Tuesday 22 January 2013

Network - Pentagon

Pretty much any tune that opens with a sample from the film 'Drive' gets an instant tick in my book and Network have done just that. This certified chart system banger is a free download through their Soundcloud page.

'Pentagon' features a lot of variety, opening with the aforementioned 'Drive' sample we are then met with subtle atmospherics, a perfectly produced bass drum, infections closed hi-hats and a cowbell which would sound very at home on a DFA release. That is until shit gets real at the 1.46 mark. The ear is now met with a bass heavy- Acid House lead melodic pattern, comparatively similar to Boddika's 'Warehouse'. As the song progresses we are met again with the cowbell's from earlier, with the addition an ambient reversed cymbal effect to introduce a new instrument into the mix.

The second bridge features a synth pattern similar to something from Faithless' back catalogue, with what I can only imagine is a Fender Rhodes lingering in the background. Bringing us to the second drop which is, albeit the same as the first, but nevertheless it still packs an apocalyptic sized punch.

All in all, Network have been releasing banger after banger, all for free on their Soundcloud and 'Pentagon' is no exception. Really brilliant stuff.

     -Samuel Hughes

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Dark Sky & Breach - The Click/The Fallout

50 Weapons alumni Dark Sky team up with Breach to release 'The Click' with the B side 'The Fallout' on Breach's own London based label Naked Naked records, forthcoming 11th Febuary.

In a recent interview with Trap magazine Breach stated the importance of melody to his productions, it is subsequently fitting then that his latest release with Dark Sky perfectly exemplifies this. Both the A Side 'The Click' and B Side 'The Fallout' focus on a deep bass line as the main hook; with the former more concentrated on providing a darker vibe than 'The Fallout's' somewhat euphoric and harmonious main melodic pattern.  'The Click's' bass line fits perfectly over the tribal drums and strange noises quintessential to the Breach sound, whilst the ambient sharp synth stabs preceding the second drop showcase the talents that Dark Sky possess.  The subtle variation of this production is what makes it shine, for example, the addition of open hi-hats to the second drop will instantly get your head nodding off its frame...

'The Fallout' is equally as impressive, the chopped up vocal works wonderfully over yet another catchy bass line and the Chicago house drums. Although structurally quite simple, both production teams really demonstrate,again, their love for subtly. After many listens, the ears are met with new beautifully timed atmospheric sounds, swaying from ear to ear and conscience to sub-conscience. 

 So whether you are a music anorak, a producer or a camo wearing teenager with pupils the size of Venus and sweat pouring down you like Jimmy Saville at a nursery open day (too soon?), you will without a doubt be hearing this one soon.

Prepare yourselves...

- Samuel Hughes

Friday 4 January 2013

Boddika & Joy Orbison - Mercy (Boddika's VIP)

There's really not much I can say about this one, utterly speechless.
This drops 2nd Febuary Nonplus records. On repeat for days...



-Samuel Hughes