Tag Archives: SMOG
Bassweight Sessions 4: District

Truth – Evil In The Woods [Smog Records]
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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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
Fresh Bits From Nanobyte, Dismantle, Indigo, and Core
Bless, familia! We’re back with a handful of absolutely FIRE tunes for your ears today/tonight. A little something for everybody’s palette. Going to start things off nice and soulful and send you off with immense amounts of energy 🙂
First track that caught my eye today is one that is forthcoming on Innamind Recordings as part of the Nanobyte EP, due out this Friday, June 15th. This bit, titled ‘Lost Time’, embraces a body-warming vocal sample that sets the stage perfectly for this ambient piece of art. Beautifully placed high-hats groove into a kick that makes you think you’re heart is jumping out of your chest like you’ve just fallen madly in love. Truly an amazing piece of music right here. Have a listen.
Nanobyte – Lost Time (Forthcoming Innamind Recordings)
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Picking up the energy with next one! Dismantle on the buttons with one of the sickest tunes I’ve heard this year. Just screams get the f*ck up and dance! Only have a clip, but I’m sure the tune progresses nicely throughout. The snare on this tune along with the This one is forthcoming on Digital Soundboy alongside the rest of his EP, sometime in July. I hope you’re ready to be filled with some of the most feel-good vibes circulating the airwaves!
Dismantle – Dots (Forthcoming Digital Soundboy)
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This next bit is one that’s forthcoming on Exit Records (EXIT042) from Indigo. Some groove-ridden madness, the both of these tunes. The A side, ‘Ayahuasca’, gets straight to the point with its intricate atmospherics and swinging basslines cutting out occasionally for the apocalyptic sounding vocals. ‘The Root’ on the AA again displays masterful atmospheric placement but is a bit more on the tribal side, as far as percussion. Indigo is definitely one to keep your eye!
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To wrap things up for today I have a tune that somehow slipped under my radar late last month. This one is from Core and titled ‘Vital Nerve’. Core is definitely a man responsible for some of the heaviest and most powerful sounds I’ve heard. The snare on this tune top-notch, the growling bass brings monsters out the closet, and the tunes overall dynamic is phenomenal. Large respect out to Core for this one!
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That’s what we got for your ears today fam, hope you’re feeling the vibes. We got a big weekend ahead of us and hope all ya’ll will get amongst as well. If you’re near Santa Barbara be sure to stop by Statemynt as Bassweight Society teams up with Santa Babylon to host Distal on Friday the 15th (event page here). All the LA crew be sure to roll through Smog Sunday’s as the one and only Goth-Trad will be throwing down a set that I’m sure will be remembered for a long time to come (event page here.). Smog is really on a role with the quality bassweight artists they are bringing through on the late. Mad respect out to Drew, Kelly Dean, Emu, and the rest of the Smog family. Until next time…
To the gods.
-Kinman
Bassweight Sessions 1: Kelly Dean
Yo fam, what’s good?! It’s already halfway through the week, which is a blessing in itself, so let’s start getting those vibes going that are going to bring us into the weekend.
Today we sit down with one of the many talented frontmen for the Los Angeles super-power, SMOG. Kelly Dean has been involved with the inception of what is now one of the most well-rooted dubstep scenes in the US since, essentially, day one. From underground art galleries to 5,000 person-sellout shows, Kelly has been amidst the evolution of Los Angeles dubstep.
While LA is largely associated with the aggressive, tear-out, and more commercially recognized styles of bass, this man has managed to keep innovation going within the deeper side of the spectrum, adding his own creativity to the foundation sounds. Alongside the SMOG family, Kelly has been bringing in some of the most highly respected figures in the deep scene, with the ‘Smog Sundays’ weekly. I’ve made it out to as many as my life allows, and I have yet to be let down! Much respect out to the crew for that! Now, hopefully we can get some bassweight business going on a Friday or Saturday night, too 😉
Having racked up a sufficient amount of releases on labels like Sub Pressure, Gamma Audio, Shift Recordings, and Smog Records, to name a few, he is no stranger to the buttons. Releasing drum and bass early on in his career but then switching his focus to dubstep in 08′, the man has definitely been on an upward path of production quality. With his music receiving the remix treatment by Excision, Chewie, and the engineering mastermind, Von D, it should come as no surprise that his ascent has been steady. Production aside, Kelly is also a man who has quality mixing skills, whether it be live or on two decks. Caught his set before J:Kenzo last Sunday and he smashed it, flawlessly bringing in big tune after big tune, crossing between deep and soulful.
Anyways, let’s see what the LA badman has to say, shall we?
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