ASC returns to his own Auxiliary imprint, releasing remixes of his own EP with “Return Of The Emissary Remixes”.
The UK-born but now US-based artist grew up in the Hardcore, Techno, and Drum & Bass realms, and the musical influence of that all clearly shows in his music today. Having released music on LTJ Bukem’s Good Looking Records early on in his career, ASC created quite a name for himself in the late ‘90s and early 2000’s. In 2010, he released one of the seminal albums on Instra:Mentals NonPlus+ label which allowed him to start his second label, Auxiliary. The tunes that he has reworked and flipped into some experimental club-ready weapons will make one’s hair stand on end.
“Inverse Ratio” kicks off the EP and a bassy, drum heavy track that builds throughout, and as it does, the atmospheric Drum & Bass that he’s known for becomes very apparent as the influence on this track. A deep, ominous synth takes the background layer on a spaced-out journey while the listener gets an onslaught of Breaks & club-ready basslines. “Fenris” enjoys a heavier workout on its flip, and the spatial synth work and pulsing drumbeats would make for a great start to a set. The tune progresses into almost cognitive dissonance before droning out into an almost heartbeat. The third track, “Zoning”, is aptly named and will get anyone who listens locked in immediately with its hypnotic bassline and minimal drums. The occasional synth stab makes sure that one does not completely lose track of reality. “Night Clouds” is the heaviest track on the EP and is a bass-heavy workout ready for the club straight off the bat. The mesmerizing drum work and bassline are relentless but still manage to not be over the top—that can sometimes occur with longer tracks.
This experimental and yet familiar “Return Of The Emissary Remixes” surely will not be the last of what we hear from ASC, and this particular batch of tunes is meant for big sound systems or good headphones. Scope out the release at the link above.
-Peter Stimson
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