VA – Compound Vol 1

Managed and formed in 2002 by drum and bass pioneer Optiv- Red Light Records certainly made a significant imprint in 2017, with possibly their most quantifiable year for releases yet. Artists such as Dub Elements, Tobax and Fragzs are appurtenant among the extensive back catalogue of producers who demonstrate nothing but quality and diversity when it comes to this reputable label. Closing 2017 with Instinkt’s dark and prodigious ‘Spidernet’ EP, Red Light definitely aren’t one to shy away from pushing the boundaries when it comes to the depths of the underground. Now with 2018 in full swing, Red Light have kick-started the new year with this monstrous 5 track delight they call Compound Volume 1.

Comprising of a variety of highly regarded, forward-thinking artists, the first track entitled ‘Insect’ is a bass driven rendition of hard hitting snares, crunchy reeces and stinging stabs, infused with a jungle formula of (anything but) gentle hums, buzzes and murmurs. Neurofunk and techstep producer NU4M then engages our eardrums with his beast of a trackknown as ‘Holotropic Sense’. What appears to begin as a rather tame and sensual roller, with it’s melodic pads and soft strings, soon progress into a forever falling drop of clean and crispy drum work, dark and elongated synths, as well as a steady, rhythmic bassline.

We are then enveloped by the compelling work of Victim with his piece ‘Whispers In The Wind’. A heavy, yet dynamic growler with punchy kicks and solid percussion - supported with trembling synths, mellifluous arps and an exceedingly robotic aesthetic and feeling throughout. Following on from the success of the last EP, Instinkt hits back again, this time bringing in a collaborative creation with Slovakian trio Humanon. “Mindrange” takes you on a deep and ear pleasing journey of snappy breaks, sharp snares, rumbling bass and penetrative sound design.

Last but no means least we have Berrylium Audio’s head frontier Anatomix with ‘Strange City’. An immersive mixture of harsh, grumbling one shots soothed with a bellowing sub and hard, stomping drum patterns. A track which provides consistent energy and continuity from the beginning to the very end.