Renegade Continuum

(Hardwave/Recordings)
by Malcolm E

The first disc, called “Future Beats For Future People” is pure drum’n’bass, continuously mixed by DJ Dara. It contains offerings from Future Forces, Paradox, Shogun, and Deep Cover. As is the case with drum’n’bass, it can get confusing if you’re looking for the backbeat. But if you can follow the action, it’s pretty damn incredible. Take Paradox’s “Deep Sleep.” The drum track(s) are so furious and fractured, there’s nothing to hold onto, it’s all transient and more ephemeral than an ambient track. Then the bass comes in, rooting it all at a pace at least five times slower, something to focus on, it becomes the rhythm track and the drums enter the realm of sound effect. The other disc, “The Only Thing Constant Is Change,” has a jazzier feel, bringing more strings, horns, and soul singers into the mix. Featured artists include Tertius, Merlin, State Logik, and Mastermind. This disc is lighter than the first, a sense of play, less edge, more groove. Sure to blow the mind of a novice.