VA - Frass FM 5 (2020)

Astral Black step back in the ring with the 5th instalment of their 'Frass FM' compilation series. The UK label follow up Xao's critically acclaimed 'Eternal Care Unit' LP with these 16 exclusive tracks from some of the most exciting names in British club music, both this decade and last. Illusive Astral Black OG, DJ Milktray turns in the skippy club bubbler Instinct, his first release for 4 years. Tiff's Joints label-head Poison Zcora (FKA Born Cheating) takes the Frass FM opportunity to make his production debut with the gloriously bounce-strapped, broken stomper, 'Victory Over The British Museum'. Rinse FM/6-Figure Gang's Jossy Mitsu brings us the second of our production debuts with the breaks-laden 'Whirl', whilst elsewhere fellow Rinse FM resident, Izco, handles intro duties with deep chords and rolling percs. Maxwell Owin (South London Jazz scene's answer to Rick Rubin) teams up with Anurah on the fittingly titled 'TOI 700 d', named after our closest habitable planet; and long-term Astral Black affiliate & Co-op/Soulection member Sivey reimagines Dave Gruisin's 'Modaji' into a holy-spirit capturing 160-bpm foot-work roller. If that's not enough, the compilation boasts equally as note-worthy contributions from the likes of multi-genre Team Sesh producer hnrk, Grime 2 wonder-kid Polonis, label mainstays Creep Woland, Xao, F17, Shy One & Impey, new school squad members Bruised Skies & Thugwidow, legendary UK rap producer/mastering mastermind, Telemachus and 616/Swamp81 affiliate, Sumgii. The free download compilation not only acts as an audio snapshot of UK club music in 2020 but marks what looks set to be an exciting year for the Astral Black label. Junglist Creep Woland is set to follow hot on the heels of Frass with his 'Chamberlain' EP, followed by 'Requiem For a Sesh' - the collaborative project from Bruised Skies & Thugwidow shortly after.