DUBSENSE VOL.1 (Dubstep Records)

 

Jan 24, 2009 by Ric Baker

The electronic music compilation can be a tricky thing; taking several different artists with different perspectives and presenting it as a complete and thoughtful program of music is no easy matter. There seem to be a million issues and pitfalls surrounding such an endeavor, and any sort of success is to be applauded.

Dubsense Vol. 1 artfully navigates around these problems and far surpasses any nominal expectations. This is a compilation with teeth! Label owner Alex LaBranche (aka Dopelabs) has made the most of his position as Dubstep.FM’s founder and station manager by assembling an A-list group of North American producers and their tracks. This is a testament to the emerging American and Canadian dubstep scenes. Dopelabs has compiled some great tracks by many of the most visible Djs and producers out there, like 6Blocc, XI, Antiserum and DJG, The Bassist, and DZ.

Dubstep is a style that is becoming more and more diverse, as the compilation readily displays. From the hard hitting half step rumbler “Power of the Bass” by Roommate to Bombaman’s distorted and driving “Block Letters” and onto Pawn’s rootsy collaboration with Sonic D, Dubsense Vol. 1 delivers diverse sounding dancefloor smashers while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency.

A particular favorite on the record is Revoldub’s “Sword Fuck”. The track has a great balance of elements; a relentless hook, distorted and subby bass lines and a great wonky section that just kills it. Another highlight is “Moonwalker” by Djunya. Djunya comes correct with this minimal and thoughtful track as he weaves pulsy lead lines, sublow basses, and frantic percussive elements together into this thoughtful production. The mix is stellar as well.

This sixteen track collection highlights all the reasons to be excited about North American dubstep. Dopelabs and Dubstep Records have assembled an epic and diverse assortment of great tracks that highlight some of the best work of some very talented people. Dubsense Vol. 1 is being sold exclusively online at Dubstep Records.Com.