Stonx – Adapt & Survive – STX016

STONX

‘Paroxysm’, the EP’s opener, gently leads the listener in with a change of intensity from STONX’s usual razor-edge bass assault. Found-sounds from the animal kingdom meld into an ethereal soundscape, lulling and hypnotizing, until the glitched-out drum-fill confirms it is time to begin. Stuttered drums augment a wave of bass frequencies in an explosion of sonic introduction as the track takes form.

The song is a study in-breath and release, evolving after each break with a fresh element. The third and final section of the track highlights the musicianship behind STONX with a complex and deeply satisfying bass solo, giving the piece an organic element not often found in the more extreme end of Drum and Bass.

Further expanding on the theme of contrast and change, the second track ‘Dauer State’ strips away instrumentation as a statement, with its singularly distinct main riff.

The hand drums mixed with modulated sub, show the merit of simplicity with executive effectiveness. To catalyse the rhythmic main elements, Sitar’s are restrained and choked to provide the minimalistic melodies which polish the composition to completion.

To conclude, the song descends into a half time section before rolling out. The EP’s namesake ‘Adapt and Survive’ draws elements from the duo’s origins, with ‘Current Value’ and ‘Limewax’ style drum patterns drawing the momentum down a notch and heavily exploring modern production centred sound design.

The track switches between the two poles of rolling straight drum and bass rhythm’s and crashing, headbanging sections designed to keep the listener guessing and curious to the very end. Rounding off the EP is the single release ‘Enter the Dojo’ which pays homage to the extensive use of Japanese instruments in the world of Drum and Bass.

The track starts with a plucked instrument to set the scene, this is swiftly joined by an Eastern style flute which is synonymous with battle preparation. As the drum’s lead in, the feeling of impending combat is increased with risers and further sample work until finally informing the listener that they are a disgrace, and sending them into an apocalypse of neuro bass which invites no argument.

This track is a designed battering ram to ensure that whoever the EP cross’s paths, will be left feeling empty, bereft, and requiring only one thing to sustain them after. STONX.