Sub Garden have become a bastion for new talent and fresh music over recent years, a place where I and many others have been introduced to a heap of new producers thanks to their consistent output! For their next release, the German label takes a ‘natural’ step from digital exclusives to a physical record. ‘Natural Selection‘ is the label’s maiden vinyl and a faultless double LP compilation that spans eight tracks by eleven producers who’ve previously featured on the label. It’s a global celebration of dubstep in 2021 including todays premiere ‘Memories‘, by the always impressive American producer, Mikrodot.
The selection begins in true Sub Garden fashion; bringing new and rising talent to the forefront. Australia’s Blottarz has made a habit of swooping onto stacked compilation releases over the last twelve months with appearances on Dirty Beats Music, Defy Culture and SND SYSTM CLTR, but ‘Plunge‘ may be his mightiest feature yet with those hair-raising sub textures and stalking synth notes. Then, Grawinkel and Busted Fingerz deliver the first of three collaborations with the punchy ‘Double Down‘, before label head honchos and proven super-duo Roklem & Sebalo collide once more on the darker ‘Tedious‘. Mikrodot‘s contribution and today’s premiere ‘Memories‘, completes the first plate in style with the American’s signature throwback LFO designs pumping out of the system, energetic and authentic as ever – it’s always so satisfying to hear such OG sounds coming from the states!
Another German double team initiates the second 12″ with the on fire Yoofee and Ome combining on the super bouncy ‘Ternary Movement‘. Like all good collabs should, both of the pair’s distinct sounds shine through here with Yoofee‘s percussive lead groove and Ome‘s bottomless weight blending seamlessly.
Both Ramsez and Kodama have also been on fire throughout 2021, both landing multiple high-profile releases and now, a feature on this stacked record. Both convey their own distinct sound with Ramsez bringing the progressive, swinging stomper that is ‘Time Bending‘, packed with gnarly textures and animated subs, followed by the unmistakeable elegance of Kodama‘s ‘Amble‘. And finally, bringing a well placed introspective finale to the record is ‘Shoreline‘, by rising Denver producer, Berrik. It’s a perfect chaser to the weight and the vivacity of the previous tracks, a refreshing wave of smooth sub-drives in a cove of light and airy atmospheres.
No doubt we’ve heard some heavyweight compilations throughout the last few months thanks to the activity and dedication of the many passionate labels out there. Sub Garden‘s ‘Natural Selection‘ is another to add to the perpetual list but one that will hold interest and allurement over time. From producers in demand and currently unstoppable, to those just beginning make a name for themselves, it’s a perfectly balanced record both in terms of first-class features and the breadth of music.
‘Natural Selection Volume 1‘ is out 24/09/2021 and will be available from the Sub Garden Bandcamp.
Check out Mikrodot on Soundcloud and Instagram.
Check out Sub Garden on Soundcloud and Instagram.