London-based producer Forest Drive West breaks the mold with his latest “Creeper” EP for Munich’s esteemed label, Ilian Tape.
A label run by the Zenker Brothers since 2007, Ilian Tape has been a staple for Munich’s underground Electronic music scene. Though Techno is the core genre the label explores, Ilian Tape’s known for being open to a wide array of other sounds, including Hip-Hop instrumentals, Dub, Drum & Bass, and everything in between. Similarly, UK-based producer Forest Drive West is also known for running a similar gamut with a plethora of productions ranging from complex four-on-the-floor grooves to sultry broken beats. With several highly acclaimed releases already under his belt, Forest Drive West’s latest “Creeper” EP for Ilian Tape feels like a perfect pairing.
If you ask me, Break-based music hasn’t sounded this good in ages. From the jump, Forest Drive West conjures up a thick atmospheric intro with the title track, “Creeper.” Dub delays ring on and on, while fuzzy percussive hits gradually build anticipation. The second track, “Sustain,” is where the Drum Breaks begin to emerge, creating a sporadic groove that’s difficult to resist. Crisp snares cut through the mix like freshly sharpened knives, while a thick kick drum pounds away with warm distortion and bite.
On the B-side, Forest Drive West unleashes his dark and surreal cut, “Greed.” Eerie and at times dissonant, sound effects ooze out, while an unworldly, intricate drumbeat pummels you. Last is the EP’s grand finale, the more soothing, pensive cut aptly titled, “Break.” Melancholic chords cool things down, but the slapping Drum Breaks aren’t done yet as the track demonstrates a masterful sense of nuance and juxtaposition while exhibiting some incredibly detailed drum patterns that only a veteran producer could muster.
“Creeper” is a solid EP release of masterfully produced tracks that breathe new life into Break-based Electronic music through exceptional production and ingenuity.
Support the artist and label with a digital download, or by purchasing a vinyl copy, while supplies last, via the link above.
-Jeronimo Watson
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