Coming off a solid release from DBL Negative last month, rising Bristol label Foto Sound makes a quick turn around this week and heads overseas for some fresh heaters from Canadian duo, Rockstone. Following up on a massive release on Navy Cut earlier this year (NAVYCUT013), Rockstone provides three more sound system bombs for both home listening and when clubs eventually return throughout North America, UK and beyond. Today, I have the pleasure of presenting the mid point of the EP and my personal favourite, ‘Shank‘.
The title track opens with consistent full bodied subs with no sub-zero frequencies going spare. Scatters of shimmering FX and hints of melody lift the tone but all in all, ‘Dubsoul‘ opens the EP as a no nonsense eyes down roller to get both the body and subs warmed up. Whereas for today’s premiere ‘Shank‘, the EP explodes into life – thick, pulsating low end rhythms increase the heart rate a little, although Rockstone still gives a subtle nod to those roots and culture nuances with stabs of delayed guitar chords. Though for the most part, ‘Shank‘ exudes aggression. Most notably from the occasional rip of piercing distortion set to destroy the dance, like introducing a T-Rex to the floor. And that goes for the third and final cut ‘Almighty‘, extending the bass-weight energy with super dynamic wobbles, ascending and descending at pace. Rockstone makes use of lovely percussive shakes, plus a range of quivering notes and samples, filling the gaps between the dizzying wobbles and lung busting pressure that continues to it’s end.
It’s safe to say Rockstone nails the mood on this one, providing three sound system ready tunes that’ll leave many heads longing for the dance floor I’m sure. And after four consistently great releases now, oozing in authenticity and effective bass-weight, don’t let Foto Sound‘s taste making qualities remain underrated!
FOTO004 is out 04/09/2020 and available to download from the Foto Sound Bandcamp.
Check out Rockstone on Soundcloud.
Check out Foto Sound on Soundlocud and Twitter.