Neurunk/exhausting DnB from LA, you say? That’s proper. In the late 90s when the Los Angeles scene was nonetheless forming within the sizzling magma the drum and bass explosion, LA was virtually fully a darkstep, techstep and darkish jungle city. From the DJ kinds at occasions that might flip even a leap up monitor into one thing grinding and evil to the dub-heavy jungle releases on RAW’s N20 imprint, in every single place you seemed the sound was heavy and darkish. It was a wonderful time for the LA and for drum and bass.
LA has maintained its exhausting edge over time nevertheless it’s additionally change into extra inclusive and for some time that meant a fairly hefty liquid and leap up section within the early 00s and even into immediately. Diversity is the identify the sport in LA DnB however there are pockets neuro-and-dark goodness nonetheless not solely surviving however thriving. John Reen is on the middle one these pockets. Aside from holding down his personal common DnB evening in his hometown Lancaster (about 45 minutes from DTLA), Reen may be very energetic at some the largest membership nights in LA: he’s performed Respect a number of occasions in addition to Killahurtz and Xcellerated. And we haven’t even gotten to his manufacturing but.
Thus far, Reen has launched tracks on Counterpoint, Ordinance, Ronin and Abducted Records. His unreleased monitor “Subdue” was even featured on Noisia Radio. Big issues for this Socal child, to say the least. Reen’s first monitor since mid-2018, “Cerebral” might be Divinations fifth launch since their inception and it’s one other deep, darkish one for each events.
“Cerebral” toys with neurunk however total it’s extra within the realm darkstep. While the beat is steppy and danceable, the snares are undoubtedly darkstep throwback type. The intro and ambient sound design are additionally very darkish and should remind some outdated schoolers tracks like John B’s “USA” monitor, launched in 1996 earlier than John B was even known as John B! There are additionally some actually attention-grabbing sub bass and sound design tweaks on the phrase transitions, giving the monitor quite a bit motion despite the fact that it’s largely minimal drum and bass. The monitor was additionally mastered by U.S. darkish and techstep legend Hive.
It’s nice to see producers like Reen and Labels like Divination lighting up the U.S. and Los Angeles drum and bass scene and displaying them for what they're: numerous, vibrant and full expertise. Fans darkstep and skanking will certainly need to decide up this on the spot basic.
“Cerebral” might be out on Divination recordings below the equinox full moon. Check Beatport and Soundcloud for buy and stream choices.