| Area recordings has gone from strength to strength since it's inception, wielding high quality releases building on it's signature sound of deep beats, bass and musicality. The fifth release pushes the label's philosophy further with the introduction of six new artists to the roster. While a whole host of imitators re-reach for the sine wave and switch off their L.F.O.s, Essex's DCult has been sitting in the shadows perfecting his own sound. 'Face the Sun' harks back to the classic dubstep sound of rolling beats and bass clearly marking him as a producer to watch, travelling a narrow path between light and dark, mellow and fierce as his beats and bass will prove time and time again. Australia-based 3rdeye's 'Yonaguni Dreams' entwines sweet ethereal beauty with hard pulsating aggression. His detailed productions point to a wide range of influences - the lush chords and crackles of dubtechno, the atmospherics and melody of deep drum and bass, to the stark minimalism and enveloping sub bass of early dubstep. This is a mere glimpse in to the deep hypnotic sonic collages still to come from this truly original bass music wizard. Aeon is a Croation bass music producer who has one foot firmly on the accelerator. As an introduction of the sounds sweeping across the Adriatic Sea, 'Different Quotes' brings a different vibe to the label. Keeping things musically inclined with sweet vocals, lush pads, stuttering percussion, weighty drums and pulsing bassline, Aeon brings the funk representing the diversity of the Area sound to the fullest. Safire is an Australian producer who has been energizing the masses with his sets of deep and tech funk DnB and dubstep for many years. His 'Disperse' showcases a more tech-influenced side to dubstep with a dense amalgamation of sound hitting on elements from all artists featured on Area Recordings. Safire's music breathes much needed fresh air, showing that energy and aggression can be created with style, musicality and big production values often overlooked by the masses. Coming from the home of Area Recordings, Krytikal is a Birmingham based dubstep producer whose unique productions have an amazing sense of calm hidden amidst his deep tribal rhythms. 'Selfish Ways' is a stunning introduction to his work, bringing different meaning and context whenever it is played. Equally at home smashing up a dance floor as it is relaxing to over morning coffee, is tracks fully represent deep bass music. The finale of this musical revue comes from the dynamic duo that is Fused Forces. Showcasing a mellower side to their production style, 'Ocean Dawn' brings a soulful ambience with the sound of crashing waves and weighty drums building into and gut rumbling bass. A cracking track perfectly fitting into any forward thinking 140bpm DJ's set. |
