Having linked up with Danny C in the studio over two decades ago, the legendary figure known as Digital has since gone on to be one of the driving forces in the ongoing evolution of the genre. Known for his chest-rattling, dub-influenced basslines and hair-raising technoid atmospheres, Digital’s career has been built on an uncompromising vision that never follows trends or sways from an uncanny ability to merge future funk with old-school underground vibes.
Weighing in at 16-tracks, his Synthesis album in particular stands as a testament to not only to where he’s come from but where he and the rest of the genre are headed in the future. Consisting entirely of collaborative efforts between Digital and an eclectic and awe-inspiring group of some of the best D&B has to offer, the album showcases a unique merging of vibes and sounds that come together as a larger narrative in a powerful and inspiring way.
Released as four distinct parts, heads like Spirit, Om Unit, Klute, Total Science, Drumsound and Bassline Smith, Villem, Resound, Nomine, Kiat, Response, and so many more, lock heads and conjure up an intricately layered narrative that charts an often surprisingly diverse course through brutal bruising bits like “War,” “Fire,” and “Bug Eye” before being tempered by the rolling hypnotics of “Lost Life,” “Rise,” and “Lightworks.” It’s a massive undertaking and a true testament to the power that Digital continues to wield as he unleashes new-school warehouse vibes for future generations with just enough analog grit and grime to keep the old-school heads in flashback mode.
The full LP is out now via Digital’s Function Records imprint so check your head and prepare to crawl up in the bassbin to get the full effect of this one.