- In the field of breakology, Paradox is a by-word for quality. He takes sample-choppage to connoisseur levels but rarely descends into mindless "watch this" pyrotechnics. Realism and flow are the priorities, which makes his measured rhythmic interventions all the more effective. In the past few years, he's even released two 12-inches of breaks for other producers to sample, tying drum & bass back to its roots in b-boying and hip-hop culture along the way. So it's no surprise that The Bolide / Dioxan is staunchly classicist in its approach. But despite containing go-to Paradox sounds, it feels oddly of the moment, which is a testament to the energy that powers his work.
Martial arts is a common metaphor in drum & bass but it's the best way to describe what's going on in "The Bolide." The breaks offer a series of taut parries and jabs but the magic happens when they swerve out of range at the end of every few phrases. These short gaps are filled with barely there atmospheres or looming subs, which give strength to the impending strike rushing into the downbeat. This physical language evolves as the track continues, regulating the energy and switching pressure points as it calmly builds. As the vibe resets at the halfway point, you're offered a moment of respite, a much-needed chance to put the pieces back together.
"Dioxan" is the standout. The breaks are more restrained but there's detail hidden below the surface. Every few snare drums hit with a shifting timbre—you can literally hear how the stick knocks the rim and skin in slightly different ways. But it's the vocal samples asking if "y'all ready?" that really up the ante, along with subs that fall from punchy dub-school lines into deeper, sustained frequencies. It's textbook Paradox, but after two decades in the game, he remains a gold-standard.
TracklistA The Bolide
B Dioxan