Es.tereo deconstructs liquid drum and bass in the inimitable tracks “Drifter Dub” and “Perception,” harnessing the polyrhythmic grooves of tribal drum patterns and the depth of organic drum hits that shimmer in their variant tonalities.
Leipzig producer Es.tereo (Max Hock) evolves his catalogue of drum and bass tracks to include the highly original Drifter Dub & Perception EP released on Prague-based label Yuku. This is Es.tereo’s first release in three years since his 2018 Earthbound EP.
In “Drifter Dub,” We are racing through the thick of a jungle at night, fending off mosquitos and leaving animals in the dust. It starts off with a light, propelled tribal drum pattern. A sneaky polymeter contrasts the synthetic bass phrase from the analog drumming groove. Low bass plucks alternating between wet and dry seem to converse. Chirps from cicadas and nocturnal birds infuse the track. After a break, the track accelerates eagerly, this time in techno fashion where a kickdrum steadies the rhythm. A jaunty bass line dances around the rat-a-tat of a continuous tribal drum groove.
“Perception” is also inspired by the randomness of wilderness sounds– one hears a woodpecker here, a human voice there, but its reverberations blur any sense of origin or location. It begins with a deep, dry bass syncopated with a tonal slap on what could be a Djembe drum. Something about the rhythmic pattern spells imminent doom. Soft rim clicks and shakers set off a delicious polyrhythmic groove. The track launches into a gallop when the crescendo of a pitter-patter grows into steady drumming.
“Perception” demonstrates how sound takes on different character in a state of vigilance– fear turns the ripple of a bush into a footstep, or the drop of a loose branch into the drop of a weapon. A monotonous drum line remains a harbinger of danger while a spacious bass kick and higher pitched drums entrance the body to the point where even the stiffest muscles are called to move. Spaced out with luscious moments of ambient mist, this track is masterfully mixed by Forest West Drive, allowing each drum element to breathe.
Forest Drive West’s remix of “Perception” clearly shows a detailed understanding of Es.tereo’s unique sound. His remix ideas elevate “Perception’s” bespoke elements, providing a refreshing take in the direction of dub and breakbeat.
-Lina Xing
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