Vicious Circle - Drum And Bass Arena Podcast - Jun 2006

Biography of Vicious Circle

The 4 man collective known as Vicious Circle began in a flat in South London in 2002. Born out of a mutual love of all things Drum n Bass and with a wide range of influences, this exciting new crew have entered the scene with a bang and intend to continue rocking dance floors with their no holds barred style of deep dark future funk.

Inspired by the futuristic techy styles of the late 90s Vicious Circle set about crafting there own distinct sound and networking with artists worldwide. Arriving at the Miami Winter Music Conference in March 04 armed with a handful of cds, the crew were pleasantly surprised to find their early work getting heavy Dj support from some of the scenes biggest names like Pendulum, Technical Itch and Keaton. Upon returning to the UK it was clear that now was the time to take the next step..

The big break came when Universal Project offered the team their choice of remix from the UP back catalogue. Underground anthem Jackhammer was their choice and the results were devastating! Legendary label Renegade Hardware were soon calling and before long the remix was signed as part of UPs Black Techno EP. Heavy support followed from the scenes top Djs and by the time the EP was released in October 2004 word of VCs production talents was soon spreading.

Promoters were also starting to take note, bookings at high profile events like Anger Managements Therapy Sessions gave the crew the chance to unleash their rolling thunder on audiences around the country.

So into 2005 and it was a big one for the Circle, kicking off with an appearance in ATM magazine and an hour long guest slot on BBC Radio 1xtra adding to the already growing hype surrounding the crew. Releases wise it was a busy year too kicking off with the hypnotic grooves of Apparition (Feat EBK) on Kryptic Minds Defcom label, followed by the stomping minimal tech funk of Doomtrain on Renegade Hardwares Guerrilla Warfare LP. A deeper 12 on Avalanche with Blue Lagoon/Contagious showed the crews versatility and the twisted remix of breaks don ILS single Cherish on Distinctive was also well received. Three massive collaborations followed: The high-energy techno of Shadrock feat. Corrupt Souls, the peak time floor filler The Grudge with Chase & Status both on Renegade Hardware and of course the massive club smasher Hellrazor with Universal Project on UP Recs.

Highly acclaimed appearances at some of DnBs most prestigious events also took place, including memorable sets at 3 Renegade Hardware parties at Londons legendary End club, numerous appearances in Europe and the US at well known events including Bass XL in Belgium and Prospect in Holland amongst others and also appearances at the Miami Winter Music Conference and Atlantas Transit.

So on to 2006, which is already shaping up to be a massive year for the crew. A feature in the years first issue of Knowledge magazine got things under way. First up on the release schedule was the techno tinged conga thuggery of Between the Lines on Hardwares flagship Carpe Diem LP in March. This has probably proved to be the crew's biggest track so far with massive support from all of the scenes top Dj's even well after the vinyl release proving it to be a modern day classic.

The crew also took a star turn on Techstep pioneer Dj Trace's latest LP project 'Something Sick' on his DSCI4 imprint, offering a grimey. hi tempo reworking of Silent Witness's 'Ringside' and a second collab with EBK 'Cruise Control' both of have been tearing up floors worldwide.

Up next is the Circle's first artist EP on Renegade Hardware so expect a heady mix of future funk with a splash of retro tech and guest appearances from MC Rymetyme on vocals and Prolix & Nocturnal on remix duty. Also in the pipeline are releases on Freak and Subtitles amongst others and some more high profile remix work.

The boys continue to tear down venues across the UK and Europe including their Hardware residency which has seen them destroy Ministry of Sound and The End on a regular basis. August see's them take on the mighty Valve soundsystem for the first time.

So with a strong set of releases and shows lined up for the remainder of 2006 is looks like Vicious Circle could well be the name on everyones lips.....