AUDIO CLIPS:
tinyurl.com/tcklzhp
Consistent with the pursuit set out within their last four releases, this most recent outing from South London based label Sub:Clef, features four meditative and expansive tracks of UK inspired sound system music. This is the first release in the Sub:Clef “N.O.T.E.S” series, which feature two artists, one on each side of the record.
The A-side of 005 sees the return of the mighty Norwegian producer and selector Dubwoofa (his first release in over half a decade, and his Sub:Clef debut) while the flip features two JFO-produced reinterpretations of archive tracks by Sub:Clef curator Cid Poitier.
Cut A ‘Burn’, provided by the former, is a throbbing, half-time sub workout not dissimilar to Dubwoofa’s early work on Dub Police: featuring scattered, reverberating percussion and heavily modified field recordings accompanied by an immersive and cohesive low-end.
While similarly reductive and stripped back, AA ‘Hexed’ departs from the stepping intensity of the first track and introduces more irregular and shuddering drum programming: elastic subs and ghostly hymns are matched with a more subtle and complimentary drum rhythm.
Things change slightly on the B-side, as JFO provides a pair of transformative remixes, with both tracks featuring vocalist Wends. Here, the stems have been cleverly altered to provide a respectful and yet highly distinctive interpretation, with ‘Distraction’ modified to feature an almost atonal synth line, interrupted by stabs of resonant pads not dissimilar to James’ Blake’s cult ‘Harmonimix’ series. Strung alongside reverse snares, soothing pads and a meditative filter bass, the vocals glide along centrally to provide a truly immersive and contemplating take on bass music both original and versatile.
The second remix ‘Circles’, while again featuring Wends, utilises the vocals only sparingly, and instead encourages the listener to focus on a harmonically rich piano line and a thumping multi-timbral snare. Coupled with JFO’s distinct patois watermark and clattering hats, this track is a more transcendent psalm. Haunting and subtle yet highly musical in its essence.
AUDIO CLIPS:
tinyurl.com/tcklzhp