London Elektricity / Sigma / Blokhe4d / Fred V - Hospitality: Drum & Bass 2011 (Sampler)
Posted by
Curtis Moldrich at
26/01/2011 13:18:00
Drum and Bass 2011 is the latest annual compilation put out by Hospital Records, big boys on the scene. This sampler for DJs features four of the exclusive tracks from it and features the likes of Sigma, London Elektricity and Blokhe4d.
The first track ended the set of label boss, London Elekricity at the recent Hospitality at fabric, and it's easy to see why. Apex's VIP of his own Just One Second keeps some of the melodies of the originals, as well as the classic vocals, but adds a large dose of epicness - the result being that it makes the original sound 2D and flat. Featuring a winding journey of melodies before the first build-up and some euphoric synth chords more reminiscent of a trance number, this track is the "hands up in the air" special. Amazing.
The Way Life Used to Be is another triumph from Blokhe4d. Not as aggressive as their material on their own label, this song still has an alluring uniqueness about it. After a melodic introduction and typical high energy build, the song flourishes into a half time monster. Drumstep, halftime drum and bass - call it what you like. This track certainly has groove, and with a number of unusual sounding melodic synths, it also has the Blokhe4d mark of originality.
Dreams To Reality is a Hospital track through and though. A collaboration by Sigma and Logistics, it is a smooth blend of both artists' styles. With an airy synth-based beginning, this song begins with an air of anticipation. When the track beings, the bassline is smooth and soulful as the song drives forward, while a urgent female vocal calls out in the foreground. It's the drive of this song that makes it so delicious. Sigma is a name synonymous with quality, and this song continues to prove why.
Simple Beginnings by Fred V is a smooth-sounding gem. Doing away with complexity, it features a subtle introduction with reversed strings and a chopped vocal. When the song does get going, it's a meandering, sliding bass that adds a real groove to this track. Despite smatterings of a heavy synth later on and some keys, it's not as showy as the others on the sampler, but quality drum and bass through and through.
In all this sampler shows that Hospital has strong designs on 2011. Full of big names and big songs, it is a statement of intent, and shows that the label is still at the forefront of things, pushing its unique melodic style of music.