4 Dec 2024
Lee Mvtthews - Single Review: Turning Back
13 Jul 2020 // A review by Gwarden
Lee Mvtthews are one of the biggest names among a new breed of NZ Drum & Bass producers making a mark on the global stage. Fresh off a big 2019 which saw the release of their debut LP Bones, a slew of awards at the Georgies as well regular appearances on club and festival line-ups, their latest single is a perfect distillation of their powerful, upbeat sound.
This is the first release on new label Dark Machine Records out of Australia, which promises to promote 'forward-thinking bass music'. Turning Back fits firmly in the well-established dance floor sub-genre of DnB, and while it doesn't push many boundaries in terms of the main features of that sub-genre (soaring vocals, catchy riffs and an uplifting, pop-like vibe), it does all three of these with accuracy and a genuine sense of fun.
The lead vocal refrain (by Tom Lee, one half of the duo) is fist-pumpingly anthemic, with lyrics hinting at the duo's own career ascension. The floaty breakdown segments soar with dreamily nostalgic arpeggios giving way to stomping drops, and there's a satisfying WOMP WOMP WOMP bass progression that brings a delicious nastiness, ensuring things don't get overly saccharine (a trap that lesser dancefloor producers can easily fall in to). It's an assured tune from a pair who have clearly mastered their tools and sound, and in a year that has already seen some seminal dancefloor releases (such as Metrik's Ex Machina), it has the potential to bring the duo even more recognition.
Stream the tune here.
Lee Mvtthews are one of the biggest names among a new breed of NZ Drum & Bass producers making a mark on the global stage. Fresh off a big 2019 which saw the release of their debut LP Bones, a slew of awards at the Georgies as well regular appearances on club and festival line-ups, their latest single is a perfect distillation of their powerful, upbeat sound.This is the first release on new label Dark Machine Records out of Australia, which promises to promote 'forward-thinking bass music'. Turning Back fits firmly in the well-established dance floor sub-genre of DnB, and while it doesn't push many boundaries in terms of the main features of that sub-genre (soaring vocals, catchy riffs and an uplifting, pop-like vibe), it does all three of these with accuracy and a genuine sense of fun.
The lead vocal refrain (by Tom Lee, one half of the duo) is fist-pumpingly anthemic, with lyrics hinting at the duo's own career ascension. The floaty breakdown segments soar with dreamily nostalgic arpeggios giving way to stomping drops, and there's a satisfying WOMP WOMP WOMP bass progression that brings a delicious nastiness, ensuring things don't get overly saccharine (a trap that lesser dancefloor producers can easily fall in to). It's an assured tune from a pair who have clearly mastered their tools and sound, and in a year that has already seen some seminal dancefloor releases (such as Metrik's Ex Machina), it has the potential to bring the duo even more recognition.
Stream the tune here.
Rating:
( 4 / 5 )
About Lee Mvtthews
Graham Matthews and Tom Lee, met in 2012, and after discovering they had nearly identical music tastes, Lee Mvtthews formed in 2013. Since then, they’ve appeared in the setlists of the likes of Andy C, Pendulum, Sub Focus, A.M.C, Friction, Netsky, Metrik, Koven, K-Motionz, & Hybrid Minds.
They have become a firm favourite on the New Zealand festival circuit, having played every major festival including Rhythm & Vines, Electric Avenue, Northern Bass & Homegrown along with headlining shows up and down the country. In addition to this, they have become a go-to support act for an array of international acts including Wilkinson, Kanine, Grafix, and ShockOne.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Lee Mvtthews
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