Music Review: Pick 'N' Mix Allstars LP

TJ is undoubtedly one of the most iconic DJs in drum and bass to emerge in recent years. From playing house parties and unlicensed raves in London to playing in all the UK’s major cities, TJ has built himself a career from the ground up. In 2019 he broadcasted his ‘Fun & Bass’ radio show on Croydon FM and started his own label; Pick N Mix Music.

If you’ve ever spoken to TJ in person or online, one thing you’ll take away is that he’s a prominent voice of the up and comers in the drum and bass community and always has been. In London where the scene has been monopolized by the elite labels and promoters, it’s tug-of-war for new and up and coming artists to break through. That’s where TJ’s label Pick N Mix comes in, created to ‘push the future generations of drum and bass from all perspectives and create a path for the newer, younger talent’. Now a year after their launch, the 10th release from Pick ‘N’ Mix is here. The All Stars LP; a weighty various artist compilation 20 tracks strong.

The overall style of the Allstars LP feels very current; rolling tracks composed of consistently flowing drums that compliment whirling basslines. Master Error’s Bad Intentions, Kontakt and Grafta’s Dubplates sound bold, energized, sonically harsh but balanced with detail. In contrast, Jammez’ Artificial and Offline’s Void (our personal favourite) are smooth, atmospheric and quite provocative in their dark minimal direction. These tracks sound developed and have a uniqueness to them however they tend to outshine others. Phoroptic’s Not Bad, Krom’s Teef both nail the vibe and have strong ideas and however it’s difficult to differentiate them from what the drum and bass scene is currently offering. That said, the minor difference in the technical ability of artists doesn’t distract from the quality of the LP as a whole. If anything, the difference in production is one of its strengths. If you hadn’t guessed from the title, Pick ‘N’ Mix is a label which celebrates all flavours of new drum and bass artists and the Allstars LP captures that perfectly.

The Allstars LP is a digital treasure chest of rhythms which balances upfront rollers with dark minimal beats. The arrangement and sonic qualities of the tracks allow them to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, something which will please the DJs. Whether your selection is jump up, jungle, minimal or liquid, there’s at least one Allstars track for your setlist. If you’re an avid listener, this LP could definitely introduce a new, unheard artist into your Soundcloud or Spotify playlist.

The All-stars LP is a solid effort and well-rounded body of work which leaves a good impression of the next generation of drum and bass artists. Stream the album in full here.

Pick N Mix Music / Allstars LP

4/5 ★★★★☆