Blackheart by Dubrunner

The third release on Dubrunner's Menace label finds the soundsystem stalwart continuing to refine his distinctively modern club twist on dub sensibilities. Drawing elements of techno, trance, amapiano and dubstep into his lean and mean digi-dub workouts, Blackheart arrives as a laser-focused selection pitched at forward-facing DJs working the dance at peak time.

For all the weight powering the likes of 'Protocol', Dubrunner's distinctive style is rooted in minimalism. The tangible breathing room in the mix leaves plenty of space for every subtle synth flourish and spring reverb splash to shine while maintaining a seductive tension throughout, all the better to hold the dancefloor energy on a tight leash.

There's an even stronger sense of pressure bubbling under the surface on 'Blackheart' thanks to the looming low-end which purrs away underneath the crooked-but-driving drums, leaving the lead lines to add an emotive flourish as a foil to the introspective dub chords which shimmer through the track's latter stages.

'Bad Mind' is a precision-sculpted throw down shaped out by delicate percussive intrigue and snaking groove, leaning further into a dub techno palette to set the mood and offset by flickers of auto tuned vocals that nod to amapiano.

To round the EP off without easing up on sheer soundsystem impact, 'Night Shift' carries some of Dubrunner's most assured production work to date. The ramp up for the drop is undeniable, letting the bass snarl and the drums roll without losing that sharply-rendered restraint we've come to expect from one of the most inventive producers in the broad expanse of contemporary bass music.

Stretchy Dance Supply