LSN – ‘Apollo’ EP

The latest signing to Seven’s Uprise Audio; LSN have started to turn some well-respected heads in the dubstep world with their collective approach to production. With supporters such as Youngsta, J Kenzo and Rinse FM, as well as an upcoming set at Outlook – the summer seasons biggest bass music event – the six member dubstep collective are all set to take the 140 scene by storm.

Initially brought together by their shared love of bass weight whilst studying at University in Bangor, musicians Feonix, Noztaw, 23KID, Fialko, Na-Kika and Simetra met through their involvement in the area’s local sound-system scene. Each harbouring their own individual talents in the realms of production, small collaborations between one or two members soon moved on to larger group efforts – with studio sessions evolving to include all six members on production. Looking for a way to differentiate these larger-scale pieces from their smaller collaborations, the group came up with the moniker LSN – the meaning of which is shrouded in mystery.

First gaining attention on the UK bass scene with their monstrous ‘Diyumi‘, released on Uprise Audio’s best-selling LP ‘Live From The Future Extended Edition’, the LSN collective come forward with their first individual release for the label. The ‘Apollo’ EP is a five track multi genre release, ranging through 90 to 170 BPM, and from start to finish LSN cement themselves as serious production talents to watch. Opening track ‘Renegade’ is a classic 140 stormer, with a division bell and haunting vocal pads drifting in and out of rainy atmospherics. Featuring tribalistic percussion set to a militant beat structure, the track builds slowly and cinematically: with ancestral style vocals and melodies adding to the vast sonic soundscape of the track.

‘Renegade’ is followed by the EP’s title track  ‘Apollo’. The first LSN production to feature vocals from Simetra (who happens to be the newest member of their collective) ‘Apollo’ again sits at 140bpm but comes in on a more laid-back angle. Opening with a drone pad and a ticking snare, ominous melodies set the tone for the introduction of Simetra’s haunting vocals. Weaving together SImetra’s lush vocals with crisp beats and a thunderous bassline, ‘Apollo’ is as much worth consideration for a solitary headphones moment as it is for busting up the dance floor.

With third track the collective switch things up; showing off their versatility on ‘Speak To Me’ with a 170bpm tempo. With an introduction designed to construct a deep cinematic impact, the addition of Simetra’s vocal ad-libs enhance the building atmospherics before a punchy kick drum is brought in: setting the overall pace of the track. Gradually building up into a momentous groove structure, with stepped out intelligent beats and a subtly twisted bass line, ‘Speak To Me’ is a rolling and energetic track full of intricate percussion edits and on-point arrangements.

Heading back down the 140BPM route with ‘Atomic Planet’, LSN lay down a sombre and emotionally intensive beat. A solid roller with strong drum work, this track sticks to a more traditional format than its predecessors. However things are still kept original and unique to the crew’s sound: with subtle percussion switches and mid range stabs, as well as the introductory atmospherics which come across as a distinctive part of their sound on this EP.

Closing track ‘Technology Mountain’ is the icing on the cake: showing the diversity of LSN’s creative palette as well as attesting to the overall strength of their collective sound. Managing to be both soft and powerful at the same time, this is the perfect closing track for an EP that sets LSN apart as a force to be reckoned with.

Check out the preview to ‘Technology Mountain’ below and head over to Uprise Audio’s SoundCloud to preview the rest of the EP. Available for exclusive digital download via Juno on 01/09 and a general digital and vinyl release date set for 08/09, get ahead and pick up your pre-orders here.

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