nomos
Administrator
I really notice this when switching between dubstep and darkside/jungle tunes (ca. '93-95). Even when using similar palettes and signifiers they have very different sonic characteristics. The jungle tracks have a degree of grain to them, probably accumulated along journeys through cables, gear noise, electrical interference (so many machines, analogue and digital, sending signals to each other), and overdubs. Then that noise is something that you begin to work and play with in the mix. Dubstep sounds clean and hermeticin comparison. It's very clearly a music that's usually made entirely in the digital domain, largely using virtual synths, etc. It's pieces may never touch the air.On a side note, I love the fact that he samples, that warm, imperfect dustyness is so needed in that scene. So much of dubstep is all squeeky-clean, sterile synthesis.
It's not a complaint. The audiophilic nature of dubstep listening sort of demands it too. But I miss it sometimes.
So yeah, I like what Hyperdub is doing.