January: 9 breaks releases you need to hear this month

Plump DJs 'Lose Your Mind' (Punks)

After receiving an overwhelming response during their Glastonbury set last summer, Lee Rous and Andy Gardner knew this gem just had to be released. Recently inspired by the output on Punks, The Plump's have been back in the studio firing out some pure belters lately. This is their fourth EP on the label, and features vibrant, colourful chords offset by one of the dirtiest basslines we've heard in a while. It’s definitely their strongest release in recent years.

10/10

Boy 8-Bit 'Action Break' (Kicks & Snares)

We've not heard much from Boy 8-Bit recently, but he returns in fine form here in order to breathe some life back into the UK funky sound. Experimental hooks undoubtedly constructed from a vast array of quirky hardware join snare-driven beats on this refreshingly different and stripped-back stomper.

8/10

Otik 'Acne Downs' (Durkle Disco)

2016 was a busy year for London-based producer Otik. We've been fans of his for a while, with last year’s ‘Push & Run’ EP really hitting the right spot. If you're not familiar with his work, ‘Acne Downs’ is a perfect introduction with its raw, urban vocals and dark, moody soundscapes.

7/10

Code 23 'Want My Love' (Shadow Child & SPY present Code 23) (Food)

Shadow Child hooks up with d’n’b heavyweight SPY once again on their collaborative project Code 23, which brings more of those early 90s jungle vibes. They've mastered the sound brilliantly here with ravey overtones, fiery drum breaks and nostalgic, piano-led breakdowns.

8/10

Mani Festo x Denham Audio 'Favela' (Boom Ting)

Sheffield production trio Denham Audio first blipped on our radar back in October with their Amen breaks-flavoured rework of RNBWS’ ‘Breakage’. They join forces with London's Mani Festo on this minimalistic, breakbeat monster that’s ideal for those dark, smokey basement parties.

7/10

Linden Jay feat Shola Ama 'Lose Again' (Born Dirty remix) (100Ft)

Linden Jay remixes his own track, here, under his Born Dirty alias, with fellow producer Son Of Kick also lending a hand. The booming yet subtle bassline we heard on their Dirtybird debut last summer is back in full effect, joining Shola Ama's chopped-up vocals and some tasty electro breakbeats.

8/10

DJ Shadow 'Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt' (Bondax & Karma Kid remix) (Island)

DJ Shadow, Bondax and Karma Kid – what a combination of names. Two decades after its release, DJ Shadow’s iconic ‘Endtroducing’ album gets a brand new facelift from some of today's biggest names. Centred around the original's haunting pianos, Bondax and Karma Kid introduce a mixture of domineering low-end bass, contemporary beats and all other kinds of wonkiness along the way.

7/10

Jack Beats 'Body Work' (Night Bass)

AC Slater welcomes prolific UK duo Niall Dailly and Ben Geffin back to his Night Bass imprint for some more bass-heavy and bleepy madness. Their new release, ‘Body Work’, unwinds with churning basslines and one of those house-meets-breaks rhythms we're hearing more and more of on this label.

8/10

Soft As Snow 'I Adore' (Troy Gunner remix) (Fabric & Houndstooth)

Fabric Records and Houndstooth release this whopping 111-track compilation to raise funds for the #savefabric campaign. Troy Gunner's contribution is all about the beats and the bass as he rebuilds Soft As Snow’s original by reverb-drenched vocals and understated, moody keys.

8/10