Here we are then, the real beginning of 2026. The leftover Christmas cheese is finally dwindling, only the blue Quality Streets are left in the tin, and most of us are back to trudging along icy train platforms, clutching coffees and easing ourselves into work‑mode again. The festive bubble has properly burst, routines are creeping back in, and the year ahead is starting to feel very, very real.
Fear not! Yes, it means a fresh 365 days of work, but it also means a whole load of new bass music to listen to and rave to hit up. As we properly step into the new year, we’re continuing a UKF tradition we always look forward to: asking our writing team to pause, look back, and reflect on some of the tracks that shaped 2025 for them — the ones that soundtracked long journeys, late nights, festival highs, quiet resets and everything in between. Let’s dive in.
Sir Spyro & Killa P – Start & Stop
Ant Mulholland
The highly anticipated ‘Start & Stop’ by leading grime producer Sir Spyro and formidable MC Killa P was finally released in August, and it certainly caused waves in the electronic dance world. Having been teased for three months by a number of artists around the country, the unmistakable execution of Killa P culminates into a deep and dark 140 BPM drop, undeniably conjuring one of the standout collaborations of 2025.
Flava D & SOLAH – Can’t Get It Back
Laurie Charlesworth
There are so many things that I adore about ‘Can’t Get It Back’. It’s authentic, feel‑good Hospital Records vibes, a nod to the back catalogue, if you may, whilst in keeping with this modern era of drum & bass. Flava D continues to be one of the most versatile and interesting producers out there, and with SOLAH sprinkling her magic on this one too, the mighty duo deliver us nothing but perfect, rolling-around-in-a-field, summer‑time flavours. In a world which feels all-consuming and rather frightening at times, ‘Can’t Get It Back’ is a reminder of music being that one beautiful, universal language that brings us all together. And when I say music, really, I mean drum & bass. Obviously.
FD & Minx – Sweet Self Destruction
Sam Yates
It’s not an instantly recognisable FD production. It’s the first track Minx has sung on in drum & bass. And maybe that’s why this one has come out so special, the pair seem to be pushing each other to go deeper.
“Another baggie, demolish another bottle of Maggie. Gettin’ aggy, gettin’ kicked-out by the cabbie. Locked-out, on my phone, high cortisone, on my own.” Minx’s lyrics are devastating, painting a scene you can’t ignore and then FD raises even more hairs with every stroke of the piano key. Together, pulling on the heartstrings with a combination of explicit and unspoken emotion.
Speaking with UKF about the album, FD tells us how he and Minx worked to perfect the balance of her raw, almost aggressive approach, with more of a dulcet and layered take particularly when the chorus hits. ‘Sweet Self Destruction’ is the perfect title the first hit lulls you into safety, until you listen a little closer, revealing the tragedy.
Lukher – Clockwork
Lennart Hoffmann
Choosing just one or even two tracks to encapsulate 52 weeks of releases would be a sheer impossible task, were it not for Lukher and his magnum opus – so far – that is ‘Clockwork’. Since bursting into the scene with a double single on DIVIDID in 2024, thanks to a special demo listening session on Tom Finster‘s and barking continues‘ WeAreHumans stream on Twitch, this Polish talent and his cinematic Neuro-infused magic have been truly unstoppable, from thoroughly deserving spots in the illustrious discographies of Pilot and MODUS to appearances on lineups by the likes of Let It Roll, Darkshire and more. However, even in this impressive CV, ‘Clockwork’ stands out as even more marvellous than the rest. With its increasingly speedy ticking clock luring us into Lukher’s impressively vast and vivid world, it was originally conceptualised as “just” an opener for one of 175BPM’s A/V shows at his first-ever set in September 2024, but it soon proved to be too good an idea to be left as a DJ weapon. Once reworked into a full experience of a tune, it swiftly found a home on MODUS, and truly swept the scene at large. Cinematic qualities otherwise only found in true masterpieces of the genre, sound design so advanced I suspect he is from the actual future, basses so ridiculous they make even the weakest sound systems emit frequencies of pure destruction, and a second half Halftime switch that pushes the devastation levels somehow even further. A truly outstanding tune that will stand the test of time.
Fez The Kid – Body Mover
Ant Mulholland
Released on Up Ya Archives, ‘Body Mover’ creates a classic jungle infusion with hardcore, footwork and old-school rave elements. An energetic, bumpy number that creates nostalgia on the dancefloor. A body-moving bassline paired with a ragga hook and vocal samples catches the ear. A modern twist to jungle rhythms gone by, up-and-coming producer Fez The Kid left no stone unturned with the whole Body Mover EP. However, it is in fact the ‘Body Mover’ track itself within this progressive project that best sums up his vision. A tasteful, yet daring, culmination that has witnessed an array of the best jungle artists draw for this particular track throughout the year.
GLXY & Salo – Love Lost
Laurie Charlesworth
When I say I’ve had this one on repeat, I mean I’m responsible for a large percentage of those streams. ‘Love Lost’ is an absolutely gorgeous track with so much texture and depth. It was inevitable that a collaboration between GLXY and Salo resulted in one of the most sensual , yet completely vibey, drum & bass tracks of 2025. With Salo’s jazz and soul influences trickling through, ‘Love Lost’ is perfect for any mood, time or place.
Submorphics – Cinerama (Primitive Instinct Remix)
Sam Yates
A remix that elevates the Rosebay Music legacy. Submorphics’ angelic B-side ‘Cinerama’ was released 001 for the label in mid‑2023, helping launch an imprint that’s now synonymous with quality. A couple of years later, a new take on a classic lands courtesy of Primitive Instinct, who’s also found top form in recent years.
He doesn’t mess with the vocal instead reshaping the world around it: those high-pitched strings get serious filtering and processing treatment, and then beefed up further with a thick, almost acidic low-end pulse. The high and low play together perfectly. He occasionally lets the unprocessed strings back in briefly, just to give an extra hint of the original masterpiece.
This high-charge (yet still soulful) style of liquid drum & bass is seeing a surge in 2025 and Primitive Instinct is right at the heart of that movement. It sounds excellent, and gives a multiplier effect to the Submorphics gem.
Sub Focus & bbyclose – On & On
Amanda Ross
It’s often said that Sub Focus tracks are built for the dancefloor, and ‘On & On’ is a prime example — an irresistible vocal anthem that keeps that reputation firmly intact. bbyclose’s vocals stick with you — a true 2025 standout, full of feel-good energy and playful spirit that makes it endlessly replayable. Though it’s received a wave of remixes, none hit quite as hard as the original, a certified banger that goes the distance.
Mark System – Started At The End
Sam Yates
Mark System returns with a triumphant five-tracker on SUNANDBASS Records, keeping true to his precision-built style. But ‘Started At The End’ is a significant standout. At 8 minutes and 23 seconds, it’s one for the purists, and, if anything, it needs to be longer. He does so much with so little: each element is introduced with patience and intent, and when the long atmospheric strings enter, a special feeling starts to emerge. Then, the most gentle, yet absolutely infectious, bassline brings the final layer to this masterful arrangement.
It’s already been recognised as a classic before release. Keen ears may recall it, seldom played out, but found in mixes going back at least four years. We’re finally treated to a full listen as 2025 draws to a close. Turn it way up.
K Motionz & Emily Makis – Spell It Out
Amanda Ross
This duo simply can’t miss! K Motionz returns with another standout release in the form of ‘Spell It Out’, featuring vocal powerhouse Emily Makis. This exciting collaboration bursts with driving drums, euphoric chords, and a downright destructive bassline. Emily’s vocal range is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and her songwriting is both powerful and relatable. This one still hits every time.
