After experiencing a breakthrough year in 2020 which saw them reach dizzying heights in the drum and bass scene with releases on RAM Records, Viper Recordings and Liquicity, Australian duo V O E are back on home turf with the new two-tracker “Sirens” / “The Darkness”, incoming via local label ProtoCode.
Based in Adelaide and made up of two accomplished singer-producers, Tevlo and CARZi, V O E have carved a niche for themselves with their signature brand of vocal-led D&B, demonstrating a penchant for striking an expert balance between spellbinding cinematics and merciless bassweight. Typically saving their darkest and heaviest offerings for ProtoCode – as evidenced by their label debut, 2020’s “Where You Belong”, and their recent Alpha Cuts compilation contribution, a remix of Dead Zodiac’s “The Fall” – the pair have opted to showcase the two extremes of their sound on this latest drop.
Centred around a hushed vocal from CARZi, “Sirens” means business from its introductory notes. Introduced with sprawling ambiances and tense, acid-esque modulated synth plucks, it suddenly breaks out into explosive, neuro-leaning crescendos, pierced by unrelentingly jagged basslines and strident drums. With new twists around every corner including bellowing breaks and an exhilarating halftime switch-up, this aural juggernaut is one of the duo’s most ambitious productions yet.
In stark contrast from its predecessor, the gritty but tangibly liquid-inspired roller “The Darkness” opens with gentle piano melodies and a sublime topline – once again provided by CARZi and showcasing her impressive vocal range – before bringing serrated synths and bubbling arpeggios into the mix. The result is a more commercial, yet simultaneously hard-hitting number, an apt reminder of the pair’s versatility right across the drum and bass spectrum.
“Sirens” / “The Darkness” lands exclusively via Beatport on 19th March 2021, hitting other stores and streaming services a fortnight later on 2nd April.
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