“I don't really say things like this much, but Craggz & Parallel are about to flip D&B on its head…” Breakage
“Analogue synths, drum machines & +170bpm = Top album. C&P
FTW!!”
D Bridge
“Craggz & Parallel have taken a bold step towards a much deeper,
more mature and personal sound; locking themselves away for 2
years has resulted in a truly inspirational album that will turn a lot
of heads. One of the best releases in 2010 by some way, this
definitely gets the Flight seal of approval.” DJ Flight
September signals a welcome return to the scene by two of D&B’s most respected characters,
Craggz & Parallel, and it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. Since releasing their debut
‘Northern Soul’ LP on Valve back in 2006 the pair have stepped back, regrouped and are now
ready to come full force with a brand new super-fresh sound that’s sure to raise heads
throughout the scene. Drawing on influences from electronic music past and present from early
techno sounds, 80’s synth-pop through to a myriad of contemporary dance music genres,
Craggz & Parallel have created a truly unique and daring album sure to quench the most
discerning and dance floor tastes whilst challenging the more traditional drum and bass album
ideals. Even reverting back to analogue production techniques to combine with the modern
creates an experience unlike any other around today so keep you ears open for the genius new
sounds of Craggz & Parallel.
1. Turn The Page
Kicking off in fine style the title track opens with
an epic intro awash with crooked bottle-nose FX
and pads that mesmerize. Creeping bass tones
follow until the drop into a massive hard-stepping
slice of menacing technoid D&B that’s sure to
bring out the screw-face in all who hear it.
2. Release
Calming things down a little ‘Release’ continues
the tempo with a bouncing bass and booming sub
to match as delicate synth stabs and vocal
washes trickle over the top to make for a great
cut as the LP journey picks up pace.
3. Chamber
Then doing things a little differently, ‘Chamber’
features a stripped back approach that works a
nasty bass-wave riff into a seriously intense slice
of dark drum and bass. One for the more
adventurous dance floors.
4. Slave feat. Warren Dite
Time to throw the rule book firmly out the window
now as Craggz & Parallel come with some 80’s
avant-garde pop-soaked sensibilities with full
vocals courtesy of a certain D&B A-lister under
his Warren Dite alias. Think Depeche Mode for
2010 and you’re half way there. Masterful.
5. Now I See feat. Kasra
Drawing in Critical Music’s label head Kasra
makes for a another great collaboration as the
heavenly female vox floats in over staggered
breaks ready to shatter the speaker stacks as the
bending bass line works its way inside your soul.
6. The Sleeper
‘The Sleeper’ is anything but with it’s rollin’
bassline and stepping drums that smash any club
when dropped. A sure-footed crowd pleaser that
shows the guys getting seriously engrossed in
some vintage D&B vibes.
7. Matrix 6
Moving on and the BPM’s drop for a brief interlude
to take stock of what’s gone before and what’s still
to come. Expect the unexpected.
8. No Wave feat. DRS
Step forward MC DRS to deliver some vocal
respite with his trademark lyrical flows over some
intricate, glitched-out bass, mid range and retro
pads & FX to add yet another dimension to this
already accomplished album.
9. Metroplex
Whilst other tunes have hinted at it, ‘Metroplex’
fully embraces their inherient love of techno with
huge half-time 808’s and synths that would make
Juan Atkins chomp at the bit. One for those who
know and a lovely surprise for those who are yet
to know.
10. Mute Mix
Doing what it says in the title ‘Mute Mix’ sees C&P
experimenting with the mix and arrangement as
different elements come to the fore as the track
develops with yet more old-skool synths and
evocative pads for a fantastic listening experience.
11. This Is Not the End
Time to do the ‘robot’ as the tempo drops for some
leftfield electro soul with feathered pads coating
some deep moody bass on a great track that
wouldn’t sound out of place down at Café Del Mar.
12. Future Shock
Sticking with the vintage outboard gear sounds the
guys then up it once more for one final drum &
bass rollout that has killer written all over it. Turn it
up, close your eyes and get marching!
13. Forever
A captivating album should have a captivating
ending and this without a doubt is it
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