Various Artists - New Blood 18 [CD]

Med School's most innovative release series returns. Responsible for delivering the drum & bass scene early stories of Etherwood, Royalston, Stray and Whiney, New Blood is definitive of Med School's ethos when it comes to discovering and nurturing quality talent.

With artists constantly redrawing the boundaries of 170BPM, this 018 edition breaks the mould showcasing the weird and wonderful sounds from the genre's most promising new talent.

Interdimensional waveman Lakeway has mustered up a jukey-jungle hybrid in the form of Lock Off. Panpipe synths and some big beat steps combine to make the ultimate banger. Keeping things correct is Bristolian serpent Constrict. Choppy snares and flirty 8-bit synth stabs slither together to create Tight Coil. Both choice cuts for any DJ looking for that D&B curveball.

This internationally spread line-up also features some of Russia's best D&B exports. A.Fruit's Tender Love is a delectable fusion of footwork and techno rolled into one and Soela's I Wish You Would Come is an ambient spaced out down tempo number. A myriad of styles from across the globe are the key ingredients for the New Blood 018 LP. Med School has once again proven its A&R prowess, signalling to the world there is no better home for fresh talent.