Once again I am much obliged to Ad Noiseam for introducing me to new sounds. If it wasn’t for the label’s keen eye, I would have missed Julien Chastagnol’s work as Ruby My Dear, since I haven’t been up to date with many digital released on labels such as Acroplane, Peace Off, and Braincore, where Chastagnol has enjoyed much success in the last few years. Thus, getting signed to Ad Noiseam yields a debut full length release, titled Remains Of Shapes To Come, and I’m immediately intrigued by the past and future of this French producer. Carrying forward the torch of the genre (while certain snares just seem to be hibernating), Chastagnol brings forth a fresh breath of air with a little ragga flavah and a bit of his own insanity in the mix. Whether it’s tinkering with DSP-heavy IDM, or the neuron-misfiring frenzy of drilling breakcore, or glitch-heavy terrorizing riddims that drop into distorted hardcore kicks ["...and now Batman's hands got plans for me!"], Ruby My Dear puts on a performance which is above all intelligent, and by no means boring. This is not simply a collection of sped-up rhythms, cut-up beats, and growling bass – there is a seemingly fluid story being told throughout and between the tracks. And I personally welcome this much needed rebirth of the genre – bring back the jungle, bring back the Amen break! Highly recommended for fans of Enduser, Bong-Ra, The Teknoist, and of course Venetian Snares.