Having cemented himself within the UK’s vibrant scene the past couple of years, DJ, producer and co-founder of newly founded imprint Par Avion, Agrippa moved into new territories with the release of his first 12” earlier this year on Berlin-based label Version. Heavily championed by the likes of the whole Swamp 81 crew, Madam X and Peverelist, Agrippa has also released on Silas and Snare’s Brotherhood Sound System and Birmingham based Circular Jaw. Celebrating the launch of Par Avion, Agrippa – alongside Henry Greenleaf and Meta – will be releasing a joint compilation titled ‘Passed for Transmission Vol. 1’ in August. To give us a taste of what to expect from the label, Agrippa has pulled together his top 10 UK bass tracks.
Loop LF – Drive 22 [Well Street Records]
Just wicked tribal drums and the kick is no joke. All the early Well Street stuff has been really exciting and can’t wait to see what else they’ve got in store!
Hodge & Randomer – Slippin (Kowton Remix) [Clone Basement Series]
I’m almost scared to play this tune anymore, as I know the hook will haunt my dreams for days after. Mad infectious lead line and loads of weight down low – classic kowton, really.
Agrippa – Harbour Run [Version]
I wrote this tune after being stuck in Warsaw for a while after my first ever international gig, due to my companion going missing and losing their passport. I felt quite isolated and had some sketchy dreams about getting a boat home. Was quite an intense time, emotionally, and I hope that comes through.
Lack – Untitled [Forthcoming Cong Burn]
https://congburn.bandcamp.com/
Everything Lack sends me these days has me excited! I’m almost gutted it’s seeing a release as has been one of my favourite dubs for a while – sure deserves one though, so big up Cong Burn! Every time I’ve run this tune the buzzsaw type lead just rips through the place.
Paleman – Paranoid Loop [PLMN]
Paleman was always someone I looked up to when coming into the scene and watching him carve out this new niche with his modular gear has been really interesting. The A side to his latest self-released EP is kind of a wicked mid-point between UK and more euro sounds. He’s given me a lot of advice on tunes throughout the last couple of years, and it’s always reassuring to see the kinds of ideas/moods we discuss being executed so expertly. Look out for his new stuff later this year!
Sayah – Backwards Acid [Harmless Youth]
https://soundcloud.com/harmless-youth/youth002-sayah-backwards-acidtension-ep-out-on-6th-june
I definitely tend to turn over the vibe/structure of my sets a lot quicker than most of my peers, usually because Henry and myself work on so much. Sayah sent me this tune a couple of years ago, though, and I still play it a lot – sums it up really.
Lamont – Dope [Forthcoming 81]
This tune is just silly and has never failed to get a wheel whenever I’ve played it out in a club. Watch out for Lamont’s next offering on 81!
Emancipator – The Darkest Evening of the Year
Certainly not UK techno, however, I’ve started opening sets with this old Emancipator bit of late. The album found its way into my collection when I was 14 or so, and is a masterpiece full of warm trip-hop-style stuff. The fact it ends on such a sombre note always hit me quite hard, and it’s definitely quite an anxious/emotive piece just on its own. Quite nice to be finding stuff on old hard drives to work into my current sets!
Meta – Fault Line [Forthcoming Par Avion]
Why is this the B side? Noone knows.
Laksa – Delicates [Ilian Tape]
Laksa’s latest offering on Ilian tape is sick – go check it!
‘Passed for Transmission Vol. 1’ will be released in August on Par Avion