Various Artists – Keysound Recordings present This Is How

Keysound Recordings is the label run by eminent UK bass music blogger Blackdown and production partner Dusk. Since 2005, it has been a home to some of the most forward-thinking and experimental dubstep, garage and future bass on the UK scene. Their 2013 sampler offers a who's who of the label's current roster, all of whom acquit themselves admirably.

Visionist, assisted by Beneath and Wen, turns in a futuristic, techno-influenced banger on New Wave, a statement of intent for the label. Samrai nods to original UK breakbeat hardcore on Hear Me Now; Double Helix offer up a smooth, deep cut with undulating bass and skittering 2-step rhythms; Epoch's The Steppenwolf is a crepuscular, scraped-bare grime beat; Fresh Paul's strings-led Blaster reinvents classic dubstep, while Dusk & Blackdown's own Lonely Moon, featuring Farrah, is a lusciously sweet, intricate slice of minimalist garage. Polished experimentalism at the cutting edge of UK bass.