A big collaboration to start off Critical’s 2012 season from the hugely lauded Sabre, who returns after a long break since his debut album of 2010. Their first track, ‘Oblique’, kicks off with a delicate but tough break that cuts through the mix as gentle pads wash over the soundscape to a breakdown that oozes class and a deft touch. Smooth keys then drop, light strings and the arrival of a deep soul vocal that carries us through into a midst of aural ear-pleasing - subtle to the end this is a serious piece of music.
The trio get a little harder on the flipside with ‘St. Clair’, a track that toys on the tech-step tip for a slice of glitchy D&B naughtiness. A sprinkle of vocal cuts and blip FX joined by some polished bass make for a peak-time floor filler perfect to get any club bouncing. There’s also a downbeat remix of ‘Oblique’ from Manchester’s Synkro, a name fast becoming synonymous with some of the best bass music. Out next week, you can have a listen below:
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