V/A - SELECTS VIII

Fabric Records continues its exploration of distinct electronic subgenres with the release of SELECTS VIII on August 28, 2026. This latest compilation centers on broken beat, a genre known for its intricate rhythms and fusion of jazz, funk, and club music influences, which has often been overlooked in mainstream discourse despite repeated claims of revival.

Unlike previous SELECTS editions that showcased UK garage, tech house, or bass music, this volume delves into the multifaceted nature of broken beat. The compilation’s ten tracks present a broad sonic palette, emphasizing the genre’s hallmark syncopated percussion and harmonic complexity rooted in 1970s jazz and fusion traditions. This approach captures the genre’s elasticity without smoothing out its textural roughness, preserving the rawness that defines its character.

Key contributors to the project include Donsurf, whose track “The Model” offers warm, organic jazz chords that highlight the genre’s melodic roots. Similarly, Streeton’s “Ginko Dub” incorporates rich percussion layers and Latin rhythmic elements, providing one of the compilation’s most soulful moments. These tracks illustrate broken beat’s capacity to blend groove and intricate musicianship seamlessly.

On the edgier side of the compilation, Ben Hauke’s “Love This” features tougher, grittier textures that contrast with the more polished numbers, while D’Monk’s “Daza” creates an off-kilter groove through the interplay of sharp claps and heavy basslines. The closing track, “Bakura,” rounds out the album with smooth, caramel-like jazz chords, offering a warm conclusion that reflects the genre’s melodic sensibilities.

The compilation also pays homage to broken beat’s lineage through contributions from influential figures such as Mark Force and Afronaut of Bugz in the Attic. Their track “Carnival (AfroForce Vox Dub)” constructs a dense rhythmic tapestry using vocals, whistles, and interlocking percussion, embodying the genre’s deep-rooted club aesthetics. Additionally, Maddslinky contributes “UNTILTED AS YET,” a previously unreleased recording from the CoOp era, adding historical depth to the collection.

Despite the presence of emerging talents and key veterans, SELECTS VIII notably lacks contributions from some foundational artists like IG Culture, Kaidi Tatham, and Shy One. Their absence leaves a gap in the representation of the genre’s full spectrum, although the new voices included demonstrate the evolving vitality of broken beat.

Broken beat’s distinct identity arises not from a uniform rhythmic pattern such as the Amen break or four-on-the-floor pulse, but from its dynamic tension between styles—merging live instrumentation with electronic production, and balancing structure with rhythmic disruption. SELECTS VIII encapsulates this interplay, reflecting both the genre’s past and its ongoing evolution.

By capturing a range of stylistic expressions within broken beat, the compilation offers a cohesive yet varied listening experience that underscores the genre’s complexity and resilience. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a sound that thrives on hybridity and innovation, positioning fabric Records once again as a curator of cutting-edge electronic music narratives.

While details beyond the compilation’s tracklist and contributing artists remain sparse, the release marks a significant moment for broken beat enthusiasts and electronic music followers alike, reaffirming the genre’s relevance in contemporary club culture as of late August 2026.