http://phutureprimitive.bandcamp.com/album/searching-for-beauty-in-the-darkest-places-pt-1

It is really hard to get away with essentially all of what Phutureprimitive does. Both psy & dubstep are things that can be done from well to vomit-inducing poorly. Released literally today, this first of a 2-part release that will eventually be a full CD is an exceptional example of how to do an array of things right. Not only is the psy-step fantastic, but the glitch and general bassy feel is accentuated by some fantastic vocals by Jillian Ann, Rain & Lila Rose. This specific choice of talent ensures that no facet of the 5-track salvo of awesome disappoints.

Enemy pulls no punches when it comes to the wobble or the sultry, beckoning vocals. As the voice draws you in, the massive bass blows you apart. Nothing cheap, lots of substance, rewarding quality subwoofers/studio monitors & punishing dance floor partisans. This is not polite wobble, but it’s significantly more psy/glitch than your standard bro-step break. Just imagine Optimus Prime smoked some DMT before he transformed and you can get a good idea of what it sounds like.

Vamp starts with this vaguely beat-box’y sample (I get points for using a hyphen & an apostrophe in one “word”) but pulls into a fun echo’y but glitchy robotic bassline that does not quit. There’s a West Coast bass vibe that really doesn’t exist in NYC yet, but I wish it would. The dubstep & psychedelic people don’t hang out, even though Phutureprimitive proves, much like peanut butter and chocolate, they go wonderfully together. And yes, I’m now contractually obligated to post the PB/Choc scene from Family Guy (below) though I’m not sure what glitch is when added to the metaphor. Maybe rainbow jimmies.

Only You pulls the glitch on pretty hard and serves up just enough bass to make you wonder when the hell Phutureprimitive & The Glitch Mob are going to tour together and just perform live at the same time and blow everyone’s collective shit. The soulful vocals are even more surprising when you realize they’re male. A rare, but welcome choice, especially when the vocals are used properly.

The last 2 tracks on the first part of what looks to be a fantastic CD are remixes. Their rework of Ms. Ann’s Passes Away carries through the deep, massive bass and puts some serious, almost industrial muscle behind the whispy vocals and violin work. The remix of Dusted Compass, like the previous one not only make me immediately seek out the original track (both of which are lovely), but the glitchy, squelchy bass of the final of the 5 part master-class in producing in 2013 blends with good synthy vocals and a fun broken beat to make you smile while vibrating. The plucky chords dance above the thumps and play you out into a better tomorrow, and it’s only 26min (ish) long.

They’re actually playing live on April 11th at the Highline Ballroom, so if you’re in the area and you want to hear this on an exceptional system, don’t sleep on it. Cover Art by Android Jones, who continues to produce jaw-dropping visual work for fun & profit (http://www.androidjones.com/)

http://phutureprimitive.bandcamp.com/album/searching-for-beauty-in-the-darkest-places-pt-1
https://soundcloud.com/phutureprimitive
https://twitter.com/phutureprimitiv