#28 Feat. Staff Picks in UK Garage / Bassline

Hot on the heels of Strictly for the Ravers (Support from NOISIA, BT, DC Breaks, N-Type, Greazus) and Sub Marine (Support from Z-Trip, Freestylers, Howie B) FreQ drops Im Back . While his previous two releases have been harder-edged soundsystem ammo, this release finds FreQ taking a more nuanced approach to inspiring rhythmic bodily contortions. Returning to his roots, Im Back launches with a pared-back breakbeat sporting a UKG shuffle, which supports a whispered vocal singing, I was never part of this world. Ocean-deep subs crash onto the shores beneath twinkling analog synths that book-end the frequency spectrum setting the sonic stage for a deep dive into FreQs oscillatory universe. The mix is peppered with sparse reverb-drenched techno stabs, minimalist squeaks, and bleeps, and an urgent hip-hop vocal sample proclaiming Im Back. After taking a breath for a long, lush melodic interlude, Im Back brings the dancefloor back to what matters. Surgical production and a dancefloor-oriented arrangement turn this deep roller into a dancefloor slayer without having to push the intensity of any one part of the composition above cruise control. You g

Freq Nasty