180G cyan blue 12" vinyl with Laser-etched tracklist in double sleeves and a deluxe PvC wallet with flap. The outer sleeve is embossed with die cut over-sized centres, 2 spot uv stickers and a cyan metallic foiled stamp. Dimitri Fergadis's L.A based label Halocyan follow up a slew of high-profile releases from the likes of Paul Woolford, Arkist, Raudive and Gravious with the next coming courtesy of the ever-evolving Hackman backed up with remixes from Timo Maas and KiNK. At just 24, Hackman has already amassed a lauded back catalogue that's touched 20:20 Vision, Futureboogie, Greco-Roman and Rampa offshoot PTN. As an artist he's consistently diversified his sound and - akin to the ethos of Halocyan - has kept one foot firmly in dance music's rich history as well as looking forwards with each release. His latest offering 'Semibreves' shows Hackman returning to the tougher, more armoured facet of his catalogue epitomised by his collaboration with Tessela on Audio Culture back in 2011. Complex, primal rhythms are laced with his stout and muscular bass tones while he uses melody to astutely whip up rapture. First up on remix duties is Rockets & Ponies co-founder Timo Maas; a stalwart experimentalist who has earned his stripes across a vast and varied back catalogue. His take on 'Grass Green' melds rasping bass tones with twisted and eerie melodies that roll out over an elongated breakdown. Next up is KiNK whose penchant for analogue circuitry is manifested across his harmonious remix of 'Semibreves' - swooning synth propel a major / minor shift as his rattling drums keep the pressure up throughout and bolster another solid addition to the Halocyan series. More

Late November will see the release of Hackman's 'Carry On' EP via 2020Vision, backed with a remix from Rampa. English producer Ben Hackman, better known to most as simply Hackman has made huge shapes over the past four years since making his debut on RAMP sub-label PTN back in 2010. Ben has since gone on to unveil material through other reputable imprints such as Greco Roman, Well Rounded and Futureboogie Recordings, testament to his striking production skills and contemporary appeal. Here we see Ben push on adding yet another driving force in the industry to his associations, namely 2020Vision. Kicking things off is the original mix of title cut 'Carry On', seeing Hackman employ soft ethereal textures, crisp percussive elements and fervent vocal lines injecting soul and charm into the composition. Ben then implements his signature rugged, drawn-out bass sounds to the focal stages adding the grit and cutting intensity his records have become so known and loved for over the years. A 'Dub' take on 'Carry On' is offered up to follow, and as the name would suggest we're treated to a more refined, progressive and groove-led interpretation of the original cut. Opening up the latter half of the release is Mobilee/Cocoon artist Rampa's rework of 'The Blue', laying the focus on a hypnotic, percussive led structure to take the lead, while the dreamy soundscapes and sub bass stabs of the original track are sporadically thrown into the mix, resulting in a stunning seven and a half minute steady bloomer. The package is then rounded off with 'The Blue (Instrumental)', seeing Hackman fuse bumpy off-kilter rhythms with multi-layered grainy synth lines, closing things on a smooth and melodious tip. More

This is the one. This is the summer tune of 2011. Skream Annie Mac & Nick Grimshaw have all been building the hype Hackman's epic title track Close. Probably one of the best pieces of, bass driven vocal dance music this year. Cheekily sniping the Alicia Keys acapella from 'No One' and employing the pitching down technique Hackman compliments the vocal riff with layers of heavily clapped out garage breakbeats, and tops it off with a euphoric, futuristic grime bassline that rolls out like an Atlantic breaker. It's not just close, it's perfect - and it's another effortlessly curated release from Greco-Roman More