- It's certainly not 2008 anymore, but Skull Disco vet Gatekeeper doesn't seem terribly concerned. Where so many Bristolians (and dubstep producers in general) have fled from 140 BPM, W. Scott Cree has continued to explore the shifty rhythms and shawdowy sounds that have long defined dubstep. His latest, for longtime collaborator Appleblim's Apple Pips label, brings plenty of original sounds to the table, but Pips followers and continuum seekers may find themselves checking their calendars.
Not that this 17th Apple Pips 12-inch slides in through a timewarp: from the moment the scratchy drums on "Atmosphere Processor" hit our speakers, we're treated to something that feels tremendously urgent. Sour organs glide in, voices scream from afar and bass rumbles just south of everything. It may not sound as breathtaking as when Martyn was caught in this orbit some years back, but everything's right where it should be. Somewhat less predictable, "Let Us In" steps harder and lays into the low-end more forcefully, sending dub zaps speeding off into the atmosphere for a thrilling second half. By the time your needle hits the runout, you'll wish more producers had stuck with this sound, and cherish those sides that keep the floor just the right amount of wobbly.
Tracklist A Atmosphere Processor
B Let Us In