Category Archives: Artist Highlight

Sparxy – Gravitation EP [PORK009]

Posted by Bassweight Society on

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“Sparxy is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in dubstep and UK bass music, and with this EP he shows no sign of letting up on momentum.”

What’s good fam’.

Today I want showcase the ninth release on quickly rising label Bacon Dubs.  Since early 2011 the imprint has been releasing music from some of the scenes most deadly newcomers like DubApes, Reamz, and label boss Sparxy.  Here at Bassweight Society we’ve covered more than a few of the tracks put out on Bacon Dubs simply because the production quality is top-notch and many of the beats are of the few that find a common ground between foundation style bassweight and the aggressive nature of mid-range basslines.  PORK009 is another EP from the hands of Sparxy with collaborations from Fused Forces and Mannix.  There’s also a remix of Sparxy’s 006 release ‘Mr. Robot’ from newcomer Area Zero.  The beats from this release have been receiving support across the board from some of the most influential DJ’s in the underground – Skream & Benga, N-Type, Truth, Soap Dodgers, and J:Kenzo to name a few.  It’s honestly no surprise that this release is receiving such a high amount of praise because each of the tracks are absolute rinsers, each having a very unique structure and sound – ranging from 4×4 to groove swung half-step.

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Gravitation ||

As the releases title track it opens up the mood quite nicely with its swinging grooves and droid-like mids.  Placing very minor percussive elements intricately throughout the mix really fills out the ethos of the track.  This is a perfect beat to grab the crowds attention and let them know you’re not here to mess about.

The Guardian ft. Mannix ||

This beat fit is nothing short of a 4×4 techno stomper!  the clean sub hits, pounding tribal kick patterns, and overall energy of create a serious rave vibe.  The tone of the vocal sample used perfectly round off the beat by complimenting its sinister presence.  The reverb-drenched, but still dry, hit of the snare add a great high frequency element to keep the mix fresh throughout.

Leviathan ft. Fused Forces ||

This collaboration with Fused Forces is without a doubt one of the largest tunes I have heard thus far in 2012.  The track title couldn’t be better suited for the monstrous presence of gritty reeses and sci-fi score eeriness heard in distant chimes lurking beneath the mix.  And f*cking hell – that kick drum!  Seriously, the variety of modulations applied to the basslines in this beat are beyond me.  This is one of those that can honestly send blood rushing through your veins in the same fashion our sympathetic nervous system would after seeing a Bengal Tiger turn the corner on us.  Flat-out mental.

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Bladddoowww fam’.  I hope that you enjoy the sounds!  Be sure to stop by Sparxy’s pages (below) to show him some support if you’re feeling his sound:

|| FACEBOOK || SOUNDCLOUD ||

Below are links to purchase PORK009 so make sure to cop yours!:

|| JUNO DOWNLOAD || BEATPORT || CHEMICAL RECORDS ||

See you next time!

To the gods.

-Kinman

Demon – Blood Sport / Intensity [ICU006]

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If you haven’t seen the name ‘Demon’ circulating at some point or another over the past few months, you’ve definitely been smoking way too many bath salts.  He has, alongside his hefty crew, been infiltrating the 140 scene with pumping sub-bass notes, and his uniquely twisted mid-range filter modulations.  As founder of the M.U.D/M.U.V (Macabre Unit Digital/Vinyl, respectively) he has been able to aggressively make his presence known over the past year.  Signing releases to heavyweights such as Biome, DCult, and Perverse – to name a few, the represented sound has gained a very strong and dedicated following.

Demon takes a breather from releasing on M.U.D/M.U.V for a brief moment with tunes ‘Blood Sport’ and ‘Intensity’, as they have been signed to ICU Audio.  Both of these beats take a Freddy Krueger approach to their sound design, and will likely leave you wondering what the f*ck just happened!  I am really happy with the way this release represents a ‘sound’ or ‘vibe’, as a whole.  It’s not just two tracks thrown together as an ‘A’ and ‘B’, rather two tracks built with the intentions of being released together.  It could be said that between these two tracks there is a story being told.  Some might argue my claim but if you play these tracks back-to-back in the mix you’ll understand what I’m talking about.  You see this often when someone plans on building an album, but no so much with a 12″ – I’m really feeling this approach, whether intended or not.

Blood Sport ||

As this one creeps in with distant tribal chants and delayed synth chords there is a mystic energy being built up.  Then the track is stripped and the only thing left is a swelling chant.  You’d think, at first listen, you know what’s about to come next.  For f*cks sake, you probably couldn’t have been more wrong!  The way this beats evolves from a colorful meditation vibe, into a depth-charge of sub weight, built beneath a swinging pattern of kick and snare, made me double glance at my iTunes thinking I somehow switched the track.  This is a half-step riddim’ meant to tear the roof off clubs.  As the track evolves even further, the colorful synths make their way back into the sound field and beautifully integrate ‘tribal’ and, so called, ‘dungeon’ sounds.  Hold tight for the second drop!

Intensity ||

These mid-range bass notes just tear through your mind!  The way he has chosen to build upon the grooves and transitions of this track victims screaming adds an…. errr… well, ironically, ‘intensity’ to the composition, that makes you feel like you are right there – living inside the beat.  Upon the beat hitting its full potential, your body will be surged with an innate urge  to relentlessly roll your body back and forth to bouncy sound design of this one.  It’s a very powerful track, to say the least, that nicely embodies Demon’s style/approach by showcasing his extremely dark and energetic grooves.

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Purchase ICU006:

BEATPORT || JUNO DOWNLOAD

Follow Demon:

FACEBOOK || SOUNDCLOUD

Follow ICU Audio:

FACEBOOK || SOUNDCLOUD

That’s it for today, fam’.  Make sure you snag this release up as it’s an essential for any deep heads collection.

One love.

-Kinman

Truth – Evil In The Woods [Smog Records]

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Following suit from the appreciation Shice noted in receiving amazing music from a local imprint, it was an amazing day when I received the promo’s for the latest EP from the Smog imprint, based out of Los Angeles.  These guys have been building a dubstep following in the Southern California area for 6 years now – one of the longest running dubstep collectives in the nation!  They’ve seen an evolution from vacant corporate offices and basements of art galleries, to several thousand capacity venues.  I have the utmost respect for what the label has built in my hometown.  Their 20th release couldn’t have been more well represented, than by Truth.  Truth has been on a massive scale global infiltration mission, pushing their sound into every region of the world.  Their fully immersed touring habits, unbelievably high output of music, and the sincere way in which they carry themselves and their values, have all culminated into a following that holds in the highest of places among underground music.  Seeing what they’ve done within 2012 alone makes me extremely excited for what 2013 will bring – especially since they are now officially California residents!

“Making their debut to the Smog label, TRUTH brings you something deep, dark and dangerous from this New Zealand duo. “Evil In The Woods” conjures up images of witch craft and black magic. This four track EP includes a unique collaboration with DATSIK that crosses his mechanical bass with that classic Truth sound.”

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Evil In The Woods ||

This is a track that was perfectly suited for its UKF hosting.  In my opinion, it’s the most aggressive track on the EP (yes, even more so than the Datsik collab).  The tune gets straight to the point with sweeping atmospheres and chords that stab their way through the background.  The square wave bass notes immediately tear through your speaker box as the beat drops into full effect, leaving your mind filled with thoughts of apocalyptic madness (or at least my mind).  This is definitely a track that’s meant to destroy dance floors worldwide.

All Over ||

This beat sees Truth hark back on a nostalgic journey through half-step grooves couple with the seemingly signature ability to process samples in a fashion that just cannot be matched.  From the elongated fade of a single note to the perfect choice in words to splice, Truth make use of their vocal samples in the most efficient way.  The variety of atmospherics, and alternating basslines drenched with delay show their face in every nook and cranny of the track – making it impossible to predict what you’re about to hear next.  Get ready for your soul to be swallowed by rupturing low-end frequencies.

No Chance ft. Datsik ||

This one caused some whispers prior to its preview being released!  It seems that as soon as some saw the name ‘Datsik’ included in the track name, they began to doubt the Truth.  I’m sure there are still some that claim to dislike this beat but, for the most part, I think people have to admit that this tune is an absolute riddim’.  I’ve heard a few Truth & Datsik collabs while having the pleasure of seeing Truth play out, and I’ve never once been dissatisfied.  In all honesty I think the robotic bass techniques, that Datsik is clearly endowed with, compliment Truths undeniable ability to blow your shirt back with bassweight.

Talking To Myself ||

Grabbing hold of your brain with LFO modulation and swinging high hats you’ll be instantly hooked.  With its neck-snapping snare hits and gritty bass horn, that would likely be used to signal roll call for modern day druids, this is an absolute anthem!  Sweeping pads build the energy between each segment of the song magnificently.  The delayed percussion that hits at the beginning of each bar, the filter mod’ing on what seems to be an arpeggiator, and feedback laced bass strikes all equate to a stomping rhythm that will bring charred witches up from their graves.

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BEATPORT || ITUNES

Follow Smog:  FACEBOOK || WEBSITE || SOUNDCLOUD

Follow Truth:  FACEBOOK || SOUNDCLOUD || TWITTER

That’s what I got for your bass bins today, folks.  Get out there and snag this EP up.  It’s a digital only release, so all the vinyl heads like myself, I recommend finding a reasonably priced cutter to get these to you on acetate.  It’s worth it, in my opinion.  Until next time.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Mission EP – Section 8 – [Sub Pressure Recordings]

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It’s always nice getting a fresh EP from a local label. Even nicer when the EP is jam-packed with upbeat rhythms, guaranteed to add pace and flavor to any set.  Out today, Section 8’s, Mission EP from San Diego’s Sub Pressure recordings, gives listeners a unique combination of originals and remixes with a nueral-tribal sound that showcases upbeat percussions and tearing synth lines.  Take the time and listen to this fresh release with us.

The first two tracks of the EP are Section 8 originals, both of the XL size, and an interesting and fast-paced take on your normal 140 riddims.  The title track ‘Mission’ is almost two entirely different tracks. The first half of the tune goes right in with a kick-driven sub-roller with complex percussive rhythms.  The fun really begins at 3:12 when we hear a breakdown and the start of a “new” tune.  Carrying many elements from the first bit, the second drop rolls through, but this time with a mind-tearing midrange synth, which, I imagine, sounds massive on a soundsystem, as well as my actual studio monitors.

Track two, ‘Cylinder’, is a groovy number with a clean and techy midrange riding the drums for ultimate funk. Its eerie background ambiance adds space and tension before the second drop, which is proven just as reliable as the first for adding a clean and funky flavor to your set.

On remix duties we have, Mouch and Killeralien, each artist taking a different approach to transforming, while respecting Section 8’s unique sound. Mouch’s remix of ‘Boulevard’, is a definite bag.  Swinging drums, interesting vocal chops and an even more intriguing use of bass, make this tune a killer remix and a standalone testament to Mouch’s ability.  Killeralien’s take of ‘Mercury’ stays with the “nueral-tribal” vibe mentioned earlier and features driving percussions and gritty cerebral bass.  This track fits perfectly in the EP, with a mind-blowing second drop featuring dosed-up synths and high energy percussion.  Give both these remixes a listen, as they truly do compliment Section 8 and the EP as a whole.

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Purchase the EP ———————–> HERE.

Make sure to support the stateside movement and check out Sub Pressure recordings and its artists featured today. Buy the EP if you enjoyed it, and stay connected with them.

Follow Sections 8’s pages:

FACEBOOK || SOUNDCLOUD

Sub Pressures pages:

FACEBOOK || SOUNDCLOUD || WEBSITE

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Enjoy the sounds.

– Shice

Mix Monday: Deep Sea Exploration

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Hey gang, whats happening.

Hope everyone had an ill Halloween. Definitely bummed I missed TRUTH out in Santa Barbara but I’m stoked to see a bunch of good shows coming up (especially the Chestplate  U.S. Tour!).

In an effort to bring back one of my favorite sections of the BWS, I’m here to present the latest installment of Mix Mondays. The idea of this edition is to dive into the UKG realm and explore what it has to offer. We’re going to plunge into the deeper spectrum of sound, discover some earlier predecessors, and survey various species similar to UKG. So sit back, relax, and prepare to embark on this special Deep Sea Exploration edition of Mix Mondays.

HxdB – FOB Show Exclusive Mixtape : September 2012

Hexidecibal, commonly known as HxdB, is a Canadian bass/garage producer who has been tearing up the scene for the last few years.  His mix for BunZer0’s FOB show does not disappoint, showcasing his deeper and darker take on UKG while including upbeat tracks from other established artists such as GoldFFinch, Paleman and Tanka.  HxdB bridges well-loved catchy garage with newer low-rolling reverberations, creating a new standard for UKG artists to aspire to.

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HxdB’s Soundcloud || Hxdb’s Facebook

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In:Motion  – Mix011 and Mix 017

 Two more mixes (which I found just prior to writing this entry), coming from My Nu Leng and Paleman on In:Motion. While these mixes stray a little farther from traditional UKG, both provide heavy, reverberating tracks that will resonate within you and deliver a different outlet for those bass heavy desires. In:Motion offers a wide variety of quality sounds, and their UKG/Bass choices hold true to their standard. As artists, My Nu Leng and Paleman have delivered countless heavy-hitting tracks, which are reflected in their first-rate track selection.  Check it, download it, and support these guys’ expansion of bass-influenced music.

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My Nu Leng Facebook || Paleman Facebook

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Abis – Concrete Podcast 006

Coming from Concrete Music, Abis of Retrospekt Records delivers a classic 90’s-sounding UKG mix sprinkled with elements of modern garage. Shuffling drums, funky vocals, and catchy bass lines drive this upbeat mix and will have even the most resistant person nodding along. Abis pulls some amazing tracks from the past and shows how the origins of garage are still very influential.

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Retrospekt Records Soundcloud

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Happa – MixMag Mix of the Week

Talk about kids getting better and better at everything. Only 15 years old, Leed’s producer Happa landed a spot on Mix Mag’s Mix of the Week after recently joining label/event crew Church Music.  Comprised of mostly forthcoming and unreleased tracks, this mix weaves together a complex blend of UKG, 2step, Deep House, and other 120-130bpm styles, all of which share a resonant, sub-heavy drive. Happa’s wall-shaking mix displays what the bass-centered sound can bring to a variety of genres/subgenres/etc. and offers an alternative to the ever-growing amount of generically produced music seen today.  Keep an eye on Happa and the rest of the Church Music crew, big things coming out of that group.

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Happa Soundcloud || Happa Facebook || Church Soundcloud

Well, that’s all. Hope you enjoyed this small voyage through the vast sea of music. Safe travels, and keep it heavy.

-Begrim