Back at it with the Shoot Recordings crew, once again with another banging EP! This two-tracker features The Colonel’s iconic vocals over both tracks, bringing the energy to your mixes in a way that is unparalleled. Live or in the studio, these guys kill it every time. Known for their unique combination of old school jungle sounds, new school liquid funk, and incredible composition, Calculon & Stunna bring massive vibes to this EP, utilizing new sounds and rhythms. This fresh offering is paired with a totally flipped-on-it’s-head remix by USDNB heavyweight Dave Owen, pushing the vocals up in the mix and stepping hard.
Nik (Calculon) and I chatted leading up to this release, and I’ve been fortunate to know Jay (Stunna) through the scene in Chicago, and understanding what they do to nurture their world around them shows through their music – the musical choices and orchestration are impeccable. The Shoot Recordings catalog is the type of drum and bass that is as much about bass-weight as it is about culture, and this entry is no exception. Looking forward to Calculon and Stunna’s show with Magnetic Soul in Chicago this weekend, this release is out now everywhere!
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Let’s get into the track by track:
Dirty City: Opening with a ranting vocal from The Colonel about actual filth, the opening track quickly showcases classic grimy sounds and introduces a rolling set of drums with an acoustic feel. The stab-y bassline laces the entire thing with a strong pulse that any DJ can grab. The Colonel laces this groove up with his signature rhythmic and deep tones, and sends this track into the crate easily. The way they leave the first four beats of the drop a little more open makes from some really fun double drops, trust me.
Bust (Dave Owen Remix): Borrowing the vocals from the original, Mr. Owen takes the driving drum groove of the original and flips this into a massive stepper with a rhythmic progression I have personally heard go off on the dancefloor. Opening with a jazzy dancehall rhythm and a dreamy atmosphere, that amazing ‘Bust’ vocal gets featured first as a halftime hip-hop groove before dropping into the opening salvo of bass. One of the things that makes this remix so special is how he composes the progression of it – the phrases are longer with shorter midsections, which allow variations in vocal and accompaniment elements. Such a different take from the first, but fits like a glove.Â
This EP is primed and ready to blow up any dancefloor, and the sound is as clean and consistent as the entire Shoot catalog. This amazing set of collaborators are having a great moment right now in drum and bass and I am thrilled to be representing this crew! Big ups to Calculon, Stunna, The Colonel, and Dave Owen for the great music!
Purchase this on Beatport, Juno, and elsewhere now!
