31 Dec 2024
Truth - EP Review: Without You
02 Jul 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Truth, predominantly known for their prolific output in the Dubstep scene via their own Deep, Dark & Dangerous label, now turn their attention to 170BPM on the stellar EP Without You. This is a substantial EP utilising classic Drum & Bass motifs, it retains enough of a connection to the vibe of deep Dubstep as to not alienate fans of previous works, while still crafting something truly unique.
Truth, predominantly known for their prolific output in the Dubstep scene via their own Deep, Dark & Dangerous label, now turn their attention to 170BPM on the stellar EP Without You. This is a substantial EP utilising classic Drum & Bass motifs, it retains enough of a connection to the vibe of deep Dubstep as to not alienate fans of previous works, while still crafting something truly unique.
A jazzy female vocal and tinkling keys place opener Pass Me By firmly in liquid territory, but with plenty of weight in the rolling bass. A deceptive second drop turns hauntingly nasty with a filthy mutated bass before returning peacefully to the uplifting vocal. The title track Without You features strings and piano sketching a delicate intro leading to a stepping break, with vocal snippets and a plaintive horn conjuring a deep, hypnotic spell.
At the EP midpoint Eyes On Me starts to bring the dread: a minimal tune with intricate percussion work and a loping drop that calls back to their Dubstep roots, while unsettling FX stabs flutter and squirm in the background. On Heartbreak the pace picks up, a steppy roller with soulful vocals paired with an assortment of creepy, minor-key plinks and analog FX, fading out on the warm crackle of vinyl. Finisher Miasma finds a funky breakbeat enveloped by sinister tendrils of phasing pads.
The duo have delivered a fascinating piece of work here: techstep (dark vibes and rolling beats) and neurofunk (those squelchy bass influences) are present but there’s a reassuring strain of musicality drawn from the liquid sub-genre underpinning everything that juxtaposes the horror movie iconography of the artwork and tension of the tough, stripped back production, ensuring their debut release in this genre is anything but a one-trick pony.
Rating:
( 5 / 5 )
About Truth
On the global touring circuit, the fruits of their labor have included hundreds of shows and festivals across Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, South and North America as well as key hosted Deep Dark & Dangerous takeovers at some of the world's top festivals, including Shambala, Outlook Festival and Infrasound.
Building their performance presence through years of prolific production output, weekly mixes and streaming, and key DJ support from the likes of Mala, Skream, Bassnectar, Liquid Stranger, Youngsta and Hatcha to name just a few - the duo have released music on their very own Deep Dark & Dangerous label, founded in 2012 and now home and incubator to a growing host of acts focused on the unmistakable DDD sound - as well as a diverse list of others, including Deep Medi Muzik, Disciple, Wakaan and more.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Truth
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