EL-B doesn’t need any introduction. Since the turn of the 2000s he’s been producing gems within the garage and dubstep scene. This August sees the return of EL-B with the release of his Attitude EP – and after my first listen of the EP, I already know it’s going to be a big hit with all you garage heads.

The four-track release has maintained that chilled-out feel-good vibe that’s synonymous with garage but it’s got that gritty attitude that comes with the UK underground. It’s like I’ve been thrown back in time listening to this EP, yet it still sounds so current.

The vocal samples on ‘Ease My Mind’ remind me of the original garage movement, whilst the accompanying synth stabs are digitally funky, which gives the track its element of the now.

‘What You Mean To Me’ is a little more ‘bassy’ in comparison to the other three tracks. The perfectly placed dubstep-esqué wobbles mean that the track is a must for any UKG DJ willing to shake up the dance.

I caught up with EL-B and he expressed his desire to start making garage again. “Recently I’ve seen a lack of top UKG producers, yet there has been a massive demand for UKG across the UK, so a few producers and I (El-Tuff, Perception, Karl Brown) decided to get back into the studio and start creating UKG again.”

The EP is set to be released on the ever-growing Birmingham label, Four40 Records and EL-B is over the moon the EP is being released on such an influential label.

“Four40 Records have had a massive influence across the midlands in the ‘bass house’ scene and they’ve been one of the front runners in pushing that certain style of house, so for me it’s a pleasure to have a release on their label. The whole clan is on fire and they’ve got some amazing sounds coming out very very soon.”

EL-B’s versatility has shown yet again that it can work wonders. The EP presents that UKG authenticity and energy on every track and I have no doubt this EP will be in many DJs’ arsenal of tunes by the end of the year.

The EP is set for release 1 August. 

Matt Cooper
 @mcooperwrites