The vision was clear... Revered veteran JasonCambridge, also known by his pseudonym A Sides, wanted to encapsulate his two and a half decades of experience within Drum & Bass through this next release.
Having honed his craft, becoming one of the most prolific artists within the genre, his production standard ensured his position within its fabric. And now, over five consecutive sectors, he’s about to unleash a full colossal catalogue of work. Whether it be the new sonic masterpieces he’s worked over tirelessly, or the dubplates which have matured finely with age, it’s his most resounding output to date.
Aptly named to demonstrate the time frame which his career has stretched over, the albums design is just as imaginatively calculated. The LP logo contains images of much of the musical equipment used to manufacture his signature style. Each release signifies a passing of time, every standalone sector which makes up the album features different mixers, speakers, samplers and other tools which reflect the different stages of his progression.
Alongside A Sides music, which contains collaborations from the legendary MC. Fats, the sweet and soulful Vanessa Freeman, Liquid overlord Makoto and some classic Old School names like Cool Hand Flex and Daz, it’s an undeniably huge package. The likes of Serum, Voltage, Break and Spirit also take on remix duties, such a wide range of talent pedestalled on the track listing is a dedication to A Sides commitment to Drum & Bass.
The next edition of A-Sides ’25 years’ LP series is about to be unveiled. After cementing his vision with its counterpart, he’s about to yet again unleash a host of records after playing the rounds for over two and a half decades. So prepare to be introduced across a body of art which has spanned a lifetime. And with it, some of the freshest cuts lifted straight from the legendary producer’s career.
Whether it’s his track ‘Temptation’ with longtime collaborator Makoto, or the jungle scented riddim ‘Moonraker’, his cross-pollinated approach to music making is exposed. And up first, ‘One DJ’ goes on to symbolize just how powerfully A-sides’ cuts fire out onto the dancefloor. Alluding to both his status as a producer and behind the decks, this winding, almost magically constructed track sits between rolling drums and Old School Hip Hop like vocals drifting out from the surface. Juxtaposing mysteriously behind every rise and fall the track offers, distorted bass bolsters the composition. It gradually winds up, before launching into all-out dance floor annihilation.
‘Temptation’ featuring Makoto brings you into a different world, one which holds up A-Sides more intricate style which makes itself known from record to record. ‘Temptation’ is beautifully woven, bringing you through on top of a landscape filled with tantalizing beat patterns and unstoppable bassline. Makoto brings with him the production prowess he’s infamous for, pulling together a musical sculpture which platforms two drum & bass heavyweights who divert from the mainstream. Rolling out next, ‘Into Time’ follows a similar pattern; it’s grittier with pounding, tightly woven drums which ricochet from start to finish. Still finessing that light ethereal feel, whilst adding chunkier elements, A-Sides catches you unaware.
On the other hand, ‘Moonraker’ channels a more old-school vibe, taking on board the standard A-Sides shows throughout his entire discography, whilst peddling you towards a more aggressive stance. Alluding to the jungle era with its percussive drum beats, you’re taken even further down that path through furtive samples floating between each break. It’s definitely one of the more imaginative offerings, despite the whole EP meeting a high benchmark.
This follows swiftly onto ‘Stay’, which creates a more contemporary ambiance. Underpinned with orchestral strings and very slight filters, it’s peppered with ghost-like snare to draw you in even closer. A combination of subtlety and musicality, it mirrors A-Sides lighter records whilst still adding a depth highlighted through recorded instrumentals. It’s the epitomic way to wrap up an EP which stands as yet another milestone.
credits
released September 16, 2016
Written & Produced By A Sides @ Eastside Studios. Additional Production on Temptation by Makoto Shimizu. Published by Jamz Music / Copyright Control. Artwork by Gino Greganti. Mastered by Beau @1087 Mastering.
A true veteran DJ, producer and engineer, A Sides has an epic collection of releases making him one of the most prolific and
versatile artists in drum & bass with releases on labels such as Eastside and Metalheadz.
Reaching out with a sound that truly has global appeal he
continues to tour the world over.
Look out for his next album"Based Upon Bass" Due for release on 1st December 201...more
supported by 13 fans who also own “Quart Sector 2”
Another class piece from Break. The original was good when it hit. The Bad Company remix was next level and this one to me is a close race for best remix of this classic. This one to me has the most gnarly drop of all. Like his formula is to sneak up on you with the drop and he accomplishes that mission over and over and over again. I've been collecting Break & Silent Witness tracks when I started buying records over 20 years ago.
mrmonoxide
Following Hunee's celebrated debut album, these two remixes take computer and glitchy sounds to exciting new levels. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 28, 2016