Drum 'N' Bass
June: 10 drum 'n' bass releases you need to hear this month
Kasra, Mikal, Dawn Wall and more
John B 'Unshakeable Viper' (Smasher)
When John B finishes a track and realises it’s turned out “Vipery”, you know you’ve established your sound. ‘Unshakeable’ begins with the kind of trancey synth staircases and space-girl vocals synonymous with our favourite sequin-covered scientist, but then drops into something altogether more menacing, as those immaculate phased synths undulate and refract with a hypnotic melodic sheen. Viper’s ‘100’ EP series completes its fourth instalment in style, after a romping collaboration from Futurebound and Jaguar Skills last month. It’s no mean achievement that it’s kept true to its 2004 ‘future funk’ beginnings, defining up-front, tear-out rippers with a dose of electro sizzle. Hats off.
7/10
