- The Leeds-based collective Hessle Audio has been earmarked for great things in 2008 by those in the know, with a growing buzz amongst discerning dubsteppers. Pangaea well and truly steps up to the plate here, following the triumph of Martyn's anthemic remix of TRG's "Broken Heart," and the striking Photek-esque minimalism of Ramadanman's "Blimey."
"You & I" sees Pangaea bring the feminine pressure as he charts a stealthy path through streamlined garage revisionism. The slinky rhythms oft forgotten in current dubstep make a sleek resurgence while wistful half-sung vocals lend a melodic edge to the tight percussive engine rumbling beneath. The real treat however is found on the flip, as Pangaea goes widescreen for the sublime "Router." Regular listeners to the Ruffage Sessions will no doubt be familiar with this track as Ramadanman and Co. have deservedly wheeled it on many an occasion on Sub FM airwaves.
As per the A-side, "Router" has an upbeat stride that taps into the cadence of garage grooves, whilst taking that template into a realm somewhat deeper than its origins. Diametrically opposed to the low frequency pissing match that dubstep oft resembles, Pangaea has crafted a uniquely warm and beautiful track, imbued with nuance and emotion. Soaring synths and mournful vocals elevate "Router" to strangely uplifting territory, as peculiar as it feels to apply that term in the context of dubstep. Highly recommended.
Tracklist A You & I
B Router