N4HC label’s second volume of Wicked Cuts is a love letter to the golden eras of UK rave culture, delivered by producers who clearly understand what made those moments special. This four-track compilation doesn’t just reference the past – it channels its energy with genuine affection and serious production chops.
Buy Here
LMajor kicks things off with ‘Make Some Noise’, and honestly, how can we say no when he’s providing his own soundtrack of slamming breaks, spinbacks, rave MC call and response shout outs, dub FX and hoovers? It’s peak nostalgia executed with modern clarity, the kind of track that makes you want to throw your hands up immediately.
Cheetah busts out the chipmunks for ‘M1 4 ME’, a stomping ode to what was, let’s be honest, the best era of Happy Hardcore. Glorious pianos elevate soulful, memorable vocals whilst a good old fashioned stomp combo of kicks and breaks drives everything forward minus the disruption. There’s even a dash of 303 acid in there for good measure. It’s pure joy captured in sound.
Fluid Haunts open the trapdoor for the haunted jungle of ‘Stay Aggressive’, where amen science circa 94 meets the metallic ambience of 2025. The production feels dark and atmospheric whilst staying true to the blueprint that made mid-90s jungle so captivating.
Fez the Kid, who seems to be everywhere right now and rightly so, delivers what Fracture would likely call ‘rude jungle’ with ‘Vibes Inside’. It’s a faithful tribute to Vibes and Wishdokta in their 93/94 golden era. The bells ring, think breaks rattle, amen breaks hurtle, and oldskool hardcore stabs interject at just the right moments. It’s respectful without being derivative.
Wicked Cuts Vol 2 is a brilliant snapshot of where the UK hardcore continuum is right now – producers who grew up on these sounds bringing them forward with skill, passion and authenticity.