January: 10 dubstep & grime releases you need to hear this month

Kahn & Neek 'Fabriclive 90' (fabric)

Bristol’s Kahn & Neek are a credit to their art. Operating within predominantly grime and dub circles apart from when they’re focusing on collaborative project Young Echo, they match musical know-how and staunch DJ presence with a respect for original tools of the trade: vinyl, turntables, dubplates. This release might have come at a time of turmoil for Fabric but, if any mix could reinstill some hope, it’s this one. Deftly mapped out but delivered in ruthless style, Kahn & Neek hurtle through a series of one-away dubs and forthcoming material in a mix that feels every bit a statement. Their mixing style pays homage to their love of sound-system music but is also defined by personal ties to their home city of Bristol. Good friends Boofy, Gemmy and Hi5Ghost all feature, as do members of Young Echo.Highlights include their remix of Spyro’s grime anthem ‘Topper Top’ and newcomer Jook’s ‘Juice’, but the real winners here are undoubtedly Kahn & Neek. They’re building quite a legacy.

9/10