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- You Herd? Subtle, subtle
I’ve said this before, but often times less really is more (especially in music). Think about it: what does the word drop actually refer to in dance and hip-hop? Historically, the drop was the part of the track where all the additive elements like white noise, ambience, leads, melodies, etc. would fall away and leave only the bass and drums. Yet, in spite of being the least “busy” part, the drop is considered the climax in most genres that feature it.
This is a prime example of the power of subtlety in music, and I think the songs I found this week embrace this idea whole-heartedly. Enjoy.
The gentle, whispery drums and the rolling electric bass are only interrupted incrementally by a couple rhythmic chord stabs from distorted Rhodes-esque keys. For whatever reason, this literally makes the entire song for me. It’s the perfect counterweight to the nonchalant vocals, and I could honestly listen to that alone on repeat. A masterclass in creating a mood and letting it carry the tune.
English rapper Con Cook spits over a soul-inspired breakbeat, but what stands out to me is how his voice contrasts with the vocal hook (unknown singer - if you know the sample lmk). Just a great fusion of beat-vocal-rapper, and again very simple and subtle.
I feel the need to put a warning on this one: it’s not for the weak. Noisia are the world-famous D&B trio from the Netherlands that pioneered one of the most influential evolutions of the genre to date. This song, in spite of its aggressive and uptempo delivery, is the definition of a “drop”. The chaos falls away to reveal a deep and filthy bass, backed only by noise, grit, and driving drums (second drop is so nuts). If listening to this wakes the bass head in you, Noisia is an artist whose discography you absolutely need to explore.
Wanna chat about these songs & artist? Have some recs for songs I should listen to? Just wanna leave me some feedback? Reply to this email 📧
‘Till next week,
Zain
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