May: 9 breaks releases you need to hear this month

Khésis 'Veil' (BRØKEN)

Khésis’ debut on BRØKEN made an instant impact as soon as it hit our inbox. It slowly unwinds with vibrant, industrial synths that creep in over bass-infused beats and seductive vocal chops. It’s by no means a typical fiery breaks track, but instead a progressive, mid-set game changer that really strikes a chord. We weren’t familiar with Khésis until now, but we’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on future endeavours.

10/10

Blackboxx 'Cheekbones' (Slime)

Edinburgh’s Blackboxx reignites the classic garage sound on his new EP for Slime. All four tracks are stunners, but ‘Cheekbones’ has the edge, luring you in with shuffling broken beats, contemporary r’n’b flavours and glorious, shimmering melodies: these are heritage UK sounds revitalised for today’s generation.

8/10

Synkro 'Everybody Knows' (Apollo)

Apollo Records packages up Synkro’s career-defining early material on his brand new album ‘Memories (2008–2011)’. ‘Everybody Knows’, one of the more energetic affairs in the collection, guides you through dreamy piano tones, warm atmospheric strings and crisp, polished beats; the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

7/10

Rory Lyons 'Dumpster' (Mooqee Beats edit) (Bombstrikes)

Rory Lyons’ original mix of ‘Dumpster’ received huge support from the likes of heavyweights Shiba San, A-Trak and Sinden. Two years on, Bombstrikes’ label owner Mooqee has given it a fresh lick for 2017, upping the pace with charged beats and one of the chunkiest basslines we’ve heard in quite a while.

9/10

Charlo, Refactor & Jungle 70 'Bad Boi' (Public Demand/Peace Of Mind)

Essex producer Charlo teams up with Refactor and Jungle 70 on this modernised rework of MC Uproar’s 90’s underground banger ‘Bad Boy’. Paying homage to the golden years of hardcore ragga, there are hints of early Freestylers with snare-driven big beats and classic, dancehall vocals. Watch out – this one’s going to be big.

8/10

Hypho & Squane 'Neurological System' (877)

Manchester’s Hypho turns in another dark, moody monster. Once again he’s working with LA’s Squane, with the pair eagerly tossing genre conventions aside to deliver their unique blend of sinister, dirty bass music and rolling, old-skool beats. This is smoky basement music at its best.

8/10

Letherette 'Sweeter' (Wulf)

After years of sitting on unreleased tracks, Andrew Harber and Richard Roberts (aka Letherette) showcase Wulf Records, their brand new platform for unleashing their tunes. Standout track ‘Sweeter’ is our favourite: rooted in retro slap-bass, funky electro synths and 80’s undertones throughout, it’s a a perfect taster of what’s to come.

7/10

MJ Cole feat Alyss 'Undo' (892)

After recently being given our Tune Of The Month prize with fellow collaborator Shift K3Y, legendary DJ and producer MJ Cole returns with another soul-stirring, vocal-led treat. ‘Undo’ was co-produced with Two Inch Punch, and is a captivating, radio-friendly gem that finds Cole striking the perfect balance between his many years of experience and knack for pioneering new trends.

8/10

Stanton Warriors x Hybrid Theory 'Under The Lights' (Punks)

When two of the biggest names in the scene join forces, you know something special is on the cards. ‘Under The Lights’ has it all: bass-heavy beats, stabby hooks and an epic breakdown. With festival season around the corner, this has summer smash written all over it.

9/10