Review: Celebrating two decades deep in the game, Critical Music deliver this exceptional 22 track collection from some of the most innovative artists in the bass field. From old label mates such as Sam Binga, Mefjus and Ivy Lab to exciting newcomer talents like Spectral, Able and Cauzer, the entire collection is a blistering jolt of futurism that ranges the full Critical spectrum. Highlights range from the introspective tones of Buunshin's 'Forget About Me' to the dark, tense minimalism of Calibre's 'Verstat' by way of the barbed soul of Halogenix's 'IDGAF'. Here's to another 20 years...
Review: With releases on the likes of Overview, Flexout and Four Corners, Klinical levels up once again with this premiership EP on Critical Music. Always keeping us on our toes, the vibes remain exciting, unique but also true to the signature and reputation he's been developing over the last few years. Every track is serious hooter but key highlights include the ever-mutating twists and turns and the soulful moans and groans on the title track 'Constant' and the sweet soulful finale with Sydney Bryce and Duskee 'My Own'. Keeping things consistent and constant, Klinical has smashed this one out of the park.
Review: Overview are without a doubt one of the biggest success stories of recent years and 2020 has proved to be their biggest yet, with a slew of fantastic releases across their roster of artists. Pretty much that entire crew is represented here and the tracks cover their 2 year history, from early tunes like breakout hit 'Around Me' to brand spanking new cuts like 'Framed' by Klinical and Waeys. Waeys has been an important part of the Overview story and his tune 'Who You Are' with Hadley was one of the first steps in that journey, a ridiculously dirty techy roller with an infectious bounce and a progression that will certainly get your gurn on. A spectacular album.
Review: Klinical is one of the rising stars on drum & bass and his Unconcious EP on Flexout is the next chapter of that journey, a trajectory which so far shows no signs of abating from its distinctly upwards bend. It's his most refined, most mature work to date and it displays his ability to move beyond purely dancefloor production and into the world of electro tech dripping with funk. The title track exemplifies this best, as flutters of synths blow in the celestial wind and wrap themselves around a punchy, driving low end and crisp percussive patterns. There are harder bits as well as softer touches, and it's a true tour-de-force from one of drum & bass' most exciting talents.
