London artists Burial and Blackdown join in enigmatic force showcasing a variety of hot grooves and club oriented jams.
London artists Burial and Blackdown join in enigmatic force showcasing a variety of hot grooves and club oriented jams. One of the more important figures in 21st century dance music, Burial sticks to his roots manufacturing introspective jams ahead of the current fads and patterns. Keysound Recordings’ label head Blackdown successfully adds his own flare to the EP with darker, UK soul. A legit producer in his own right, Blackdown must be over the moon to work side by side a legend in the game like Burial.
At the helm comes “This Journey VIP” a hip hop oriented opener filled with wide bass tones, orchestral sweeps, and a 2-step beat. Blackdown expresses struggle and hope amongst other hot-topics in a sophisticated way. Never letting the rhythm falter, he allows for movement and progression while maintaining the heady atmosphere.
As the tune draws to a close, Burial is tagged in for his first go. Using MPC samples from yesteryear Burial provides a masterclass on not just electronic music, but songwriting in general. A beautiful acapella makes way for signature chord stabs intermingled with vinyl scratches. Delicate yet pronounced sirens mediate the beat as biblical hymns are hummed. “We can create a new world” is spoken into existence. “We must shock this nation with the power of love” is uttered in cadence building steam for a ridiculously funky finish to the track.
A more experimental take from Blackdown comes in the form of “Arklight,” a track originally remixed by Heatmap. Phasing hi-hats are tweaked creatively forming a dissonance with the acid line. Off kilter, grumbling bass meshes with triplet claps while whirling notes resonate overhead. Gorillaz eventually comes to mind. With two solid entries from Blackdown, we expect to see more from him in the future.
“Space Cadet” is the fourth entry on the EP and Burial’s second. It starts out light-hearted and whimsical that definitely feels like an 80’s high school dance vibe. Subtle vocal samples mix with chimes and a repeated synth line adds conspicuous charm. A unique crackling, white noise is implemented a third of the way through granting a wonderful sense of depth to the track. Melancholy turns to celebration as the dwindling ballad’s melody cheerfully makes an exit. Burial makes songs that go deeper than the surface, and this one is a great example of that artistic genius.
-Jack Plumb
Link – Bandcamp
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