Now three years old and twelve releases deep, #DubElements’ #DEMRecordings has gone from strength to strength in 2020. The distinctive dogs who consistently appear on the Spanish label’s cover art have come to serve as a mark of quality drum and bass. After racking up extensive support on their recent #DubElementsAndFriendsremixEP from the likes of #BlackSunEmpire and #BBCRadio1’s #RenéLaVice, the label’s founders are back with the #BetterWorldPt1EP, a three-track collection of vibrant, feel-good productions intended as a welcome dose of optimism in response to the current global pandemic.
Serving as the first instalment in a two-part series, the new project explores a lighter sound than the Seville duo are typically known for. Its opener and title track, “#BetterWorld”, is a summery, piano-led liquid roller, centred around warm, resonant basslines and furnished with poppy toplines and flourishes of jubilant brass. True to form, the pair couldn’t resist providing a grittier edge to the track – its second drop features snarling basslines which add extra intrigue into the mix.
On the empowering “#SomeoneElse”, an unnamed vocalist reclaims her independence, addressing a cheating ex-partner through the medium of song. Throbbing synth arpeggios, organ chords and atmospheric pads give way to a punchy, jungle-inspired drop dominated by booming 808s and unrestrained basslines, making for a highly innovative number. The EP’s third and final offering, “#ThatLovin’”, opens with a mesmeric combination of silky, reverberating vocals, deep sub-bass and twinkling melodies before exploding into a rugged drop centred around throaty basslines and slick percussion.
Showcasing a new string to #DubElements’ bow, this trio of tracks serves as a promising indicator of the group’s versatility across the full drum and bass spectrum. Expect more in the same vein on the imminent #BetterWorldPt2.
Beatport Exc: 25th Sept
