fabric Records returns to broken beat and bruk with ‘SELECTS VIII’, the latest edition of its curator-led compilation series and the label’s first release dedicated to the genre in almost two decades. Bringing together pioneering artists and the new generation pushing the sound forward, SELECTS VIII celebrates one of London’s most distinctive underground movements, tracing broken beat’s evolution while highlighting where it stands today.
The compilation opens with ‘Carnival (AfroForce Vox Dub)’ by Mark Force ft. Afronaut, released on 11 August. Built on deep bass, Afrocentric rhythms and original vocals recorded in Puerto Rico, the track sees the former Bugz in the Attic members and key figures in the CoOp movement reunite on a timeless bruk cut. Blending rolling percussion, soulful musicality and a deep, spacious vox dub, it sets the tone for a collection that celebrates the genre’s legacy while looking firmly ahead. Rooted in London’s sound system culture, ‘Carnival (AfroForce Vox Dub)’ is a reminder of the enduring influence of two artists who helped shape the sound.
Across its eleven tracks, ‘SELECTS VIII’ moves between rediscovered recordings and forward-looking new productions. Maddslinky (AKA Zed Bias) contributes ‘UNTITLED’, an unreleased CoOp-era recording unheard for more than two decades. Bruk Rogers’ ‘Junk’ explores the darker side of broken beat through dubbed-out basslines and distorted textures, while Ben Hauke’s ‘LOVE THIS’ channels the energy of his live sets into a high-impact club roller. D’Monk’s ‘Daza’ flips classic breakbeats into a loose, sample-driven groove, Streeton’s ‘Ginkgo Dub’ blends raw percussion with dub, highlife and Afro-Latin influences, and XL Regular’s ‘Magneto Agent’ reflects on broken beat’s lasting influence through a distinctly contemporary lens. Alongside them, contributions from Donsurf, Domu and Last Nubian featuring Arinola complete a collection that spans the full spectrum of broken beat, from soulful, chord-led compositions to heavyweight, bass-driven club music, united by the genre’s unmistakable rhythmic pulse.
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Submit your Mix of the Month DJ Competition entryReleased in full on 28 August, SELECTS VIII marks the first broken beat release on the fabric Records imprint since Bugz in the Attic’s FABRICLIVE release in 2006. Alongside the digital release, fabric will issue a limited run of 100 exclusive white label sampler 12-inch vinyl copies, available to pre-order from the campaign launch.
On the compilation, fabric adds: “Broken beat is a scene and sound that has brought us so much joy over the years, and SELECTS VIII feels like our way of giving something back. What has always made it so special is how true it has remained to itself. It has a devoted community, continues to evolve, and new generations of artists are carrying the sound forward while respecting the foundations that came before. We wanted this compilation to reflect that journey, from its roots to where the scene stands today. Made for the dancefloor first and foremost, it celebrates the depth, creativity and lasting influence of broken beat, alongside the artists continuing to shape its future.”
The SELECTS series sees members of the fabric team curate compilations exploring the genres, scenes and sounds that have shaped club culture. Each edition offers a personal perspective on a musical movement, bringing together established artists and emerging voices while celebrating the communities continuing to push electronic music forward.
TRACKLIST
1. XL Regular – Magneto Agent
2. Streeton – Ginko Dub
3. Donsurf – The Model
4. Mark Force ft. Afronaut – Carnival (Afroforce Vox Dub)
5. Maddslinky – UNTITLED
6. Bruk Rogers – Junk
7. Ben Hauke – Love This
8. Last Nubian ft. Arinola – So Ignorant
9. D’Monk – Daza
10. Bakura – Hooked On You
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