November: 9 breaks releases you need to hear this month

MJ Cole & Shift K3Y 'Rampage Behaviour' (Thru The Nit3/Columbia)

After two decades in the scene, UK dance legend MJ Cole is still at the top of his game. Here, he teams up with Shift K3Y (pictured) for this short but sweet garage-inspired production combining reverberant vocals, bright, shimmering notes and deep, filthy bass. Both artists have topped the charts in the past, but opt to take things back to the underground on this moody, thought-provoking affair.

9/10

Evil Nine 'Your Girl' (BRØKEN)

For those that missed it first time around, Broken Records have re-released Evil Nine’s 2014 gem ‘Your Girl’. As usual, Tom and Pat deliver beautifully crafted breaks full of rumbling basslines and cinematic soundscapes that build patiently throughout. The releases are sparse these days, but they’re always worth the wait.

8/10

Laptop Funkers 'Where The Funkers At' (Breakbeat Paradise)

Fans of the 90s big beat sound should definitely check out Laptop Funkers’ new ‘Feel The Goodness’ EP. Our favourite pick, ‘Where The Funkers At’, has a definite early-Fatboy Slim feel with its funky horns, head-nodding beats and hip hop vocal loops – and while the production could be tighter, it’s still solid.

7/10

Born Dirty 'Mum’s Money' (Jakwob remix) (Way Way)

London's Jakwob steps up on remix duties here, laying down a distorted and twisted breaks mix of Born Dirty’s track ‘Mum’s Money’. The churning lead hook is experimental to say the least, but this innovative producer has never been scared to push boundaries and take risks.

8/10

CRT CLSSX 'Habits' (Oatmilk Industries)

Jamie Rodigan and Aaron Horn have joined forces under the alias CRT CLSSX on this tropical blend of percussive downtempo beats, dancehall-influenced melodies and warm, sun-drenched synths. As soon as this landed in our inbox, we knew we were in for something very special; we’ll be keeping a close eye on this pair.

9/10

Josh Brown 'Peeling Grapes With Your Toes' (This Ain't Bristol)

It’s hard to pin a label on this interestingly titled track. It kicks off proceedings with rolling 4/4 beats before taking you on a cascading journey that includes smoky and euphoric synths, cheeky jungle fills and monstrous, techie breakdowns. It’s definitely different, though, and we're fans of that.

8/10

Jade Marie & Ash Turner 'Act Stupid' (Hybrid Theory remix) (Four40)

Four40 label honchos Hybrid Theory transform Jade Marie and Ash Turner’s original house cut into a fiery breaks heater with a dominating, low-end bassline and raw, gritty vocals. The Birmingham duo are well known for their energetic hard hitters, but they strip things back on this one in order to take it in a new direction.

9/10

Endor 'Fever' (Syv remix) (Augmented Music)

Syv’s productions are instantly recognisable: their trademark understated bass licks and tricky drum lines are the staple ingredients on each release, and it’s that minimalistic approach which is responsible for turning the heads of everyone from Annie Mac to Hannah Wants. For a sample of this winning sound, check out their great new remix of Endor’s ‘Fever’.

8/10

Rony Blue 'I'm So Sorry' (Sub Slayers)

Singer-songwriter Rony Blue teams up once again with Sub Slayers’ label favourite King Yoof on this enchanting rework of Carroll Thompson’s 1981 reggae hit ‘I’m So Sorry’. The original mix combines Rony’s captivating vocals with summery jungle vibes, while Potential Badboy ramps things up on the flip by flying the d’n’b flag.

8/10