Fabric Presents Sherelle

London-based DJ, producer, and label founder Sherelle spins an aggressive yet ecstatic blend of high-octane dance music, seamlessly blending old-skool breakbeat hardcore and jungle tracks with newer productions in the same spirit, and drawing connections between the U.K.-bred rave scenes and Chicago's juke and footwork communities. She reached instant celebrity status with her viral appearance on Boiler Room in early 2019, then became one of the world's most in-demand selectors, delivering standout mixes for the likes of Dekmantel, Bang Face, Noisey, and especially BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix -- her late-2020 session for Pete Tong's long-running program was named the best of the year. After launching two labels (Hooversound and Beautiful) and releasing her debut single, "160 Down the A406," Sherelle issued her first commercially available mix through the Fabric Presents series in 2021. Like her other sessions, this one wastes no time diving deep into a state of euphoric frenzy, starting off with a siren-filled 1993 Moving Shadow-issued track by Cloud 9 (aka Nookie) before effortlessly shifting into tracks produced nearly three decades later by Tim Reaper, Dev/Null, Dwarde, and other torch-bearers of the neo-jungle scene. The set lands at several moments that viciously pile on explosive breakbeats, only to be tempered with lush, airy synths and comforting samples. It's an adrenaline rush that constantly recharges and finds new ways to excite and elevate. Sherelle's own "Jungle Teknah" is a giddy standout in the center of the mix, combining fast kick drums and shuffling breakbeats with sharp piano stabs similar to Outlander's rave classic "Vamp." Following hardcore tracks new and old, including a gem from the Suburban Base back catalog by label founder QBass, the set glides into footwork mode with productions by Kush Jones, DJ Rashad, AceMo, and others, with an RP Boo remix of a Basic Rhythm track being a vivid hybrid of the Chicago and U.K. bass scenes. The final stretch of the mix is nothing but straight-up killer jungle, and it only grows more intense until it reaches the finish line. An easy triumph from a future legend. ~ Paul Simpson