The contemporary drum’n’bass scene isn’t exactly in the middle of a purple patch at the moment, but supergroup-of-sorts Ivy Lab are worth keeping at least half an eye on. 

Comprised of producers Sabre, Stray and Halogenix, the d’n’b production team were responsible for last year’s ‘Oblique’, an elegant vocal-led cut with hints of Rockwell’s haptic drum programming. Newly christened as Ivy Lab, they’ll drop the ‘Afterthought’/’Brat’ 12″ on Critical Music early next month. As a digital bonus, South London Ordnance has turned out a remix of the B side, and FACT have the first play below.

In contrast to Ivy Lab’s tactual original, South London Ordnance’s edit is a viscous techno cut. The producer’s knack for rich, sensuous arangments is as clear as ever  – the quicksilver drum programming is wonderfully unpredictable, and the intricate reverb play makes for an involving headphone listen. Like his best recent material – see his Big Boss Theme EP – the ‘Brat’ remix fizzes and bubbles like a soda water.

‘Afterthought’/’Brat’ is due on February 4, and is available to purchase over at Surus.