It doesn’t seem quite right labelling the ‘Bass-ic’ EP as straight dubstep. The sub-heavy basslines and 140 template are clearly its mould, but, Proximas‘ style carefully stretches the bounds of the genre tag just mentioned – working in dub, grime and Eastern influences alike. The result? Three tracks bulging with dancefloor power and tinged with a gritty, London scent.
‘Sonorous’ opens the EP with a high-pitched, synth melody but wastes little time; it is quickly punctuated by deep, moody bass notes that demand a big sound system to be fully appreciated. The second drop takes this track to another level. Tribal percussion weaves around the already established melody and sub-bass, adding an extra complexity to the dancefloor presence.
Proximas takes a rougher approach in ‘Dan-No-Ura,’ mid-range frequencies complement the weight of the basslines creating a stop-in-your-tracks drop, capable of doing serious damage in a DJ set. Simple-but-effective sound design makes this as relevant a weapon in a dubstep DJ’s set as it might in an electro DJ’s. The dub and ragga influences also remain; a producer clearly in touch with the roots of his production yet definitively nodding towards contemporary dance music.
‘Vapor Vision’ is, according to the sample, one for the smokers. And it is. Heavy enough for a dancefloor, but this track has a mellower, head-nodding vibe to it. The slow and atmospheric synths balance the force of the drums, making for a multi-dimensional and thoughtfully layered track. A quality way to round off the EP.
This is the work of a producer both stained by the North-West London urban sounds and by age-old roots music alike. Its no surprise Proximas is picking up support from industry names such as Mary Anne Hobbes when you consider the club functionality and wide-ranging versatility of this release. From a track on Cooly G‘s Dub Organizer compilation to an EP on Contraire, Proximas is without doubt a name to keep your eye on.
Stream the EP in full here.