[AlbumOTD] Rusko - KAPOW

Artist: Rusko
Genre: Glitch-Hop/Dubstep/Electronica
Location: Los Angeles, California, US
Website: http://www.ruskoonfire.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ruskoofficial
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ruskoofficial

Today’s record is the newly released ‘KAPOW’ EP from Leeds-born dubstep producer, Rusko. The industrial glitch-hop EP features four tracks, ‘Yeah’, ‘Booyakasha’, ‘Bring It Back’ and ‘Like This’. The release is not the first thing to come out of camp Rusko this calendar year with March seeing the release of ‘Songs’, Rusko’s second solo full-length album, followed by the EP collaboration with hip-hop heavyweights Cypress Hill in June, titled ‘Cypress X Rusko’. The former was released on US-based label Mad Decent, however he has decided to release ‘KAPOW’ independently in order to produce it just the way he wants it to be produced. The emphasis for the EP is not on profit, but rather on promotion. 

The first track ‘Yeah’ is a real positive-sounding number suited more to a summer climate. It possesses an innate ability to bring a whole rave to a state of ecstasy. The intensity of the beat reaches peaks and troughs making it an ideal club banger.  

This is followed by ‘Booyakasha’ which again is an upbeat hard-style track around the 140bpm mark. It’s filled with energy and features certain wobbles synonymous with the sound of Rusko, transforming the hard-style opening into an eclectic pounding fusion of dubstep and drum & bass.  

The penultimate track, ‘Bring It Back’ threatens to go deep whilst continuing to hover just above the surface with its break-beat style. Undoubtedly the most club-style anthem on the EP, it blends twisted dubstep basslines with a dose of soul.

The final track ‘Like This’ may not be something new to Rusko die-hards with the full track dropped on Youtube on October 16^th.  Dissimilar in fashion to the other three tracks it clocks in at just 110bpm offering groovy, bass-filled drops with a move away from Rusko’s signature wobbles. This is certainly more ‘hands-in-the-air’ than your ‘down n dirty’ dustep classics, it’s a tune that is sure to get a crowd united and jumping as one. The track also samples the word “Wow” from an ’08 Crookers remix of ‘The Salmon Dance’.

The EP is officially released today free of charge on Rusko’s website here, and below you can check out the final track on the EP, ‘Like This’:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Chase & Status - BIG MAN (ft. Liam Bailey)

Artist: Chase & Status

Genre: Drum & Bass/Dubstep/Breakbeat

Location: London, UK

Label Type: Major 

Record Label: Mercury Records / Universal Music

Website: http://www.chaseandstatus.co.uk/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/chaseandstatus

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chaseandstatus

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/chaseandstatus

Following on from their highly successful single, ‘Blind Faith’, drum and bass heavyweights Chase and Status have once again collaborated with Liam Bailey to bring us ‘Big Man’. However, the auto-tuning on Bailey’s voice makes his inclusion completely unrecognisable to that on ‘Blind Faith’. Some may see it as a waste of his talent, taking away the passion and integrity, but on the other hand it could be seen as simply exploring another dimension of the musical resources in order to provide an alternative sound.

This effort is certainly more rock influenced than the sound Chase & Status have become synonymous with since the release of ‘No More Idols’ in 2011. This is evident in the guitars and drums, coinciding with less emphasis on the bass triggering the question of its genre. It suggests a slight switch of direction from good old fashioned D&B to a more drumstep approach. The heavy drum beats enable it to remain anarchistic in nature; a song that you can head-bang, mosh out and release energy to. In terms of the mood and atmosphere generated by the lyrics and meaning it reveals a darker sound, a trait which is rumoured to be more of a fixture on the upcoming third album. The general consensus however will undoubtedly look to issues surrounding the inclusion of the autotune on Liam Bailey’s vocals, possibly sparking a move away from clean vocals in the near future for the duo.

The song is now available for free download on the Chase & Status website. Below is the ‘Smack My Bitch Up’-esque video for the new single ‘Big Man’ (ft. Liam Bailey): 

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Nero - CRUSH ON YOU

Artist: Nero
Genre: Club/Drum & Bass/Dubstep
Location: London, UK 
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: MTA Records
Website: http://www.thisisnero.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nerouk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nerouk
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nerouk

Today we have decided to give you all a little heads up on a brilliant tune to be released in 2 weeks’ time. Fans of Nero should already know the track as it's the fifth single off the recently released album ‘Welcome Reality’, with it's release date set for October 17th.

The track should also be familiar to fans of The Jets as it’s a rework of their 1986 single ‘Crush On You’. It’s a more upbeat, modern version of the song incorporating dubstep breakdowns. The vocals are a straight copy and paste from the 80’s classic yet they have such a fresher sound. However, the dubstep credentials aren’t as well executed as usual for Nero with a strangely timed drop and generic wobbles. Despite this, the production of the vocals, the funky bassline and the infectious switch up more than make up for this void.

Nero have become one of UK’s most successful acts since joining the ranks on Chase & Status’ record label MTA records, and especially so when incorporating female vocals. This usually comes in the form of Alana Watson, but with ready-made female vocals on this track, there’s no reason why it can’t also reach the upper echelons of the UK charts once again, even if the sound is completely different to the duo’s previous hits.

This track is certainly a grower with persistence being the key, so the only thing left to do is check out the song and video below. Perhaps this could be the first sign of disco-step/house-step?

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Matt Nash - CAN'T GET MY HEAD

Artist: Matt Nash

Genre: House/Pop/Electro
Location: London, England. UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Super Massive Records 

Website: http://mattnashofficial.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mattnashmusic

Facebook: http://facebook.com/mattnashofficial

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/mattnashmusic

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mattnashmusic

Today sees the latest release from Matt Nash with his brand new song, ‘Can’t Get My Head’. This is the follow-up to last month's ‘Invincible’.

Nash has gone for a more dubstep vibe on this one appealing to the opposite side of the spectrum of the dance-floor audience. The pace of the song is slower than usual allowing for the dubstep to be exploited to its full effect, whilst also possessing some slick beats. This record demonstrates the diversity of the youngster who continues to show promise and potential. The track is short and sharp at under 3mins in length, with the first 45secs almost serving as an introduction with simply vocals and effects. This then transforms into a cool, calm, dubstep ambiance until the tempo is picked up slightly before reaching an abrupt climax. There is no doubt this track is current and there is a definite market audience for a song of this breed, but whilst it is heartfelt and passionate, it possibly lacks a catchy, killer chorus. Despite this, there is positive potential there and the dubstep vibe shows a sound basis to build upon.

You can check the song out here.

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Vampiro - PHANTOM

Artist: Vampiro

Genre: Dubstep
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: DLA Black
Twitter: http://twitter.com/itsVampiro
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/VampiroTV

‘Phantom’ is the new release from South African dubstep producer Vampiro. He has followed the lead set by such acts as Nero in employing female vocals in the form of Anja van der Spuy (even if this is just sampled noises rather than singing).

The tune is contemporary yet simple, generic yet effective. The beginning strikes similar resemblances to early Crystal Castles, up until the cut-throat bass drops in. The pace is stepped up a bit around half way through as an eclectic drop is nailed. However, it subsequently doesn’t deliver as much as is promised. Perhaps more variety and experimentation could be added, but perfection comes with experience, and the early signs are there for Vampiro, such as mastering the dubstep beat and raving capabilities. These comments can be generalised also to an earlier distributed track, ‘Haunter’, although this particular tune probably takes greater direction in using the synths.

The foundations are most certainly there, with definitive influences from Skrillex. And so if filthy, face-melting dubstep is your thing, then you just might like this. Check it out!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Nero - PROMISES

Artist: Nero
Genre: Club/Drum & Bass/Dubstep
Location: London, UK 
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: MTA Records
Website: http://www.thisisnero.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nerouk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nerouk
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nerouk

‘Promises’ is the new song from UK act Nero, labelled by Zane Lowe as the Hottest Record in the World. It’s a more than adequate follow up to previous hit singles ‘Innocence’, ‘Me & You’ and ‘Guilt’. All four songs are to feature on the duo’s first studio album, Welcome Reality set for release on August 15^th on MTA Records. Vocals for the track are provided by Alana Watson, who is now essentially part of the furniture at Nero HQ, featuring heavily as a vocalist on much of the new material.

The song itself follows on very much from earlier releases producing a similar sound of fusion between drum & bass and their own unique blend of dubstep. As expected with Nero, the song possesses a magnificent breakdown from pounding drum beats and effective use of synths and bass. The powerful vocals compliment the sound of DJ’s Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray wonderfully, suiting each other down to the ground. As for the chorus, saying that it’s catchy is a cliché used all too often, but it’s a cliché that is all too true in this case.

Lyrically, the meaning behind the song is simply about a girl being told by her partner that they won’t leave her so long as she doesn’t break her promises. Not particularly genius or original, but then again, this is the case for most dance songs.

With Nero’s last two tracks peaking 8 and 15 on the official UK singles chart, this latest release is bound to mean another appearance in the higher echelons of the chart when it’s released on August 7^th.

You can pre-order the album here and check out the brand new official video for Promises below:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Sonic Boom Six - WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKE YOU STRONGER

Artist: Sonic Boom Six

Genre: Punk/Hip-Hop/Ska/Reggae

Location: Manchester, England, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Rebel Alliance
Website: http://www.sonicboomsix.co.uk 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonicboomsix

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sonicboomsix 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sonicboomsix

It is so great to know that Sonic Boom Six are back, and better than ever. ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Make You Stronger’ is the B-side to the latest single ‘New Style Rocka’, but the two are completely different illustrating the diversity of SB6.

This track offers dusty dub wobbles and drum and bass beats leaving you with an urge to get your skank on! Barney Boom steals the show on this one with his gutsy raps and rhymes, complimenting the soulful squeaks of Laila K. The inclusion of so much drum and bass is something new to the band, adding another string to the already impressive bow. This new style suits Barney down to a tee, and perhaps this is the first sample of the message portrayed by A-side single, ‘New Style Rocka’.

The video is set in an underpass highlighting the new underground nature of Sonic Boom Six’s sound as they move with the times integrating current influences into their new material. If there is such a genre as punk-step, then this is it ladies and germs.

Originally the band wanted to shoot the video for the next single, ‘Sunny Side of The Street’ but the weather was unforgiving and so they have treated the world with a promotional video for ‘What Doesn't Kill You Make You Stronger’. Check it out!

Matthew Evans

[ArtistOTD] TC4

Artist: TC4

Genre: Experimental/Dubstep/Grime

Location: Dudley, Birmingham, UK

Label Type: Unsigned

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/tc4wolves

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tc4wolves

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tc4wolves

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tc4wolves

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/tc4wolves

TC4 are a self-proclaimed programming/production duo consisting of Tom Calder and Kate Turley, hailing from the Midlands. The pair, who formed last year, tend to make their own beats as well as carrying out remixes and samples. Drummer Kate provides energy and vigour in abundance illustrated by some live drum performances that you can check out on their YouTube channel.

Their best song is undoubtedly ‘Exit’, an example of a masterfully constructed dubstep tune. If this song was released by a top famous artist, it would be a world beater for sure. It really is that good! The male and female vocals complement each other superbly, while the heavy drops are timed to perfection.

Probably the bands best remix, is their dubstep version of Ellie Goulding’s ‘The Writer’. The build up to the drop is so intense while the drop itself portrays the razor like sound that you can hear in most TC4 tracks. They have also managed to pick and choose parts of the vocals cunningly and reproduce them accordingly. Moreover, their dub mix of Heart's Under Fire’s ‘It’s Not Me, It’s You’ is another one to take note of.

In addition, the twosome have since recorded a sick dubstep remix of Rage Against The Machine’s ‘Testify’, and an equally dope remix of Chiddy Bang’s ‘Truth’. This as well as their experimental remixes of such artists as Bomma B, Mr Vegas, Slick Don, Trilla, and Movez.

A collaboration that also deserves a mention is the jungle style ‘Babylon Warrior’ ft. Slam Coke. This creates a mash-up between grimy dub beats and reggae vocals.

However, away from their re-mastering, the band’s early songs are short and sharp providing in your face grime. Personally, I would love to see them go back to these roots as they give the band more personality and character. Recently they seem to have focussed more on mixing songs from other artists. Even though these are carried out well, it would also be good to see more of their own stuff again like ‘Hardbass’ ‘Drought’ ‘Reflex’ and ‘Dubchant’.

Feel free to check some of their songs for yourselves and see what you think!

Matthew Evans