The EP opens with the heavy-hitting duo Ulterior Motive’s grimy, driving track “Radian” with a Noisia-esque bassline that perfectly compliments the industrious intro and quirky, shuffling symbols throughout the tune.

Next up, are two sound engineer geniuses in my opinion, Icicle & Proxima bringing you “Stimulation”. A track that brings both artists sounds together with clear snappy drums hitting over the top of some superb scratchy sound design topped off perfectly with heavy percussive fills.

On the more melodic spectrum of the EP, Drum & Bass veterans, Technimatic deliver this epic masterpiece, “Transference”. Starting off with a beautiful intro that leads perfectly into a huge drop filled with a huge driving bassline carried by a massive string undertone and a soothing vocal that’ll remind you why Technimatic are the best at their craft.

To close out this huge 4 track release, is Alix Perez’s gigantic remix of label head-honcho Friction and quartet Fourward’s “Battle Scars” featuring MC Jakes. Alix Perez has had quite a break from Drum & Bass while working more towards his half time and hip hop influenced tracks, but boy oh boy are happy to have him back for this perfect remix to end the EP on. From it’s minimalistic drop that delivers a massive punch, it’s dark gloomy intro, to Jakes’ vocals, this track delivers everything and more of what a remix should be.

If Part 1 is anything to go by, then the next 3 installments of this incredible milestone should be just as packed with huge material. Here’s to the next 100 releases Shogun.

Tracklist:
1. Ulterior Motive – Radian
2. Icicle & Proxima – Stimulation
3. Technimatic – Transference
4. Friction & Fourward Feat. Jakes – Battle Scars (Alix Perez Remix)

Pre-Order:
http://hyperurl.co/SHA100EP1

Catch Rockwell, Joe Ford & Technimatic on the Shogun 100 Australia and New Zealand tour dates listed here.

The title track of the EP, Elektrik, starts with this epic, suspense building introduction. When the track drops, it’s heavy. It’s really heavy. Spike represents absolutely everything that a classic Fourward tune should do, keeping fans – like myself – very happy. It’s dark, it’s heavy, it’s rolling and those drums cut through just perfectly. Sticks & Stones is a little interesting, a bit different from the usual Fourward sound but as you might expect from the guys – it’s pretty bangin. In contrast, Memories of You featuring Grimm is lush, it’s beautiful and it’s deep. The piano melody is so delightful, the bass line is ultra smooth and Grimm’s voice over the top of it all can practically induce tingles down the back of your neck. This EP once again proves that these four lads live up to their title of being one of the most breathtaking drum & bass outfits to have emerged from Austria in recent years.

Fourward – Elektrik EP
Release date: November 13th
Label: Shogun Audio

iTunes pre-order: hyperurl.co/Elektrik_iTunes
Buy the 12″ vinyl: hyperurl.co/Elektrik_Vinyl

Fourward on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/fourward
Fourward on Facebook: facebook.com/fourwarddnb/

www.shogunaudio.co.uk

Review by Gracie Kovesi