Artikal At Juno Download

Review: Tricky polyrhythmic tribal dubstep alert! "Installation" is a deep, rolling groove workout that twists and turns with precision menace. Too dark and pensive for you? Then head to "Natural State". Cruising on an old school synth refrain, it's a caustic balance of shades as we peak with shivers then shudder to the almighty percussive drop. "Decoding" finishes the set with Genetix's darkest tones to date. More of a half step than the previous tracks on the EP, it's a woozy rocker that will sways with deep sonic seasickness. Mean.

Review: Venomous vibes abound as this sonorous collaboration between Killawatt and Core slithers and hisses with menace. Light congas rattle in the background as the main groove undulated poisonously with haunted delayed pads and the bass croaks with subtle but deadly intent. The dark flavours continue on "Akusala"... Meaning evil or unwholesome in Buddhism, this heavy footed stepper lives up to its name in every way. Coated in titanium techno influences this is every bit as mean and ugly as the title suggests. Finally we hit "Shaanxi". The most reflective piece of the trio this comes armed with some classic sub bass tones and a riff that's both simple and complex as it develops throughout.

Review: There's something to be said for a simple, nagging two-note riff. Stabby and infectious: cooked well and it's the perfect recipe for dancefloor mind magic. Take "Tesla", a simplistic, twisted pacer that penetrates the psyche with its liquid rhythm and relentless hook. "Timelapse" meanwhile shows a whole other side to Perverse as we dive and glide on cosmic thermals, hanging onto loose guitar twangs and airy pads. "Unexpected" takes the best elements of the two; more of a meatier, incessant halfstep rhythm but with breathy textures and hypnotising depths.

Review: For those who like their dubstep sunny side down - the kind that's full of bludgeoning bass, obliterating subs and snares so sharp they'd cut your head off given a chance - then welcome Perverse to your soundsystems. "The Iceman" is just one such example of his mastery of this sound; much like Distance's work, it's dark, condensed and full of low end thuds, wobbles and whirrs. "Submerge" is a more stripped back venture with smacking kicks and snares reverberating in a sparse soundscape. Bonus track "Rigor Mortis" continues the journey, with throbbing bass and skittish SFX.

Review: Sleeper makes his debut on the UK's Artikal Music with one of the most diverse and intense dubstep EPs we've heard in while. Title track "Ritual" really does feel like a spellbinding affair, where winding basslines meet repetitive shots of tribal drums and slithering snares for a fight to the death. "Tidal" has similar visual appeal, its blistering waves of low frequencies wrapping you up for all-out sonic warfare, packed with enough drum shots to have you swimming to shore in pure fear; "Quadrant" is the biggest surprise on the menu however, and whilst its speed is blatantly on the dubstep range, its different harmonics and whirlpools of sound give a clear shout-out to the UK's jungle dynasty - recommended!