Leaning in on his authoritative take on the dubwise soundsystem tradition, Dubrunner kicks off 2023 with a heavyweight four-track salvo on his own Menace label. Building on the seismic impact of his Spirit / Pursuit drop for Jamz Supernova’s Future Bounce label in 2022, Dubrunner’s honed and upfront sound draws on the best qualities of deep-rooted UK steppas, breakbeat and modern bass music.

The Ruthless EP kicks off with the militant stomp of the Iration-nodding title-track, paying homage to the great tradition of UK soundsystem music while giving the sound a modernist slant. The deadly roll and acidic uneasiness of ‘Nemesis’ follows in a deft fusion of breaks groove and atmospheric sound design. Linking up with Sourpuss for ‘Ruff’, Dubrunner explores the crooked 4/4 structure of UK Funky and the shimmering textures of dub techno for a heads-down, immersive workout. Demonstrating the ease with which he flexes across styles, ‘Goes To Outlaws Once’ finds Dubrunner slipping into the low-tempo, chugging headspace you’ll typically hear pumping out at iconic Leeds party spot the Outlaws Yacht Club.

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