- Drum & bass labels that gain critical acclaim do so because they operate outside the genre's prescribed rules—you're more likely to cross over if you do something different, in other words. But that's never been Horizons' modus operandi. The UK outfit has made its name on powerful, if conventional, drum & bass. Highlighting the likes of Data, June Miller, Cern and Sabre over the years, the releases have showcased newcomers as often as dependable veterans. No matter who's behind one of their EPs, however, you know it'll be forthright and functional. Admittedly, that trait doesn't always lend itself well to a compilation, where you've got 14 170 BPM bangers all lined up next to each other. Just thinking about it sounds like a chore. But that's not the case with Horizons Ten, a triumphant birthday celebration that squeezes the best out of everyone.
Horizons mostly stays true to its dedicated roster rather than reaching outside for big attractions. There are more prominent names here, though, and they perform well. Break offers the minimalist "In The Moment," built with addictive drums and a quirky chime melody, while Digital's "Major Hangover" is a dubstep-ish half-step jam with big, pithy synths. DLR's "Outta Time" is another standout, with a bassline that wriggles like an earthworm deep in the soil. Making his debut on the label, Silent Witness steals the spotlight with "Fields," where trilling, chirpy synths ride the drums with an unusually funky looseness. It's the best track on the compilation, and possibly the best in that producer's discography. But let's not forget the regulars, who do just fine: Amoss coagulates liquid funk with the chunky "Piano Licks," while SCAR keeps the techstep growls of "Untruths" at a perfect simmer that's still hot enough to burn.
Taking a moment to reflect on the past, Ten also includes two new remixes of "10 Steps," Skitty's inaugural release for the label. Jubei's remix sounds, well, like a Jubei track: metallic, punchy and almost too straight-laced, but the jagged snippets of drum breaks left over from the original spice it up a little. Amoss's remix is even better, throwing a wrench into the groove for an altogether more fluid effort. Neither is essential, but they're fun to have anyway, and it's the gesture that counts most. Being able to take a look at the past without being overtly retro—something drum & bass wrestles with these days—is a commendable task. Forward-looking while sticking to its guns, Ten shows a strong drum & bass label still in its prime, nothing more, nothing less.
Tracklist01. SCAR - Untruths
02. Skitty - 10 Steps (Jubei Remix)
03. Break - In The Moment
04. Silent Witness - Fields
05. DLR - Outta Time
06. Digital - Major Hangover
07. Amoss - Piano Licks
08. Need For Mirrors - King Tide
09. Digital & Spirit - Wayout
10. Detail - Organic
11. Spirit - Sharks
12. Nickbee - Raindrops
13. Skitty - 10 Steps (Amoss Remix)
14. Mako & Hydro - Keep Me In The Loop