Symmetry Recordings

After working his way to the very top of the game, Break has managed to become one of D&B’s most in-demand DJs and producers, on entirely his own terms. Establishing an inimitable sound over the last couple of years through his seemingly endless output of singles and remixes, Break’s stripped back, highly rhythmic and technically unrivalled productions have become a necessary component in every good DJ’s sets. However, what we have heard from Break in that time represents only a fraction of the man and his talents, and on ‘Symmetry’ we get to see exactly what he is capable of. This is an album that will sate the expectations of Break’s many hardcore fans yet still be entirely accessible to the uninitiated listener from outside the genre. With lush musical interludes, down tempo trip-hop and even a touch of breaks and tech-house, interspersing the faultless D&B, this is the varied collection of work we were all hoping for. Every track on the four piece vinyl is pure quality, in particular the dub spaciousness of ‘Hooked Up’, the pure jungle of ‘Jungle Step’ and the divine Calibre-esque ‘Last Chance’ featuring the incredible vocals of Kyo. But it’s the 18 track CD that really shows what Break is capable of; whether through the breaks collaboration with SP, the cop themed Beastie Boys-styled ‘Walk’ or the ‘dubstep’ of ‘Thin Ice’, Break flaunts his genius without ever succumbing to the obvious. If you only buy one D&B album this month, make sure it’s this. - Jon Ethics: ATM Magazine