2009 is definitely the year of minimal Drum n Bass and Critical Records have collated the sound from the freshest artists and packaged it on their new LP - Critical Sound.

Following on from their last concept release "All Sounds Electric", "Critical Sound" features some of the most sort-after DnB producers from the likes of Break, Calibre, Rockwell, Sabre, Spectrasoul, Enei and Technicolour. As a bonus, the first 1000 copies of "Critical Sound" include 4 x Vinyl plus a  Double CD thrown in for free, so that's a plus in anyone's book.

The opening track on this LP is by a man who needs no introduction and that's Break with "People are Different" a tech-infused rivetting track to get the beats going.

This LP is definitely one for the headstrong with the dark and jazzy "Images" by Serum & Bladerunner, Calibre is here too with slaptastic fun on "Tru Beat" and Rockwell's "Underpass" with flying high, floating synths and random beats.

Jump forward a little and Illskillz's "Black Rabbit" is gonna make your head turn, along with bass-driven "Outcast" by Jubei and "Ten Years" by Russian Drum n Bass Producer Enei, which has an old school Metalheadz vibe -- definitely one to watch. Critical Label owner Kasra drops "Perception" and "Designated" with Sabre and you'll also find Hospital's Ramadanman here with the mello "Reclaim".

Critical Sound attempts to bring together the most sort-after producers of the new school including one of my favourite DnB producers in the last couple of years has been, Technicolour with his releases going from strength to strength -- "Freedom Theme" is no exception - a light, drum rollin' tune.

Established in 2002 Critical Music is one of the most well respected underground dance music labels in the UK. Releasing some of the freshest breaks and beats from the likes of Calibre, Marcus Intalex, Cyantific, Break, D Kay and many more, it has gone on to build a loyal following around the world driven on by owner Kasra’s savvy music industry knowledge and keen A&Ring skills. Passing from strength to strength 2009 has seen Critical continue to build with highly aclaimed releases such as Break’s remix of Spectrasoul’s ‘Alibi’ and Sabre’s glorious ‘Original Sin’. Now as we look forward, ‘Critical Sound’ marks the first in a long line of exciting projects over the coming months.

Critical Sound is out today on Critical Records.

Samples