Observatory Records Zeroes in on the Dance Floor with Pure Energy Compilation
Authored by Pasquale Zinna
Punching through to new territorial waters, the collective cross-atlantic bass music culture has been steadily seeking out fresh inspiration and deeper dance floor integration for several concurrent years, with breaks, house, and drum and bass feeling particularly syncretic for so many stalwart producers and fans alike. Recently stepping into the arena for a slice of newfound sonic territory, Observatory Records has tapped the efforts of several cutting-edge acts to craft their sophomore release, the Pure Energy compilation EP. Coming off the heels of their late 2023 triple-sided Detox Unit and Sortof Vague release, this compilation flips the rhythm from low and slow to upbeat and cerebral, bringing sheer groove and hefty attitude to the table.
Rocking a potent list of talent to pack out the compilation, tracks from Gaszia, Nic Baker, Villain Era, Sortof Vague and Seppa place a serious amount of firepower behind this release, and it certainly shows it off. Across five tracks, front-loaded breaks and basslines dominate the record, putting the focus squarely on the dance floor. Foregoing obtuse sound design palates and the quirkier rhythmic demands of mid-tempo bass music, each producers’ mettle gets a new lease on life through no-frills, all-business compositions that hit with the right throttle through the right sound system. It’s the kind of recipe that makes this Observatory Records release so striking against the competition,
With the clear intention of platforming polished, professional productions, and the added weight of an already top notch list of associated acts, Observatory Records is striking while the iron is hot with their Pure Energy compilation. While we’re enjoying the fruits of this especially well crafted collection of tunes, we’ll have our eyes and ears peeled towards the Observatory Records in the near and far future.\
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