Album Review: Perspective 3 VA [Phase Records DNB]

Album Review: Perspective 3 VA [Phase Records DNB]

Critical Music. Delta9 Recordings. Overview Music.

Chances are high that anyone reading this knows those labels. They're a cornerstone of the drum and bass world, known for their long history of standout quality, distinct sound and home to some of the most prominent producers on the planet. Decades of success has cemented their reputation, and there's little debate about it.

But what if I told you there's another label which, in my incredibly humble opinion, finds itself on that same trajectory? I am, of course, referring to Phase Records DNB out of the UK.

Spearheaded by Gifta, the label is home to some of the most notable up and coming producers in the game right now. Dapreme. Charis. Ominous. Xyde. Vispera. And the boss lady herself. It's found releases from notable names like Transforma, Kevala and It Is Jev, while finding remixes from the likes of Waeys, T>I, Teej, Vici, Enta, Notequal and Dub Elements, to name but a few. If you ever learn anything about the music industry, let it be this: quality attracts quality, and it's quite clear the DNB world is lining up behind the British label.

Perspective 3, the last in the series, released 25.7. It's a 14 track VA stacked with quality top to bottom, exploring the darker and more minimal sides of this genre we all love. With its depth comes variety in the sound palette, from absolute naughtiness to stripped back bounce.

Gifta, label boss of Phase Records DNB

'The Perspective trilogy is what it says in the tin...perspectives. We all see things differently and experience life differently. Dark Drum and Bass music can be manifested and made in so many different ways due to the very nature of the fact that art and people are so subjective. I wanted to shed light on the many themes, which forms what is actually a very broad landscape.' - Gifta

Here are my thoughts on some of my standout tracks from the release!

Ominous - Destruction

'Destruction' lives true to its name. From a music nerd perspective, I absolutely love the way this tune is structured. Big gnarly bass filled drop then progresses into a bouncy second phrase with a glitched and chopped vocal sample. That structure to a tune is a DJ's dream, allowing us to play with the heavy nature of DNB while simultaneously giving us a bouncy element to work a dancefloor. This is a tune worthy of playing into the second drop, as Ominous masterfully chopped the elements of the first into a whole new sound, giving it a VIP feel.

Cynical Gene - Smells Like Gene Spirit

While 'Destruction' is in your face and aggressive, 'Smells Like Gene Spirit' provides an entirely different experience. A stripped down chugger, it provides enough room to be absolutely naughty in a blend while bringing an ample amount of bounce and sway, perfect for keeping a party moving.

 Wallhack & Scurrow - VRS

Wallhack is a name that's been on my radar for some time now, with tunes like 'Focus' and 'My Show' being regular fixtures for me. Suffice it to say, I was quite excited when I saw his name appear on the tracklist!

The collab with Scurrow produced an absolute stellar result, a bouncy roller with texture and some glitched components that make it sonically interesting. Anytime producers use interesting elements in a track, a DJ somewhere wipes the drool off their chin, and this is one where you may need a napkin.

CrucifyMe - Bouncy

Fresh off of stellar releases on Eatbrain and BrainRave Music, CrucifyMe delivers a bit heavier of a tune for the VA. The crisp percussion you'll often find in CrucifyMe productions is front and center, while the chopped up nature of the track makes it live true to its name. Absolute top shelf production, blurring the lines a bit between Neuro, Tech and Jump Up.

Gifta - Cold Spots

Launched as a single to build anticipation for the VA, 'Cold Spots' is anything but cold. This is another nasty stomper that is unrelenting in nature, with some heavily textured elements that make the track feel like it's trying to rip through your speakers. The filth is cut through by the snare, an overlooked component of what makes a tune like this really go. I can personally vouch for the absolute stankface this tunes gonna put on any crowd.

Perspective 3 is available now on Phase Records DNB through all your usual means. The VA provides further proof that Phase is a name that absolutely needs to be on the radar of every DNB head.