At only 25 Alix Perez is one the youngest and most respected artist on the drum and bass scene today. He is the mastermind behind tracks like ‘The Resolution’, ‘Stray’ and ‘Crooklyn’ and it’s because cool, calm, liquid lullabies like these are why the ‘1984’ album was awaited with such anticipation.
A year and a half in the making ‘1984’ is an experimental album that crosses over many of the sub-genres of liquid, breaks and DnB. Although rammed with new and unheard sounds and packed with collaborations this album still sounds distinctly Perez. It takes a certain type of producer to be able to maintain that sense of individuality and Perez clearly is that type. Shogun Audio is the perfect label to have released this album, it’s laid back beats, warming bass and alluring vocals fit effortlessly into Shogun’s agenda. Tracks feature collaborations with Foreign Beggars, Spectrasoul, System, Zero T, Sabre and more; you only need to read the track listing to know you’re about to experience something special.
Opening the album is the title track ‘1984’ is a personal triumph for Perez as it was composed using no samples with the exception of the vocal. This track was named after his birthday and fully represents his own individual style. At the first listen it can seem a little too melancholic however after a couple more times the tune becomes incredibly up-lifting, with lyrics urging you to ‘hold on’ and rolling kicks that slowly build up to a radiant crescendo.
The standout track of this album is ‘Forsaken’ with help from Spectrasoul, Perez has out done himself with this truly tranquil track. A slightly muffled piano plays to a backdrop of crisp beats, while Peven Everett adorns the track with soulfully sang vocals that will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings.
The last time Perez hooked up with Lynx the land of bass was blessed with ‘Allegiance’ now the guys have added Truth to the mix and created magic on ‘No Grudge’. The humbling tribal sounding beat holds an air of complex simplicity. While a mismatch of samples fill the track that somehow seamlessly gel together, summoning visions of technologically enriched concrete-jungle cities of the future. Gradually the beat thickens making the tune not only a pleasure to listen to but all the more enjoyable to dance to.
After the success of the massive ‘Solitary Native’ Perez and Sabre have teamed up again, ‘Hemline’ is just beautifully self indulgent at first. This track is so stunningly composed that it engulfs your entire awareness. Many different and unusual choices have been made whilst building the percussion of this track which compliments the very minimal melodies and vocals, which Perez himself describes as the albums most ‘emotionally powerful’ track.
A hip-hop element is added to the record in the form of ‘The Cut Deepens’ featuring Foreign Beggars and ‘Calm of Cast’ featuring Yungun, however both represent very different styles. ‘The Cut Deepens’ has a deep, industrial, breakbeat feel and Foreign Beggars deliver a healthy dose of their strait talking spoken word style rap. ‘Cast of Calm’ is a hazy, chilled tune perfect of a lazy, sunny afternoon.
The album also includes ‘I’m Free’ one of last years biggest tracks, also listen out for ‘Voices’ ‘Intersections’ and ‘Fade Away’. ‘Fade Away’ being a personal favourite which we have had sneaking into our playlists alot over the last couple of month. So then Perez at the top of his game so far it seems and with bookings popping up all over the show theres no doubt that he has a large following. When he dropped in on us at the Soul Cellar, Southampton back in October he had a strong following which helped the night to be well attended. Two things were noticeable from this night, hes spot on with his playing out and he is very popular with the ladies.
We will next catch up with Alex at Ear Storm @ Matter on the 22nd of this month. Hopefully we will have some fresh new photographic material to post from his set.
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