Lately I've been diving more and more into the dirtier and deeper offerings in the 170bpm range. Considering I'm not playing any shows any time soon (and as a result not really feeling any pressure to play 100% dancefloor friendly tunes) I've stuff the chart to the gills with something a little more abstract. Have a listen!

1. Phace & Misanthrop, "Energie"

Ok, I know this one is killing dancefloors all over the world right now, but how could it NOT end up on the chart. This is one ridiculously heavy and technically incredible track!! Phace said it's probably the best mixdown that Misanthrop has ever produced. I'd say that's debatable (I'm not so much a fan of how he tucked the snare back in the mix), but it's undeniable that when this one hits the system faces melt.

2. Break, "Framework"

I always end up coming back to Break when I'm looking for a solid stepper of a track with a punchy bassline. He never fails to deliver! "Framework" blesses us with an incredibly forceful sub and a cymbal ride that politely declares "You're not worthy". This one gets a "head nodder" rating that's off the scales!

3. Rockwell, "Live For The Moment"

The master at work. Rockwell delivers a surgically edited and technically perfect execution with this one. From the glitches and synth burbles to the vocoder speech everything about this track is delicate and perfectly timed.

4. Anodyne Industries - Konjou Nashi

Melodic and heavy dubstep from yours truly! The "Heart of the Machine EP" is out and if you haven't picked a copy up by now shame on you ;) Keep an eye out for a VIP Drum&Bass remix of this coming soon(ish)!!

5. June Miller, "Walls Of Jericho"

In the space of a year June Miller has gone from the darlings of minimal DnB to dropping bombs all over labels like Ram Records and Critial. "Walls of..." throws down the gauntlet with wicked drum edits that leave you gasping for air while the bassline tears you a new one! I can't wait to see what they unleash in 2012!

6. Genotype, "A Few Too Many"

Rolling in deep oscillating sub frequencies, Genotype brings the energy down to cavernous depths with this one. It's peppered with fleeting glimpses of midrange as synth notes and vocal stabs filter in and wash away in an ocean of dub delays and reverb. Perfect rainy day music.

7. Dom & Roland, "Rollstar"

If anyone says Dom & Roland have lost their touch for dirty DnB over the years just make them listen to this track and be ready to pick up the pieces. This track comes on strong and doesn't let up until the last beat hits.

8. Gunston, "Arme Blanche"

Gunston is known for dropping deep and heavy DnB but he's got a WICKED dubstep album coming soon on IM:ltd that shouldn't be missed! "Arme Blanche" is a perfect example of his love for space, rhythm, percussion and deep deep basslines.

9. Malicious/Thorne feat. SEO, "Beyond"

Malicious is a producer of exceptional quality. Whether his tracks take you to unexplored evil and aggressive territory, or to the bottom of a dark well of sound you're guaranteed a rock solid production from start to finish. This track is so oppressive and heavy that the brief pause before the second "drop" is like a last dying gasp for before plunging back in. Love it!

10. Getz, "Labrynth"

Getz, one of the reigning champions of the minimal sound, snuck this track into the "Horsementality" LP on Renegade Hardware (congrats!). What a phenomenally spooky and appropriate tune for this compilation! The devastatingly soft kick and haunting Japanese flute loop really elevate this track to new heights. Bravo!