Renegade Science Vol. 2 – 254 Science and Research (2026) – Album Review

Album: Renegade Science Vol. 2

Artist: V/A

Label: 254 Science and Research

Release Date: August 21, 2026

There’s one irrefutable truth in this life that eventually comes for everybody: getting older. Some of us have simply accumulated more mileage, while others seem to be aging at an accelerated rate for reasons that remain perfectly obvious to anyone who hasn’t spent the last decade trapped inside some backwards-ass town in a red state. Anyway, I ramble in my old age. 254 Science and Research seems like it was built inside that ancient cathedral of unruly youth that every older generation eventually finds itself shaking a fist at. In this case, I feel that most of us millennials are shaking our fists out of joy rather than anger.

This album has just about everything you could want out of a Jungle/Footwork compilation. Besides the fact that all profits from digital or physical purchases will be donated to The People’s Store PDX*, it’s also got some fucking BANGERS on it. The opening track, PARABOLICA, by ri is the perfect start to this album. It reminds me why I went on my exploration of the origins of Jungle in the first place. Reminds me of “Where’s Jack the Ripper?“

Other great standout tracks are from Omari Jazz (barn and friends), who I’m a fan of, and spliffany evans (music and weed) whose music I cannot wait to explore in greater detail. Omari, who I first met at a Barn Radio show, always seems to bring the heat. I got stuck on that track for a good half hour before finally moving on and hitting spliffany evans’ “music and weed,” at which point my entire session got derailed again. My goodness this is everything I love about this music. Ultimately it’s a tight, compact, and soul-filled 7 minutes to bliss. I’ve been listening to it for the past day or so – fantastic track. There’s also a fun track by echosoul (summer heat) that I find cute and whimsical. There’s also a banging melody driven, sci-fi track by Production Unit Xero that I love – definitely heard a variation of this at one of their live show this year. Good stuff.

Renegade Science Vol. 2 is just fun. For me, compilations like this are a great way to discover new artists because I’m always on the lookout for something that can make me feel … something. I’m just Cousteau and I’m tired of these old maps – I don’t trust them anymore. It’s a great compilation filled with talented musicians who are keeping this always mutating art form alive and well, by finding new ways to get that sweet destination we all know as … bliss. Reminder to the older folks out there: yelling at clouds is a miserable way to spend your remaining years. Better to dance with them instead.

*All profits from digital or physical purchases will be donated to The People’s Store PDX to provide necessities, harm redux, and resources to our unhoused community members in Portland, OR.