Review: Languishing in the oceanic pastures of deep, jazz-tinged modern dub-focused electronica, MindStep missions are consistent in their soul and crystalline creativity. Here's a firm reminder - in the slim case we needed one - as the label's exponents are united for the label's second 'best of' style collection. Ranging from the two-step subversions of Sepia's "U Make Me Feel" to the more techno-minded sound palette of Dillard's "Rocks & Trees" to the 22nd century jazz of Jafu & Freud's "Sofia", every facet and feature of MindStep's ever-evolving remit is explored, represented and celebrated in great detail here. Dive deep.
Review: The dust refuses to settle from the ever-developing hype of his unavoidable Animai co-lab "Taking Over", Bristolian Vaun delivers another emotion-primed slice of contemporary bass. Rolling with a barbed, dark soul feel that wouldn't have gone amiss on Massive Attack's Protection, Anya Caroline's vocals hide behind the wavy ripples and chords and delicate cascading pianos. Subtle Mind step up for the remix, bringing the pianos and the vocals closer to the spotlight. Don't stray too far from this one.
Review: Vaun's emotional, highly musical blend of bass music reaches a new high as he delivers an epic six-track opus on Mindstep. Coming on strong like fellow Bristolian countryman Phaeleh, he treads a fine line between dancefloor weight and life soundtracking future-minded soul. Highlights include the dreamy, star-gazing almost Massive Attack-like "Sidelines" with Sarah Zed, the smoky Soulectionesque spoken word pressure of "Knowledge" and the wondrous beatless beauty of "One Touch". Vaun's skills and creativity are becoming more and more apparent by the release. Highly recommended.
Review: Contemplative steppery from Vaun as he follows up his debut earlier this year with yet another refreshingly deep-yet-vibrant double tracker. "Comatose" opens with pianos so striking you could be convinced you're about to chow down on a nice slice of classical. Then the brief-but-bold vocal sample slips in and brings a dream-like bassline with it. The perfect balance of uplifting and moody, Vaun's on the money right here. "Colourful" lives up to its name with spine-tingling pads, rushes and well crafted percussive elements all gelling to create a chilled track that still packs a punch.
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