K354, K368, K375, K377 = Unfriended. This is the access code of Dubspeeka’s new release for Drumcode.
Dark matter bursts from the beginning of K354, where, behind the elements of the composition, a bass frequency surrounds everything like a warm carpet. The vocals, which recall radio transmissions, together with the space atmospheres of the pads create peacefully interludes, replaced by a solid techno groove and a melodic sequence of few strong notes. Everything is in its right place.
K368 starts off as a one-loop composition until it reaches its opening point, represented by a lightly delayed synth that gives an unexpected support to the first part: the feeling of being in a troubled dream.
Conversely, there’s no place for dreams in K375: the power of this track lies in its minimalism, and the barbed sounds that bite the groove are like a well balanced noise, like a soft prick.
With its powerful dark lead synthesizer and some distorted drum patterns, K377 gives instead a zero hour sensation. Three thin notes soften the persistent groove, which is supported by the vocals.
The main feature of the “Unfriended” Ep is the obscurity of sounds. However, this dark matter is shaped in almost every track by its melodic perspectives. The Bristol based producer and Dj reveals a trained-ear in studio work, presenting an Ep where the apparent techno rawness is coupled with more slightly melodic ideas, as well as a great combination of groove and vocals, that hold the atmosphere together from the beginning, as if the outcome wasn’t just a couple of tracks, rather a sculpture of his refreshing techno sound.
Words by Alessandro Vincenzi
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