Z Lovecraft returns with a tribute to the sounds of the late 00s pirate radio in the so called “post-dubstep era”. Progressing the hardcore continuum and decisively neglecting the dubstep sound, the south London producer and mix engineer delivers 6 unique tracks across UK garage, 2-step and future garage from the club to the night bus journey home. Utilising 90s production techniques, and a slick, smooth production style he incorporates dubwise methodology and a focus on melodic hooks.

The EP opener “Locked In” is a spiritual reincarnation of MJ Cole and Wookie; tough bass, strong tight drums and hyper chopped vocals. Lead single “Chains” pairs together Biodiversity stalwart Waz-u and stunning vocal performance from Barbarella across a slower 2-step groove. “Hard Rain” takes influence from Wideboys to El-B, dark 2-step for those deeper dancefloor moments.

The second half of the EP takes a more downbeat approach with dubbed-out garage grooves and breaks. Unknown vocal talent Calder makes an appearance on “Moving On”, with “Realm of The Mind” using psyched out Rhodes and a swinging bassline to maximum effect. The EP finishes with a downtempo hardcore groover “Escape Victory”, loose breaks, reverberated vocals and stuttered lead lines take hold as the prologue to Locked In. A tribute to the lost sound of late 00s UKG.