Grenier At Juno Download

Review: Also known as DJG, Grenier has developed a real name in the US for his deep, well measured take on dubstep. A rare breed in the land of the brostep, it's no surprise his pensive, atmospheric material has pricked the ears of bass legend Photek. The title track is a real head nodder with whistful synths washing across the mix euphorically as three different layers of bass chat amongst themselves before one particular low-end riff hammers out the melodic refrain with polite urgency. Meanwhile "Say Something" takes on a more old school tech-influenced flavour as textured percussion keeps the song focussed while some joyous sub bass mutters and growls underneath.

Review: Label boss Kastle states that for his imprint, Symbols Recordings, 'the feeling is the genre'. However he does let is slip that it is at least in the sphere of 'forward-thinking electronic music'. With recent releases from either side of the Atlantic, it is now the turn of San Francisco producer Grenier to provide some bass-inflected ammunition. "Cursive" is the kind of sinister post-dubstep that you wouldn't want to meet down a dark alley, while "Gutta' is all broken up beats and a wayward 303. Title track "Intentions" is slammin' satanic garage and "Silver Surfer" features some pretty cinematic synth work. Things end on an introspective note, with the chopped-up brittle beauty of the downtempo "I Miss The Hiss".

Review: Unveiling a new moniker, DJG steps up with a smart two-tracker which continues Tectonic's careful steering towards a potential future for dubstep. "Uncertain" already received an airing on label boss Pinch's recent Fabric mix, and it sounds pristine in its solitary form, as mammoth chord stabs follow an equally hefty bassline. The vibe starts off darkside and blossoms into rich textures, positively sunnier in its outlook than first impressions may have suggested. "Vendetta" lives up to the sinister promise of its opening tones, riding a similar bumping groove but keeping the melodics to a minimum so that the edgy rhythm section can do its thing.