Innovation In The Sun 2016 Pack 1 Review: Jungle Vibes That Hit Different
Alright, let’s talk about Innovation In The Sun 2016 Pack 1. It’s one of those albums that just screams UK underground energy—released by the Innovation label in 2016, it's got all the hallmarks of classic DnB and jungle with a modern twist. If you’re into breakneck beats, razor-sharp basslines, and MCs spitting bars like their lives depend on it, this is your jam.
First off, gotta shout out the lineup of MCs: Bassman, Harry Shotta, Skibadee (legend!), Stormin, and more. These guys don’t mess around—they bring raw energy to every track. And while there are plenty of bangers here, two tracks really stuck with me for different reasons.
One is the Untitled Mix (yeah, they didn’t even bother naming it, which makes it feel kinda mysterious). This thing hits hard from the jump. The beat switches up so fast you barely have time to catch your breath, but somehow it still feels smooth. There’s this rolling bassline that just digs into your brain and doesn’t let go. Plus, when Skibadee jumps in with his rapid-fire flow, it’s like—wow, okay, we’re not playing anymore. This isn’t background music; it demands your attention. You can tell the producers knew exactly what they were doing, crafting something that feels chaotic but controlled at the same time.
Another standout has to be whatever track features Stormin—he’s always been underrated if you ask me. His verse cuts through the mix like butter. I think it was near the middle of the album? Honestly, my memory gets hazy because once this album starts rolling, it’s easy to get lost in the groove. But his delivery had me rewinding again and again. Dude’s got charisma for days, and paired with those heavy jungle breaks, it’s golden.
What I love most about this pack is how unapologetically British it feels. Like, you couldn’t make this anywhere else. The vibe is pure rave culture—no frills, no trying too hard, just straight-up good vibes meant to move bodies. It reminds me why I fell in love with drum ‘n’ bass in the first place.
Random thought though: did anyone else notice how short some of these tracks feel? Not complaining, but sometimes I wish they’d stretch out a bit longer. Feels like just as you’re getting into it, BAM, next track. Maybe that’s part of the charm?
Anyway, if you’re looking for an album that’ll slap in your headphones or kill it at a party, Innovation In The Sun 2016 Pack 1 is worth a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up losing hours vibing to it. Oh, and props to whoever designed the cover art—it’s giving serious “we made this in someone’s basement” vibes, and I mean that in the best way possible. Legends.
Rating: 8/10
