It seems like an incredibly long time ago that I reviewed the Complex Flashback EP from TMSV’s Perfect Records here on the blog. Since then the Dutch master has continued to push innovative dance music in the not-quite-but-almost-140-space, himself being responsible for last summer’s electro-breaks stormer “Bottle Pop” which saw play at literally every rave I attended in 2023.
Last year also marked a significant event for Perfect Records with their signing of two other major talents in the bass music niche, those being Germany’s Danny Scrilla and UK’s Arkham Sound (stylized as “arkham sound”).
On December 8th, 2023, arkham sound released Apocalypse Rave; a three track collection of utterly wild tunes that range in character from throwback hardcore/rave breaks to what I can only characterize as hardstyle-dubstep. I’ve had these tracks in rotation in my playlists both on the radio show and in my headphones and trust me when I say they do damage.
The title track of the EP runs over a 2-stepping beat with a furious bassline the lows of which contrast sharply with the distorted rave keys that loop around and over the track. I really enjoy this tune and I’m looking forward to the chance to try it out on some bigger speakers. It sounds like an acid flashback, but a good one, if there is such a thing.
Second in the playlist is “Arishem the Judge”, the track taking it’s name from the Marvel comics character responsible for the creation of primordial law. Coming in at plus 150 BPM, this track is not at all your typical dubstep though it may hold some of the trappings of it. As the tune opens the listener is greeted by the sound of distorted patois and minimal drums before a short breakbeat interlude preceding the track’s drop. The drop and hook of this tune is without a doubt the main star of this EP with the gabberesque kick taking main stage while urgent high hats, gun sounds and more patois samples fill the spaces between the massive kick. If “Apocalypse Rave” is the profligate party prelude to the end of the world, then “Arishem the Judge” is the angry god who has set out to hammer the planet into dust.
The final track on the EP “GTF” fills a nice electro/acid niche. The groovy 303 bassline runs over a lovely 2-step kick and arkham sound runs wild over the looping sounds of the synth and drums using all manner of FX to crush and flip the tracks elements. The rolling, stuttering result is a tune that is infectious in it’s funk, using empty and distorted space extremely effectively to pull the listener into the track, leaving them never quite sure what to expect.
If 2023 is any indication, then 2024 is going to be a big year for Perfect Records. I’m personally excited to see what else arkham sound has in store for us. You can buy arkham sound’s “Apocalypse Rave” on Bandcamp at the following link:
Nickel City Frequencies // Official Website 