Ben Soundscape & Collette Warren – Last Drop EP [Intrigue Music]

This week I have the pleasure of reviewing a smashing and passionate EP from Ben Soundscape and Collette Warren, out on Ben’s own Intrigue Music. This couple has been putting in an immense amount of work both on the road and in the studio in the last few years, touting two full tours at some truly legendary venues, a full length EP, and all the while keeping up with their own radio shows on Swu and Rinse.fm. These two have done an amazing job promoting this EP already, and one of the things I wanted to do with this piece was to compile some of the press they have put out, as well as some of the attention this music has received. Last week they recorded a short interview on the Swu show, where they spoke about the process behind the EP as well as the meaning behind the tracks. (interview starts at 39:00, minimix for the EP after)

In this interview they offer some delightful commentary on the EP as well as their connection with the Sun and Bass festival, a place they have been visiting and performing at for 15 years. The EP begun in the studio with the title track, and after getting long-running queries about their creative output as a duo they decided in between tours to turn this title track into an EP. Citing the Sun and Bass festival as a goal to get it completed, Ben and Collette got it done and sent out to DJs just in time to hear the great DJ Marky play their tunes live. What a great inception for this music, an opportunity to share the special content in “Remember You”, and to play it at such a special place; a true mecca of drum and bass.

I would absolutely suggest you check it out the Swu interview. It showcases some of the culture of dance music that has really inspired them over the years, remembering the beautiful spirits and energies they have encountered (and lost) over the years, and how they pushed their creative boundaries to get the great range of sounds you hear on the EP.

For UKF they delve even more into these inspirations behind the experiences they have had and shared, culminating in some ways with this music, and teasing an album in the future. I totally love the energy and hard work that these have put in to keep the love for DnB alive, and please do yourself a favor and spend some time looking into the history of both of these guys music. They have both truly produced the highest quality DnB for over a decade. Check out the radio shows, check out what the label is doing, and absolutely grab a ticket next time you see them on tour. They absolutely smashed it in Chicago!

The entire EP is out now, via Beatport, Intrigue Bandcamp, and all other digital retailers.

[bandcamp width=700 height=274 album=1597252356 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 artwork=small]

Lets get into the track by track:

Remember You: An epic vocal opens the EP with a dedication and a promise, one to those lost, and one to keep the love and energy that was brought alive in the scene as it stands. Looking for answers, rembering moments, and finding that meaning on the dancefloor is what this one is all about, and perhaps the whole EP! I love how this tracks rolls along with a bassline that blends between a bit of crunch and distortion with a smooth wobble, and how that contrasts with the ghostly atmospherics behind. There is some really interesting percussion happening around the breaks as well if you listen carefully. Smashing opening.

Another Day: This track is probably my favorite on the album – it makes me think and be transported in a way that is somewhat trancelike. A weary opening vibe connects the listener quickly to the bootstrap-py message therein, with lyrics about epic travels and finding their center amongst such taxing (and exciting) circumstances. Utilizing chant and call-and-response in the vocals as well as the background “techno-inspired” loop, the artists expertly weave jazz and blues elements into the tonal content while staying focused on groove. I love the suspended harmony throughout and the expert and classic phrasing from these two.

Last Drop: The title piece opens with a dreamy pad and smooth and sultry vocal line with some lovely chromatics. The bass and vocal interaction in this one is next level, both from a production and groove standpoint. Once again, the musical sensibility in this track is totally on point with nothing jumping out in the wrong way, and a smooth and expert digging into different scale degrees throughout the different sections. On the second drop the groove opens up even more, letting these ripping bass sounds shine even more. A fitting title track.

Disco Ball: Closing with a bang, “Disco Ball” grooves along with an ode to “Do the Do” and a proper 1/8th note wobble, and some seriously raunchy lows. Late night is right! I love how this tune gets weird but still grooves really well, and would expect nothing less from them! Fun track, and great ending to this EP.

These two are so dedicated to DnB: it was really inspiring for me to meet them briefly and chat. Multiple tours, tons of promo, merch, radio, new production, travel, and all while keeping it real and caring enough to be with the people at their shows. I love the direction these productions are taking, and absolutely be on the lookout for an album from this epic drum and bass duo.

Purchase this EP here!