Abstrakt Sonance is an artist that has become known as a bass powerhouse, and rightfully so. Primarily influenced by sound system culture, like many western Canadian artists, Abstrakt Sonance cites British Columbia’s Shambhala Music Festival as a significant starting point of his career in music production. Now, with a presence at nearly every staple North American music festival, his sets are featured during primetime and have become synonymous with high-energy and high-quality bass.
For the last few years, ColtCuts has also been one to watch. Voted the number one breakthrough producer in the 2019 Duploc Awards, his music has broken through to international audiences on a large-scale. ColtCuts’ signature blend of deep dubstep and halftime has landed him releases on mammoth labels such as Deep Dark & Dangerous, Dank n’ Dirty Dubz, Sleeveless, and Hatched, to name a few.
Hidden Agenda’s four-track journey begins with “Attitude,” Abstrakt Sonance’s individual
production. Kicking off with spooky melodic synth notes, “Attitude” gives way to pared-down drums that show exactly that—Abstrakt Sonance’s attitude. Perfect for midnight sub-bass workout sessions, the track ends with vibes reminiscent of a Stranger Things score, punctuated by an almost spooky vibe.
Track two, “Hidden Agenda,” is the EP’s title track and the first of its two collaborations. The melodic bleeps and bloops are poignant and have borderline tints hints of Coki and Benga’s classic dubstep smasher, “Night.” The tune pays homage to the deep dubstep sounds featured on labels such as Deep Dark & Dangerous, and it certainly comes as no surprise that both of these artists have previous releases on that imprint.
“Space Case,” the EP’s second collaboration, is true to its name and kicks off with a space-bass odyssey. With no hints of robotic dubstep, “Space Case” is the perfect track for a dark club. Its stripped-down elements and negative space accentuate the track, giving more to the listener. “Space Case”is a perfect case study for producers, showing that sometimes, fewer pieces lead to a far superior result when we are left to connect the dots in front of the sub wall.
The EP ends with ColtCuts’ “The Sacred One.” Mystical and hazy, “The Sacred One’s” melody has the feel of a Wu-Tang-inspired Shaolin classic. Out of Hidden Agenda’s four tracks, “The Sacred One” is most suitable for a festival dancefloor and will be sure to smash when played loudly. The tune has a strong finish and is a perfect ending to a solid release.
credits
released March 19, 2021
All tracks written and produced by: Tyler Myroon and Colton Greggain
This EP was my introduction to both Truth and DDD, and also the release that sparked my deep interest for the oldschool sound of dubstep. S/o to The Dub Rebellion for their upload of "Devils Game" - been a huge fan of Truth and this label ever since. So happy to have snagged the 12" as well, makes it all even more special owning a physical copy of it ♡ ECCENTRIC VIBRATION
Stain, from New Delhi, combines regional melodies with jumpy drum & bass rhythms on an EP that confounds & inspires. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 12, 2020