It’s a healthy yet crowded field these days when it comes to quality dubstep-focused labels, many of which successfully form their own identity and sound. But none have been more impressive as of late than Bristol based Locus Sound. Having consistently worked with some of the most notable upcoming producers, most recently welcoming the likes of Ome and Maes to the imprint, Locus Sound hits new heights with their latest release by capturing the heavily armed prodigy, Cartridge. Following so many flawless releases over the last couple of years, so many that I’ve lost count, Cartridge blesses Locus Sound with four more deadly weapons for LOCUS013. Today I have the pleasure of presenting the EP’s most devastating projectile, ‘Tek Time‘.
However before today’s premiere, Cartridge finally pulls the trigger on the highly sought after ‘Iron Lung‘. Instantly recognisable following the rinsing it has taken, most notably by the legendary J:Kenzo. Like many of Cartridge‘s creations, the super dynamic, flowy percs drives the track into it’s addictive neck-breaking bounce. Paired with the consistently gritty screw-face lows, it quickly develops into quite the lethal weapon! A track so dangerous in fact, that it may well become one of my favourites of the year. With that said however, the following ‘Two of Us‘ happens to be the more unique of the four. Memorable for the filthy fizz of the bass-line and spine-tingling minimalism, the strung out space and consistent breaks are positively suffocating. In wake of these two stealth missiles, Cartridge brings out the heavy artillery for today’s fierce premiere, ‘Tek Time‘. There’s absolutely no holding back on this one with intense, rapid fire chord stabs, rough synths and super charged, brain-busting low frequencies from beginning to end. It’s certainly the climatic track of the EP regarding aggression and intensity. Throughout much of the EP and his growing arsenal in general, there’s something about Cartridge‘s flow and energy that’s just so damn addictive. The final bullet in the chamber ‘Brute‘ demonstrates this one last time, whilst holding on to that typical Carty attitude.
Quality and talent aside, if there’s one reason why Cartridge is enjoying so much success as of late, it’s because the guy isn’t afraid to open fire. The Manchester based producer knows that music is made to be enjoyed and not held onto for ridiculous amounts of time. However it does help that the paraphernalia is high grade enough to land on the likes of Locus Sound, who themselves have become experts in recognising state-of-the-art bass weight weaponry.
LOCUS013 is out this Friday (22nd May) and available to download here.
Check out Cartridge on Soundcloud and Twitter.
Check out Locus Sound on Soundcloud.