10th May 2025

CypherSound Cartel: A New Chapter for Northern Irish Drum & Bass

A Homegrown Movement Finds Its Voice

In a city better known for its techno and house parties, Belfast’s drum and bass scene has long thrived in the shadows. But that’s about to change. CypherSound Cartel—a duo comprised of veteran producers Stuart Adamson and Robert Jess—are stepping up to give the North’s DnB movement a proper platform with the launch of their brand-new label, CypherSound Cartel Recordings.

With their debut release locked in for 16 May 2025, the Cartel are coming out swinging.

The Return of the Founders

There’s history here. Stuart Adamson, known in past lives for his involvement with the legendary Calibre project, and Robert Jess, a DJ and ex-member of underground collective Cappo Regime, have returned to production after a 25-year break. Life may have moved on, but the creative spark clearly never went out.

Reconnecting through modern digital audio workstations and a shared hunger to contribute something meaningful, the pair now produce under the aliases SBC10 (Stuart) and Reload (Rob). Their sound is a fusion of everything that’s fuelled their passion since the '90s—deep atmospherics, menacing reese basslines, and the dark-edged energy of neurofunk and jungle.

The Debut Release: SBC10 x Reload

The inaugural release from CypherSound Cartel Recordings is a double A-side showcasing both artists’ production chops.

“Fingers” is an atmospheric, weighty roller, driven by swirling pads and a snarling reese backbone. It channels the tension and space of classic drum and bass but refuses to rest on nostalgia.
“Tincture”, meanwhile, dives headfirst into neurofunk territory—tight percussion, dense low-end pressure, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s the kind of tune that wouldn’t sound out of place at peak time in a dark room with a low ceiling.

Together, the tracks set the tone for what CypherSound Cartel are about: technical precision, emotional weight, and unapologetically underground energy.

Building a Scene, Not Just a Catalogue

But CypherSound Cartel Recordings isn’t just a vanity project or a one-off. It’s a call to arms for Northern Irish drum and bass. The label’s second release—a remix EP dropping shortly after the debut—features four reworks of the original tracks by some of NI’s brightest up-and-comers: Chill, Dlusion, Red Wreath, and Swizzy.

This isn’t just lip service to the local scene either. The EP is a testament to the talent bubbling just beneath the radar, with each artist bringing their own twist—whether that’s melodic flourishes, experimental sound design, or pure dancefloor pressure.

“We’re here to make noise, not just for ourselves, but for everyone pushing boundaries in the Northern Irish drum and bass scene,” says Adamson. “This is more than a label—it’s a platform for community and creativity.”

A Needed Spotlight on Belfast’s Undercurrent

For years, drum and bass in Northern Ireland has thrived through pockets of DIY energy—nights like Crilli, promoters digging in their crates, and a few key names keeping the fire burning. But infrastructure matters. Labels matter. CypherSound Cartel Recordings is a much-needed addition to the mix: a locally rooted imprint with a global ear, ready to document and support what’s happening on the ground.

And it's more than symbolic. With the label already prepping further releases and collaborations, it’s clear there’s a roadmap in place—not just for Stuart and Rob, but for any Northern Irish producer with the skill and vision to match.

Where to Hear It

The debut release lands 16 May 2025 on all digital platforms. Follow CypherSound Cartel on socials or hit up their website to stay locked for previews, pre-orders, and future drops: