A1 – Paul Blackford – Cloaking Device [SUPERLUX008]

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N-Gynn and Mike Gill’s ‘Superlux’ imprint isn’t a constant prescence in the scene but when the new EP’s drop they’re always a straight insta-cop. Inovating artists such as N-Gynn himself, Thoma Bulwer, LVCA, Voigtmann and Desert Sound Colony have all featured under the Superlux guise, solidifying the label as a definitive and trusted chamber for the mechanical and steppy side of underground bleepz. 008 diverts into something meaty from the experienced hand of Paul Blackford, a classy and forward-thinking artist who’s clearly going a bit under the radar and is certainly packing a weighty sound that needs to be heard.

The ‘Weekend Warrior’ EP is a show-hand of new-and-old productions, but you wouldn’t have guessed, which really just emphasises how his sound has a core that feels both classic sounding yet fully next-gen . You’re about to indulge in a serious package of trippy weapons from a very talented producer, expect a wicked blend of Detroit Electro influences and ‘Drexciyan Sound-scapes’ with a futuristic and direct, breakzy’ twist.

A1 ‘Cloaking Device’ is the perfect moody creeper to light the fuse of any party. A fully-fledged attack of low-end heavy pulse and brazen attitude. It wastes no dotting about the intro. Pouncing into the bassline with immediate effect and adopting razor sharp electro-breaks that clash head-on with a viperously acerbic bass and a scatter of glitchy synths. Blackford shifts the tone of the bassline by injecting waves of ghostly pads into the mix in alternative sections, creatong a devious opt between hard-lined devilish energy and light breathers to soak in the steamy atmosphere.

‘Liquid’ (A2) curtails into groovier territory. The bassline is fuelled with a funky flex, lofty synths and cascading melodies, but purging below there’s another wonky synth-line to add menace and high-octane bounce to it’s nature. Blended with its groovy counterparts and high-spirited intentions, it makes it a gleamy weapon of choice to get heads down and smiles on faces.

Waiting on the flip is the nastiest cut of the EP. Held back behind a steel gate like a raging Pit Bull is ‘Super Creep (B1)’, a totally slick and threatening cut that’s bound to cause damage. Blackford has definitely obtained the ability over time to create almost effortless power in his low-end creativity and drum-play. The bass in ‘Super Creep’ is nefarious and unapologetically deft, hoovering up the dance-floor like a thunderous tornado. Alongside are some more perfectly executed percs that works in perfect tangent with the predatory bass, letting it growl mercilessly as it twists and turns between these tantalisngly gritty electro-breaks.

Last of the pack is ‘Weekend Warrior’ (B2). Blackford strips down the tempo for one final elapse into sunnier scenery and this one really is the epitomy of a perfect feel-good closer. The angelic, heavenly synth notes are splattered impeccably into the mix and float like icy shards in the night sky. The kind of melody that will get you telling all your mates you love them in a euphoric haze. ‘Weekend Warrior’ is high spirited, shivers inducing magic and shows a reflective and contemplative side of Blackfords sound that demonstrates his ability to create both melancholic and robust styles. A true raver at heart clearly who just gets it.

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Paul Blackford: https://bit.ly/3MxjzyG

Stream the A1 ‘Cloaking Device in full Below: