It was late last year when Bristol based label Locus Sound firmly ingrained itself as one of the UK’s leading dubstep labels. Their debut compilation (LOCUSLP001) was a knockout release that featured a host of talented producers both established and upcoming. One of those upcoming talents to feature was Mancunian producer Maes. This week he returns to the imprint to kick start 2020 the right way with the aptly named ‘Fury‘ EP which features today’s premiere, the monumental ‘Bokoba‘.
From the rugged rolling sub bass pressure and eerie synth chords of ‘Bokoba‘, Maes moves on to the crispy shaking percs of ‘Truce‘. He particularly pays close attention to the fine details, involving eclectic sampling and inventive sound design embedded into a full-fat, perfectly mixed sound palette. The dark, creative arrangements continue into ‘45 In The Chamber’, a gloomy sound system roller with enough weight and depth to separate your eyes from their sockets. Super ice cold and beautifully murky, this one really shows Maes‘ development as he reaches into different areas of his productions. The murkiness continues as LOCUS011 is brought to a close with ‘Foul & Fury‘, a screw-face inducing track that encapsulates the dark, shadowy sound that Maes has cultivated over time and resulting in this murderous EP.
LOCUS011 entirely confirms my reasons for including Maes on my ‘Producers To Watch 2020‘ list earlier this month. This being his first full EP on a prominent label, he’s waited until the perfect time to unleash his fattest, most polished productions within his arsenal so far. An unforgettable EP that will stay in rotation for months to come.
LOCUS011 is out this Friday (31st January) and available digitally here.
Check out Maes on Soundcloud.
Check out Locus Sound on Soundcloud.