Vicious Circle – Havana / Relapse

Vicious Circle – Havana / Relapse

Originally released in 2009 on Digital Soundboy Recordings, Havana / Relapse is a heavyweight two-track 12-inch from Vicious Circle, the South London drum & bass collective known for their dark, technically driven production. Issued as SBOY021, the record arrived during a particularly strong period for the group, with both tracks already appearing in Vicious Circle DJ sets and mixes in the years leading up to the release.

Side A – Havana delivers the kind of dark, futuristic drum & bass for which Vicious Circle became known, combining tightly programmed breakbeats with heavy bass pressure and detailed electronic production. The track had been circulating in the scene before its 2009 release, appearing in Vicious Circle's mixes alongside material from labels including Digital Soundboy, Critical, Renegade Hardware and Virus.

Side AA – Relapse takes the darker approach further, with a forceful rolling rhythm and heavyweight low end. The track was also being played by Vicious Circle during 2008, demonstrating that both sides of the release were established parts of their DJ repertoire before finally reaching the Digital Soundboy catalogue.

The release is a strong example of the late-2000s techstep and dark drum & bass sound, sitting comfortably alongside the tougher output of labels such as Renegade Hardware, DSCI4, Critical Music and Virus Recordings. Digital Soundboy's catalogue at the time was broad, but Havana / Relapse represented the label's heavier drum & bass direction particularly well.

For collectors of Vicious Circle, Digital Soundboy Recordings and heavyweight 2000s drum & bass, this is a particularly useful release from the group's early catalogue, capturing the dark, uncompromising production style that made Vicious Circle a recognised name within the UK and international D&B scene.

Side A

1. Havana

Side AA

1. Relapse