Back in stock: UK Garage

Review: The Mancunian tones of Swamp81's resident MC Chunky are well known to those who tune in to the label's Rinse FM show on a regular basis. However, this debut EP, forwent any kind of vocal showcase for the kind of hefty, refined fusion of garage and techno we've come to expect from Loefah's empire. Arriving as a 12" doublepack featuring four tracks, The Chunky EP shows Chunky to have the production chops to match his skills on the microphone, showcasing a wide range of influences channeled through a uniquely dark mood; "Decca" is a straight up piece of rolling deep house with a shadowy basement vibe, while "Experiment 727? recalls the syncopated techno of Bambounou or Boddika's leaden beats, while on the second 12?, "Thang" is a masterclass in stripped back garage mechanics, and "Rugged" provides a lo-fi beat that ploughs the darkest recesses of instrumental grime for inspiration.

Review: Nocturnal Sapce Entity revisits a couple of originals here and asks PU to remix them for the fledgling label's fifth outing. The first one is as smooth as you like - a perfectly frictionless tech house cut with balmy cosmic pads, a muted but funky bassline and soft chords that do a gentle dance up top. The second cut is another backed in solar rays - a silky groove for cruising along to early in the night, locking you in, filling you with excitement for what's to come as the super piano chords and bouncy drums perfectly intertwine to exude a lovely air of West Coast cool.

Review: Marco Funari released his Franky E.P. Vol. 2 back in 1991 in the Music Institute label and it is now residues following last year's Ciao Lee Tong banger. These are all direct to dancefloor and raw house jams with plenty of proud analogue textures and no nonsense grooves. 'Stand Up' is a standout with its steamy vocals stitched into the bristling drums while 'Heart Vibe' sinks into a deeper groove with prominent 90s basslines taking centre stage. There is more all out emption in 'Drur Soul' with its diva cries and steamy emotional intensity while 'Runaway' is a percussive thumper.

Review: Gun fingers should very much be locked and loaded before you drop the needle on this eight volume of the 2tuf 4u label's Undeniable Grooves series. It's another rich various artists affair that covers all bases: Johnny U-Tah keeps things dry and 2steppy with 'Sun Comes Up' and Fresh II Waves then bring a US garage feel with the horn stabs of 'Scream N Shout.' Confused Identity & Gungo Peas's 'U Gotta Mov' is an irresistible lithe and nimble garage shuffler with cut up vocal stabs and Stixy D & Tempreture keep it deep, low-slung and dubby with their late night gem 'Camden Palace.'

Review: The Vibesey label hits double figures with a new EP that is, once again, just that - pure vibes. Knights of Illusion are behind it and it is a second volume of offerings inspired by their original release in 1997, when Paul Rayner and Scott Anderson were kings of bassline and helping to pioneer speed garage. Though couched in that old school original sound, it also comes with contemporary touches to make these tracks really cut through - the bassline of course are present and correct, as are sustained chords, dusty drums and neat little vocal hooks that really finish them in style.

Review: Time Is Now is one of the most prolific, but also on point labels out there right now. Dealing in bumping nu-garage sounds, they have a wealth of talent other roster - as well las cheeky white label off shoot for the more playful slammers they put out - and now welcome rising UKG act Y U QT for a fine collection of dance floor heaters. 'Be Real' is a breathless groove with noodling keys and retro stabs, 'Keep On Lovin' Me' is a real banger with great height and drop in the kicks and face melting bass. For darker, more late night and menacing vibes check the thrilling 'Hardly Keep It Inside.' Tip!