Album Review: Eclipsed Shadows X Noisesmith - The Moment [GDNBC]

Album Review: Eclipsed Shadows X Noisesmith - The Moment [GDNBC]

If I had to wager, I'd say the number of US based Drum and Bass producers who have hit #1 on Beatport's Top Releases is probably a rather tiny number. Infinitesimal, even. How many have been featured as 'Track of the Month' by Ayah Marar on the legendary Rinse.fm? Yet three producers from the state of North Carolina have managed to capture both accomplishments. As of this writing, it still sits at #2 a week after release. I am, of course, referring to the Eclipsed Shadows (a partnership between Electron-C and Dark Adaptation) & Noisesmith release 'The Moment', out now on GDNBC.

'The Moment' is a 4 track EP consisting of 3 original works and an absolutely ruthless remix from long time US staple Diode. The beauty of the release is in the sheer diversity of it. You can hear elements of each producer echoing throughout each track, with Eclipsed Shadows bringing a Dancefloor, Jungle and Roller vibe while Noisesmith delivers the Tearout and heavy percussion he's known for.

The title track, 'The Moment', features an incredibly catchy vocal that is quite easy to latch onto and the track itself does an excellent job of letting the vocal dominate, with some absolutely stellar vocal chops throughout to keep the track cohesive. The second drop is absolute filth, making the track entirely worthy of playing through the breakdown. The general styling of the track tends to be pretty Neuro-adjacent, a steady, relentless ball of energy that drives throughout.

'The Party Is Over' features an incredibly bass heavy lead to drive into a Amen-laiden drop, providing a stellar opportunity for any creative DJ's out there. The vocal sample ties in particularly well with the vibe, which is generally more of a lighthearted Dancefloor type of flair.

'jungleRave', the aforementioned 'Track of the Month', lives true to its name with a definitive jungle tone and a gorgeous rolling bassline, allowing the track to slot into an a variety of sets. It's absolutely geared for the dancefloor, and truly shows the talents of the three contributing producers.

Diode joins the fold to remix the title track, 'The Moment', and absolutely does not fail to deliver. The remix takes on a decidedly more Neuro approach while keeping the dancefloor oriented notes of the original. An amazing drop, an incredibly fun 4x4 breakdown and the crisp, clean production style Diode is known for showcase the absolutely brilliant vocal of the original. If this found its way into sets at major festivals, I wouldn't at all be surprised.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Electron-C about the formation of the EP and what the future holds after such a stellar release.

Nox: Each of you are rather established artists with several releases. How exactly did the album come together?

Electron-C: I am a terrific pain in the ass. I EXCEL at being a pain in the ass. I basically nagged Tristan (Dark Adaptation) and Dan (Noisesmith) for 8 months straight until they caved to get me to shut up. We have been sitting in group chats together for years, bouncing all of our WIP's off each other. We did 'Stuck In My Head' (out now on GDNBC) and felt like it was amazing, so we crafted together three more tracks to shop out. We were really proud of the output; It was forward thinking, modern, and a cohesive fusion of each of our creative energies.

Nox: Were there any memorable moment in its creation?

Electron-C: Dan sending stems back for 'junglerave'. He was in the middle of wrapping up his EP (out now on Therapy Sessions) and had a lot going on in life, so trying to get his time was like pulling teeth. Refer to the first question; I'm sure the boys would laugh and say "Yeah that's true".

Nox: Did any of the tunes standout to you for any particular reason?

Electron-C: Man, each of these tunes holds special place with me. Each one started with a different person, middled by another, and finished by the third. Then I went back in and polished the mixdowns. The project files look like stems that have been bounced around three times. It's kinda magic. So yeah, I can't pick one. The Diode remix, too, man went crazy with it. All four of the tunes are brilliance in my opinion.

Nox: How did Eclipsed Shadows come to be?

Electron-C: Tristan & I have been friends since before our first releases. We've constantly been sending each other tunes back and forth, supporting each other's performances and creations. Collaborating came naturally. Neither of us get too attached to ideas, we just want the best output coming forward. Our stage performance bloomed out of a booking to open for Bou at Blackbox in Charlotte. We played over the top of each other on 4 decks and it was 100% explosive. Doubles and triples, bringing songs forward that blows the other's mind kinda deal. We're up there just doing music nerd stuff and making the dancefloor go crazy.

As for what's next?

Eclipsed Shadows will be working on a remix project for Ricky Raw as well as starting the next round of tunes. Dark Adaptation is in the process of releasing multiple EP's on some of the most respected domestic imprints in the US as well. Electron-C has a few collaboration projects on his desk with some USDNB heavyweights as well. Together as Eclipsed Shadows, you can find them playing some absolutely massive shows in the coming months, including Summer Bells 3 on August 16 in Atlanta, GA alongside the likes of Delta Heavy and Vibe Chemistry.

Noisesmith will continue his prolific release rate, having several projects in the works with Gein which will release through Bad Chemistry Recordings. He has a slew of originals in the works, as well as remixes for Barcode, Therapy Sessions and BrainRave Music, and collaborative projects with the likes of Diode, Fauxrealz, Protoss, Peter Kurten, Yellow Fever, The Cenobites, and of course Eclipsed Shadows. You'll be able to catch Noisesmith alongside the likes of Gein, Odi, Bad Syntax, Mythic Image, Des McMahon, Dave Shichman and myself at Lost In The Woods, a festival running from August 15-17 in Maysville, North Carolina.

Diode will undoubtedly continue his streak of widely successful releases, with a forthcoming banger of a release set to hit VTO Records. You can also check out his recent release, 'So Good' on the US Dancefloor label Manifest, showcasing a different side of his production chops. On July 12, he will be headlining in Austin, TX at RKR/Rogue Events presents: A Drum & Bass Laser Spectacular.

GDNBC is a US based drum and Bass / Jungle label with a mission statement of pushing USDNB while collaboratively working with and releasing artists around the globe.

-Nox

Summer Bells 3 Flyer

Lost In The Woods 2025

A Drum & Bass Laser Spectacular