Where does dubstep find itself right now? It's a question that Tempa's scene-defining "Dubstep Allstars" mix CD series has always asked, right since the genre's inception and Hatcha's first instalment back in 2004. Each volume has returned new answers; capturing its own snapshot of a specific side of the sound. The truth, as the series so far has proved, is that dubstep has always been in a state of flux.
And so for "Dubstep Allstars Vol.9" Silkie and Quest waste no time in providing yet another fresh set of answers. Their sound is a hybrid vision: as core members of the Antisocial Entertainment collective, they have over the past few years honed a sound as soulful as it is sub-heavy, seeping grime, jazz, funk and electro into the equation. These aspects to Silkie's music 'came from a desire to emulate the music I loved - garage and 90s R&B,' he explains. 'I feel a compulsion to add the jazz and the soul to the music, and find it harder to leave it out.'
Like many of the series' earlier editions, the duo draw the music on "Dubstep Allstars Vol.09"'s tracks from a small pool of close-knit producers who share a similar attitude. As well as their own music, chief among their contributors is Swindle. It's his "If I Was A Superhero" that opens the CD, electrifying the mix to life. From there the energy swiftly ramps up, passing through Quest's bounding "The Seafront" and Swindle's electro-shocked beast "Belfast" before delving into deeper territory with Quest's slinky "Somewhere". Later, the dread ramps up to staggering intensity with Mala's "Eyez VIP" (a track exclusive to this mix) and the intense pressure of Quest's "Overcome". Throughout, the duo's mixing mirrors the swift responsiveness of their club sets - sometimes wild and unruly, sometimes softer and more languid.
All these threads culminate in the mix's closing 20 minutes in a devastating run of tracks, with Silkie's remixes of Skream and Katy B drawing finally into Quest's rootsy 'Stand', completing the circle and harking back to the genre's origins. It's an appropriate note to end on, remaining respectful of the travels of dubstep past, but always with an eye towards the next step.
STAFF COMMENTS
Philippa says: This Tempa compilation series brings us the choices of these two core members of the Antisocial Entertainment collective. Over the past few years they've honed a sound as soulful as it is sub-heavy, seeping grime, jazz, funk and electro into the equation. Here we get 24 tracks by them and their pals.
TRACK LISTING
01. Swindle - Superhero
02. Silkie - Lucky
03. Quest - The Seafront
04. Swindle - Belfast
05. Silkie - Get Up And Dance
06. Quest - Somewhere
07. Quest - Deep Inside
08. L Wiz - 4.42 Oz
09. Silkie - Selva Nova
10. Silkie Vs. Von D - Snowed In
11. Swindle - Do The Jazz
12. Mala - Eyez VIP
13. Mizz Beats & Jay Retro - Level O
14. Quest - Overcome
15. Quest - The Unknown
16. Silkie - Concrete Jungle
17. Swindle - Forest Funk
18. Silkie - Mellow Yellow
19. Silkie - Cyberdub
20. Skream - Filth (Silkie ReMiX)
21. Silkie Feat Truth - Feel
22. Katy B - Witches Brew (Silkie RMX)
24. Quest - Stand
