Review of Native Fortress by Sandi

Four to the floor breakbeast business.

This track is taken from the North-West of England (probably Manchester) Certain Sounds Selections C-D, Side C produced by the unknown and social media avoiding Sandi. This one is called “Native Fortress”, which apparently is a notoriously difficult Crash Bandicoot level.

Probably one of the sexiest intros of 2026, a slowly attacking lush three-chord sequence using a stirring and syrupy pad, along with a high-pass breakbeat which enters the foray. A delayed female vocal cries “hey, yeah”

“Native Fortress” is defined by its four-to-the-floor breakbeat rhythm smashing through the doors, tearing down the dancefloor and, without a doubt, a precursor to your next five plus minutes of shuffling and stepping about like a lunatic. The classic Paris break has a bright and metallic snare with plenty of reverb; that type of snare always leaves a good impression when used correctly.

This is a blurry-eyed flashback to the jungle techno days, with its ambient harmonies shining through as the beat meanders through the four-to-the-floor style and some galloping breakbeat patterns, yet “Native Fortress” was made in the 21st Century and certainly does have a contemporary mixdown finish to it.
The bassline is pretty standard; it has that 91-92 hardcore vibe about it, solid sub sine wave with plenty of body and no timber variation – no thrills, just that simple classic sound.

Oozing thick layers of danceability and offering inspiring, uplifting vibes; this is a very easy rhythm changer to any jungle set. It will always come out on top as you get your groove on to whatever type of track you are mixing out.

The second drop and ending of the track, signalling out the pads, is actually the coolest section of “Native Fortress”; the pure rhythmic section where drums break out over the deep subs, for me, could have been extended more or even fitted earlier in the track. Overall, though, an awesome track from Sandi, and hopefully a sign of more to come.