V/A – DeepEnd! Chapter 2 (PDV Records / DeepEnd!)

Once again, prolific Croatian independent label PDV Records teamed up with Slovenian DeepEnd Movement to deliver another dosage of contemporary electronic music. This time, Chapter 2 presents four artists, so this compilation resembles more of a four-way split release than an actual compilation album. Nevertheless, if we put those unimportant aspects aside and place involved artists in the spotlight, this vinyl release carries some fresh electronic music that demonstrates a desperately needed subcultural injection. This infusion will unquestionably leave a permanent mark on the regional electronic scene because each artist bursts with bright ideas and exceptional quality that the regional scene missed for years.

Each artist has submitted one composition for the compilation, so you pretty much get two numbers per side. While the CLZ and Kanomotis have decided to participate by themselves on the A-Side, the other side offers RawLand teamed up with DubDiggerz, and FLO featuring Gisaza. CLZ is opening up this compilation with Haunt, a subtly echoic, grimy, nearly trip hop-sounding dubstep composition. These darkened musical orchestrations have instantly reminded me of some robotic movements. It resembles an old, colossal, robust anthropomorphic mechanism who’s searching for possible human activities by taking deep research in a post-apocalyptic looking city. Such a great opening track that indicates loads of entertainment throughout the entire comp.

Coming up next, Kanomotis offers his dominantly atmospheric version of old school dubstep sound with Watch Yah Steppa VIP. This particular composition carries such a specific ambiance that levitates somewhere between relaxing tones and darkened melodies. Perhaps this number grasps an old-school dubstep vibe that will please older fans of the genre. Nevertheless, it also stacks some modern sonic maneuvers and excellent production, which are showcasing all the best affinities of this particular track. The other side of the vinyl follows the same aesthetics of the A-Side, so we’re still deep down into the depths of grimy dubstep music. RawLand provides some marvelously sorted Madness by featuring DubDiggerz on this experimental dubstep tune. However, this composition contains some distinct sonic movements that may appear assorted at the first listening, but they seem very logical if you pay closer attention. Both artists have done incredible work at this number that may resemble some deep state of polyphonous madness.

Last but not least, FLO closes this compilation with Northern Technique, a collab number made with Gisaza. Northern Technique follows the aesthetics of Gisaza’s Assasin 12″ EP, which we reviewed a while ago. However, these aesthetics are notable at the very beginning, while the remaining portion of this specific tune offers a minimalistic approach to dubstep sound. The unquestionable dominance of sub basslines is keeping this number entertaining, while the minimalistic atmospherics and steady rhythmical sequences are providing more delightful moments along the way.

Chapter 2 contains loads of listening pleasures supplemented by the dubstep artists, who’re heavily involved in the contemporary electronic scene. While the dubstep music embraces the vast majority of this compilation, I can’t escape the feeling that Chapter 2 also relies upon ambient and minimal electronica, both equally hearable throughout the entire material. Chapter 2 comes on standard black vinyl, decorated by brilliant illustrations that are devotedly following the aesthetics of the DeepEnd Movement. Head over to the PDV Records web store and grab this compilation if you’re profoundly into dubstep music.