Latest Posts

  1. Kasra takes NZ

    Comments Off on Kasra takes NZ

    KASRA NEW ZEALAND TOUR : 2023

    If you’re a fan of the Critical Sound and are currently residing in the beautiful country of New Zealand, then look no further.

    Label boss Kasra returns but this time for his very own solo tour. Prepare yourself for classic sounds of the underground as well as some brand new forthcoming heat on Critical Music.

     

    Tickets :

    AUCKLAND // 3.2.23 // Neck Of The Woods – Tickets Here

    CHRISTCHURCH // 4.2.23 // Hide – Tickets Here

    QUEENSTOWN // 5.2.23 // Vinyl Underground – Tickets Here

    WELLINGTON // 10.2.23 // Meow – Tickets Here

    HAWKES BAY // 11.2.23 // Outfield Festival – Tickets Here

  2. LATEST MERCH : Critical XX Winter Capsule + Critical x Jimi Biscuits

    Comments Off on LATEST MERCH : Critical XX Winter Capsule + Critical x Jimi Biscuits

    ↓ LATEST MERCH ↓

    CRITICAL XX : WINTER CAPSULE

    We welcome some new additions to the store this December…

    • Critical XX Football Shirt, custom made including our very own Critical themed mosaic design, fluro yellow sleeves & collar with double base logos printed front and back ⚽️

    • Limited Edition Critical Sound XX Tee (Black or White) featuring a large scale photo montage highlighting many special moments across our Critical Sound nights printed on our oversized box fit tee.

    • Limited Edition Critical Sound XX Hoody (Black) made with 100% fair trade cotton also featuring a large scale photo montage highlighting many crucial Critical Sound memories.

    • Critical corduroy cap in black featuring the logo in white stitched embroidery.

     

    CRITICAL GUEST ARTIST SERIES T-SHIRT

    CRITICAL X JIMI BISCUITS

    For our last artist collaboration of 2022 we worked alongside the brilliant Harry Waine, better known as @jimibiscuits.

    It’s hard to miss his recognisable red & yellow illustrative designs, never without a quirky caption, and almost always with a smiley face.

    It was a pleasure to work with him not only for his witty sense of humour, but also because he was able to create us an original illustration that represented who he is as an artist but with a Critical twist.

    Printed on a classic fit 100% combed ring spun cotton tee, you’ll see the design printed in his familiar colours of red and yellow on the front and back. Each t-shirt will be accompanied with limited edition stickers of both the front and back logo.

    Designed by @jimibiscuits
    Curated by @meg_simpsonn
    Graphics/Animation by @tapeecho

     

  3. Enei : Humans LP // 11.11.22

    Comments Off on Enei : Humans LP // 11.11.22

    ENEI – Humans

    Critical is delighted to announce that alongside the news of Enei’s brand new single ‘The Hammer’ also comes the bigger news of his third solo album, out on the 11th November 2022.

     

    “This album is something that is really important in my life. I consider it to be a turning point in my career, my output has morphed over the years into something that really expresses who I am as a producer and DJ.” – Enei 

     

     

    Humans is available for pre-save via your favourite streaming platforms and pre-order on a special edition 3 x 12″ solid white & grey (ash grey) coloured vinyl, housed in book-opening gatefold sleeve with a gloss varnish finish. Each individual vinyl is housed inside a custom printed sleeve.

    Pre-order the vinyl and receive ‘Flat Iron’, ‘The Hammer’ ‘No Man’, ‘Show Me’ as an instant download

    *vinyl ships mid-Feb 2023*

    Vinyl :

    https://shop.criticalmusic.com/vinyl/critlp016

    https://eneicritical.bandcamp.com/album/humans

    Digital Download :

    https://fanlink.to/Humans_pre-save

     

     

     

     

    “Alex has been working with us for over 10 years now and in that time he has consistently made some of the best dance floor underground drum and bass in the scene. This collection of tunes is further proof of his quality. The full spectrum is covered here with deft skill and its an honour to be releasing the 3rd Enei album on Critical.” – Kasra

    We can’t wait for you to hear it.

     

    Album Artwork : @uno.graphics // Press Shots : @khaliphotography
  4. Critical x FAEL – GUEST ARTIST TEE

    Comments Off on Critical x FAEL – GUEST ARTIST TEE

    CRITICAL GUEST ARTIST SERIES T-SHIRT

    CRITICAL X FAEL

    We’re back with our next artist collaboration featuring Rafael Serra aka FAEL. Known for reinventing famous brand logos into his own unique retro illustrations, we were lucky enough to have him create an original Critical 2022 design especially for us.

    Printed on a natural raw fabric, this limited edition t-shirt is made using 100% organic cotton free from dyes, meaning it reflects the true colour of the cotton plant. Using folate free puff ink technology we also managed to achieve a 3D effect to make it stand out even more.

    Each t-shirt is accompanied with limited edition metallic shiny vinyl stickers.

    GET TO KNOW : RAFAEL SERRA AKA FAEL

    Stock is limited so don’t sleep on this one! You can find our latest artist tee here: https://shop.criticalmusic.com/merchandise/critsumtee22

     

    Designed by @faelpt
    Curated by 
    @meg_simpsonn
    Photographed by 
    @rowan.pacey
    Modelled by 
    @alicexmurray & @morgarlo

     

  5. CRITXX APPAREL

    Comments Off on CRITXX APPAREL

    Introducing the 20 Years of Underground Sonics range. A brand new selection of garments and accessories featuring a new 1/4 zip top, unisex hoodie, an oversized box fit unisex tee in black or white, 6 panel cap and a new festival flag made from recycled materials.
    Designed by leading artist Thomas Steiner aka Steiner Grafik.

    This is our most bespoke, environmentally friendly and highest quality apparel yet. 

    CRITXX – HOODY

    The Critical XX hoodie in black, constructed with 100% fair-trade cotton and features our linear formation design on the left sleeve and the new Critical type face on the right sleeve. Custom designed alloy draw string tips and a discreet printing on the back.

    CRITXX – 1/4 ZIP

    The Critical XX range includes a brand new black 1/4 zip top fashioned from 100% brushback cotton with our bespoke linear pattern design, printed in full across the back and the new Critical type face down the right sleeve.

    CRITXX – TEE (WHITE)

    The new unisex Critical XX oversized box fit tee available in white with contrasting print featuring our latest linear formation design. The new CRITXX apparel is printed with extra strength, environmentally friendly inks and will maintain it’s quality after several machine washes*

    CRITXX – TEE (BLACK)

    The new unisex Critical XX oversized box fit tee is also available in black with the same contrasting print featuring our latest linear formation design.

    CRITXX – 6 PANEL CAP

    Built from the ground up. Our new 6 panel cap is a beautifully built piece of headwear with a number of bespoke features.

    CRITXX – FESTIVAL FLAG

    Represent your favourite label with this custom branded Critical XX flag. Printed onto flag canvas made from recycled material and fitted with two fastening clips – ideal to hang on flag poles, bedroom walls or take it to your next festival.

    Packaging 

    Not only is our range produced with fair trade and organic cottons, we also wanted to ensure that it would be wrapped up and delivered in the most eco-friendly way possible. Our packaging has gone completely plastic free with our inside packaging being carbon neutral, fully recyclable and made from sugarcane and our shipping outer mailer packaging/tape being 100% compostable, 100% recyclable, biodegradable, plastic free with alternative inks.

    View the whole new range here

  6. Data Transmission // Printworks Review

    Comments Off on Data Transmission // Printworks Review

    Check out the latest review from Noah Papps of Data Transmission of our 20 Years of Printworks show back in March >>

    https://datatransmission.co/blog/reviewed-critical-xx-printworks/

    “I couldn’t think of a venue more suited to celebrating this monumental achievement for Kasra and the label. We’re talking dark, stripped back Drum & Bass, chunky breaks and growling basslines in London’s darkest, industrial setting.”Noah Papps

     

    📸 BEEDEE

  7. 20 Years of Underground Sonics // Compilation Album

    Comments Off on 20 Years of Underground Sonics // Compilation Album

    CRITICAL PRESENTS OUR 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY COMPILATION ALBUM

    “Compilation albums are very special to me, they are a major part of what kickstarted my love for drum and bass and i’m very excited to be sharing with you the most ambitious various artist project we have ever put together. 22 tracks of supreme cutting edge underground drum and bass by a collection of my favourite producers. Old friends alongside new ones in a glorious package which comes in 4 main formats:

    6 Piece Vinyl Box Set / Deluxe 6 Piece Vinyl Box Set / Streaming and Download

    This album is a total labour of love from all involved, it’s been several months in the making and we must be mad pressing such an expansive physical edition in the current climate but you know what? F it, you only turn 20 once.” – Kasra Critical

     


     

    The 22 exclusive tracks are a perfect snapshot of the sound that Critical is at the forefront of. Underground drum and bass in many different forms but always with a cutting edge. 

    We have a deluxe version too which is limited to 100 copies, This includes the album, a special aluminium print of the artwork, a signed poster, a multi page fanzine designed by Studio Yasseen Faik stickers and a slipmat. 

    Digital release – 28th April

    Vinyl Boxsets ship mid-July

    PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE HERE

     

    The physical album is a strictly limited edition 6 piece vinyl box set with artwork designed by Steiner Grafik.

    The box itself is beautiful with silver ink printed on both the inside and outer shell, the records are pressed on 120gsm virgin vinyl and the 6th plate has a special etching to commemorate the birthday. 

    Boxsets ship mid-July

     

     

    PRE-ORDER BOX SET

     


     

    20 YEARS OF UNDERGROUND SONICS

    DELUXE VINYL BOX SET

    Limited to 100 Sets – includes:

    Brushed Aluminium Artwork Print (300mm by 300mm)

    – 1 x Limited Edition Slip Mat w/ silver ink print

    – A Multi Page, Tabloid Sized Fanzine

    – 20 Years Of Underground Sonics – Digital Print A4 Poster – Signed by Kasra

    – Clear Critical Logo Stickers

    *box sets ships mid-July

  8. Kasra Presents The Critical Sound | Every Friday in May

    Comments Off on Kasra Presents The Critical Sound | Every Friday in May

    We’re excited to announce tickets for Kasra’s 4 week residency held at the intimate settings of Brixton’s Phonox.

    Tickets are now on general sale and selling rapidly so don’t miss out on your chance to catch Critical Sound alongside a different almighty lineup up every Friday in May.

    “2022 is only 3 months old but there’s already been a lot to be excited about, to add to this excitement, I’m absolutely flying to announce that I’m going to be the Phonox resident for the month of May.
    I’ve handpicked the line ups so that across the 4 weeks some of my favourite DJs and producers will be joining me to showcase the best underground drum and bass.
    Old friends, new friends, few legends some future heroes and heroines.
    It’s a real privilege to be trusted with a residency and it feels extra special to be able to do it in my hometown. I hope you can join me.”Kasra Critical

     

    Fri, 6th May | Kasra, Randall, QZB, En:vy, Spectral & GQ

     

    https://ra.co/events/1516537

     

    Fri, 13th May | Kasra, Foreign Concept, Waeys, Klinical, Cauzer, Mantmast & XL

     

    https://ra.co/events/1516538

     

    Fri, 20th May | Kasra, Hyroglifics, Sam Binga, Fracture, Latesleeper & Slay

     

    https://ra.co/events/1516539

     

    Fri, 27th May | Kasra, Enei, Halogenix, GQ & Jakes

     

    https://ra.co/events/1516536

     


  9. 20 Years of Critical // Printworks

    Comments Off on 20 Years of Critical // Printworks

    On the 19th of March 2022, over 6000 attendees filled the Press Hall + Inkwell rooms at the almighty Printworks.

    We want to say a huge thank you to everyone one who came and partied with us, creating such a wonderful memory at our biggest show to date. It really was something special.

     

    “20 years ago my dad lent me a grand so I could start Critical, I just wanted to be involved in a scene that I loved so much. Fast forward to Saturday and the label invited some family and friends as well as 6000 ravers to celebrate our birthday. I never ever dreamed we would get this far.

    I can’t quite process how incredible an event it was and it’s a day i’ll never forget. Having GQ bring my dad out on stage and the cheer the crowd gave him pushed me over the edge a bit so if you saw me with a tear in my eye remember drum and bass DJs have feelings too…

    Been floating since then feeling proud, emotional, inspired and so many other positives right now
    This show was nearly 4 years in the planning and I can’t thank everyone involved enough, to list you all would take a long time but you know who you are and I am eternally grateful.

    An uncompromising line up of some of the finest DJs, vocalists and hosts in underground drum and bass.

    PS I still haven’t paid my dad back”Kasra Critical


    📸 – Sophie Harbinson


    Up Next…

    Be sure to check our next full scale 20 Year Shows at Manchester and Bristol in the coming months – full event listings & tickets for these are available via our Events page: https://criticalmusic.com/events/


    Find our Official After-show Movie below:

    🎥  GHFilm