Darkstar – Automating
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
One of the reasons why I’m becoming increasingly obsessed with the whole future garage/dubstep movement is that it’s music that doesn’t play with with everybody. I’m not advocating exclusivity or anything along the lines of that. I’m just amazed by the amount of music sprouting from the UK at the moment, where the style and approach isn’t always accessible.
That may be a broad definition, but listening to Darkstar’s Automating or the newest jams from Untold, Peverelist, Pangaea, and Floating Points made it clear that this is music that often demands your full attention. Comparing this to any other style at the moment seems ridiculous. These new productions always stand out as something radically different, and where most house or techno tracks always carry over some of the same ideas, these new grooves all sound fresh and original.
Automating is no exception. If you picked up Aidy’s Girl Is a Computer last year (and I strongly hope you did), you’re already familiar with Darkstar’s take on dubstep. Vocal samples are sewn together, delivering their mumbling message before they fall back into the groove again. Although the vocals have a cold, industrial ring to them, the warm synths make sure that the track ultimately turns into something heartwarming the same way that a track about a computer girl could deliver a soothing pleasure.
Graphic high five via Francis Frost
Similar ramblings:
