Oblique ft. Frank Carter III / St. Clair / Oblique (Synkro Rmx)

A dreamteam collaboration to start off Critical's 2012 season from the hugely lauded Sabre, who returns after a long break since his astonishing debut album of 2010, Stray and Halogenix. The perfect antidote to soothe us out of those January blues, simply gorgeous.

'Oblique' kicks off with a delicate but tough break that cuts through the mix as gentle pads wash over the soundscape to a breakdown that oozes class and a deft touch. Smooth keys then drop, light strings and the arrival of a deep soul vocal that carries us through into a midst of aural ear-pleasing. Subtle to the end this is a serious piece of music; reach for your headphones and drift away.

The trio get a little harder on the flipside with 'St. Clair', a track that toys on the tech-step tip for a slice of glitchy D&B naughtiness. A sprinkle of vocal cuts and blip FX joined by some polished bass make for a peak-time floor filler perfect to get any club bouncing.

Also included is a truly sumptuous downbeat remix of 'Oblique' from Manchester's Synkro, a name fast becoming synonymous with the very best in bass music. Critical coming on strong as always for the new year. Keep 'em peeled.