMSV 'Expensive Suit' (Tumble Audio)

Pan flutes, grinding basslines and edgy, ragga vocals might not sound like your usual combo, but TMSV has pulled it off and then some. On the flip, ‘Murder He Wrote’ turns in an even dirtier carnival-esque remix, while Bristol’s Archive blurs the lines perfectly between breaks and jungle.

8/10

Bromley 'Straight Up' (Punks)

Originally starting out as an instrumental, Bromley has now recruited Dread MC for this new version of ‘Straight Up’. His deep, moody vocals elevated the track to a whole new level and, with early support from Chris Lorenzo and Bicep, this dark heater is already turning heads across a multitude of genres.

8/10