10 Best Alternative Jungle Tracks according to gyrofield

Hong-Kong-born, Bristol-based drum and bass producer gyrofield has just released 'These Heavens', their debut EP on XL Recordings as part of the iconic house bag series. The four-track record is as well suited for sweaty dancefloors as it is for solitary introspection, packed with shapeshifting sounds that examine the universe and beauty of nature. Fusing atmospheric and spaced-out sounds with danceable sonics, the beats complement the energy of the music.

"The four tracks that make up this EP are about the very human emotions and thoughts that drive the rigorous disciplines of science," gyrofield explains. "We seek knowledge and to understand the stars and universe above us, even though they operate lifelessly, and on such a vast scale. We put our love and dreams into understanding the heavens, hoping that one day we can be amongst them.”

To celebrate the release of 'These Heavens', gyrofield has selected 10 Best alternative Jungle tracks. 

"Jungle has enjoyed a crucial, lasting presence in the dance music underground for over 30 years," gyrofield explains. "While the club-focused side of the genre is once again shining bright, I wanted to highlight the constant offshoots of Jungle into new scenes, moods and influences. These tracks brought to me new perspectives of the diversity and trajectory of the genre."

"This track is quite reminiscent of the drill-breaks frenzy of the late 90s. Myriad breakbeats manipulated across tempo and time pressed into a backdrop of classic synths and samples. A distinctly dated musical zeitgeist created by digital and hardware genius."

"As Jungle seeped deeper underground in the 2010s it took on deeper, more spiritual ideas. Overlook’s debut album brought twisted mood, occult influences, and a unique perspective into the new supernatural in a digital age."

"Sam KDC began producing polyrhythmic variants of drum and bass in the 2010s, using them to mix between 170 and 128bpm in dark, meditative club rhythms. I had admired their boldness in finding a completely new groove and feel to jungle breaks. This one chugs and grooves along with attitude to spare."

"Krust returned to the spotlight in 2020 with ‘The Edge of Everything’, a sprawling ideological take on classic Drum & Bass sounds he helped pioneer in the 90s. Four Tet’s remix is milder, and highlights the shyly soulful instrumentation of the original."

"'Homemade Weapons' is a stateside Jungle stalwart, with a sound I could only describe as militant. Completely stripped back with the silence as deafening as the thrashing of processed drums. clipping.’s noise, glitch and rap vocals are made as insolent as ever amidst rolling breakbeats."

"I wanted to pick out something from the bass music scene in Asia to exemplify the 4/4 Jungle scene and its resurgence. Labels like Hooversound & Club Glow have been reviving the sound of early 90s Jungle tekno. This one from prolific Osaka producer Fetus is light, airy and modern and straddles between the realms of home listening and soundsystem worship."

"Quoting Hybris, “I’ve lost faith in humanity, this one goes out to the six legged massive, get on the dancefloor and lay some eggs.”  This is visionary production to a grotesque effect. Always a great wildcard track for the mix."

"Djrum’s works stand hilltop on the outskirts of Jungle. From other breath-taking journey-tunes such as Plantain & Waters Rising, it’s almost as if the track is breathing vibrant musical life into classic breakbeat and rave elements."

"A haunting, mesmerising atmosphere glues together various club sounds into one abstract experience. While much of Jungle celebrates heritage and modern tradition, LCY seems to express a deep love for the in-betweens and fringe denizens in the world of dance music."

"Off the same EP as the infamous ‘Attachment Style’, the tense, percussive backbone of this feels reminiscent of many fringe jungle works. Jungle breaks have become timeless and their signature feel still influences far corners of electronic music."

'These Heavens' is out now via XL Recordings.

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