Ever the creative, inspired (and inspiring) sort, it will come as no surprise to the discerning D&B heads amongst you, that this release from Fracture & Neptune, is pretty special. With a penchant for old school hardware and that classic analog sound, the London-based production duo tune in to a refreshing, unique and delicately refined sound with weighty bass, ticking, stepping breaks and stylish elegance.
The first track, Dust Ball, kicks off with an eerie droning, with delicate SFX adding colour to a subtle and evocative soundscape. Infectiously buzzing breaks drive the track along, conjuring up the image of an insect dancing along to the beat. Rustling, rattling sounds and quirky samples add further texture to the tune, with deep, bellows of bass and pockets of indefinable synthetics contributing to the atmospheric dreaminess of the Dust Ball perfectly. At moments, it almost reminds me of a S.P.Y track, with that elusive, hypnotic feel, but with “Fracture & Neptune” firmly stamped on it.
It’s The Trunk, however, on the flip, which really got me singing these guys praises from the rooftops, though. It’s one of those tunes you want to go on forever, you can listen to it again and again and not tire of it. A defiant, thumping, slightly off-kilter, menacing drum kick gets things off to a fine start, with jarring, sonorous sweeps leading into the drop. A deep, chunky, pulsating bassline is complimented by screeching warping flourishes and hissing, stepping drums. A chiming, dreamy midway breakdown allows for a moment of contemplation amongst the deliciously addictive main body of the tune. Literally can’t get enough of this track - absolutely superb stuff here, and a fantastic 12” overall.