October - Three Drops/Homo Sapiens

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  • This is one of the most refreshing singles of the year. Caravan is a new label associated with dubstep imprints Tectonic and Multiverse, which aims to be an outlet for releases which cross over from dubstep into more 4/4 territory (or vice versa). On first listen you might think this is a bit of a dubious marketing ploy as both tracks here nestle comfortably on the 4/4 side of things, but on closer inspection the percussive placement and the ‘brokenness’ on both sides is more dubstep than techno. There’s also a big Tectonic feel to it. But genre placement aside, it’s a cracker of a 12”. The A-side begins elusively with a long, carefully hiccupping preface that follows the 4/4 minimal template, but be patient and you’ll find a lot here to love: the way October toys nonchalantly with the bass and warm-hearted dub drifts is fantastic, and when the stitled not-quite-techno opening patterns lock together, dropping in and fading out for a full ten minutes, it all makes a beautiful kind of sense. ‘Homo Sapiens’ is more direct, opening with some classic dub chords to die for. Again there is something about the overhead percussion that is not quite straight techno, though the kick drum is definitely aiming for the heart of a big Saturday night. Pitched up it’s a monster. Texturally, there’s also a lot of fat sounds that give the track depth and siphoning currents which lend a welcome change in pace. This is an exciting record that sits nowhere in particular, which is always a good thing. Caravan is one to watch.
  • Tracklist
      A Three Drops AA Homo Sapiens
RA