Various - This Is Dubstep Vol 1

Nitrous Oxide’s knack of unearthing the densest beat nuggets is as reliable as ever, and despite a title that looks suspiciously like a fast-buck cash in, it’s worth noting that the first pressing of this towering seven-tracker burst into existence last summer. More a collection of hardcore digital bombing taking in rude and roughshod dancehall, rotten-insane breakcore, decayed tech-step drum and bass, and many points between, this is dubstep for the speedfreak’s dance. A side features Ray Keith Of Dread, General Malice & Black Panther & N8loc, and Bounty Killer & Pam Hall & Bass Odyssey, all representing the junglist massive. But the flip is where the steppah—heads are gonna get theirs, with two cuts from the peerless 6Blocc; ‘Echo Park Nights’ is a recycled jazz keys and drums loop ideal for adding an extra dynamic in the dubstep mix, while the real prize is ‘Introducing 6Blocc’, a ghostly Depth Charge-style riff on thunderous kick drums, pounding bass and expertly-strung skittering percussion loops, laced with effects and his trademark shout-out “the bass we create is heard from six blocks”. Also includes a raw dubstep-tempo rhythm loop for juggling. Limited edition on grey marble vinyl, but be warned, you’ll need to set the tone-arm counter weight up high as the pressing is a bit skiddy. Look out for four more volumes coming in the next few weeks.

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