Koldfront Recordings stands firmly as a leader in the field of domestic drum and bass with an arsenal of new producers headed into combat in 2019. This installment sets the bar on quality, coming to your ears in the form of a high energy DNB workout from USA based producers Kalu and Mad Max on "Can't stop", and residing on the digital flipside of the release is a complimentary mood- altering roller "When the Sun Rises" also by Mad Max.
An expansive journey through 170+ BPM bass music, this two-track release highlights these producers vivid imaginations, before ejecting you out the other side of the wormhole at blinding speed without remorse. Equal parts nuanced atmospheres and dance floor -filling bass hooks, this release is deserving of a permanent place in your playlists, both at home and in DJ sets for all of eternity.
"Can't stop" proves to be a heavyweight -contender by all drum programming standards. An ethos used by these producers throughout their careers and certainly doesn't let up on the floor. Amongst the old school pads and vocal samples, the resounding beacon of transient heavy edits wages war with the stereo VU meters, and valves on a consumer Hi-FI will be glowing brightly with the plethora of saturation and warmth in the bass on offer. A Non-stop assault of kicks that would be previously only available to the public via pay-per-view UFC fight, coupled with snare edits so punchy that they could have been fighting Stallone in the directors cut of 'Rocky'. A familiar 90's vibe throughout gives a nostalgic feel and also a nod to Dillinja's earliest works. A warning to all ravers nearing retirement, the drop here is capable of sending any junglist flooding back to the floor to "have a proper skank" and say "rewind" one more time. The breakdowns on offer suddenly take shape in the form of a subtle dreamscape created by the negative space presented. A momentary, yet reflective and sobering relief amongst the relentless pace of the breakbeat workout.
"When the Sun Rises" injects a 'Spielberg' style suspense from the Sci-fi intro by use of eerie vocal samples, providing strong thematic narratives that intensify as the track continues. Evolving from the lush pad sequences to the full on 'Thunderdome' of bass-weight grooviness that Mad Max alias is known for namely.
The minor scaled harmonic progression ensues, completed with an always welcomed Reece bassline with an updated twist. The overall vibe is reminiscent of the beloved rolling DSCI4 Records' sound pondered by Black Sun Empire and Sinthetix in the early 2000s. The hoovering low-end gristle provides the backbone of the track that locks you down for the next four and a half minutes upon the first repeat.
A tried and tested formula resulting in top quality tech-driven neuro - funk that pushes the subwoofers with clinical precision and should be an asset in any DJ's set.
- Hunter Legion
