After a brief stint spent reconfiguring its sonic operations, Aquatic Lab returns to the fray with its twelfth release. LAB012 sees the highly-touted return of original South London don Cluekid.
Two years since his last Aquatic Lab twelve (‘The Sound’/’Late Nights’), the perennial favourite of DMZ and FWD>> returns with a big plate that’s bang on the money. It finds Cluekid on a fresh, colourful tip – ensuring Aquatic Lab’s re-emergence as one of bass music’s key international players.
The eyes-down bliss of ‘After the Storm’ is a smooth liquid roller, which rides a glistening veneer of Silkie-esque turquoise synths and a soulful mid-tempo groove. Underpinned by a stunning escapist melody, Cluekid delves deep on this slow-jam, which sways between clean piano vibes and floating bassweight with unrivalled conviction.
The flipside of ‘Cyber Funk’ blends a hefty slice of watercolour dancehall with streetwise urban bass-pressure. This pummelling bruiser sprints through a swarm of hi-hats and a thick coat of ‘verb, with sporadic bursts of melody espousing the confident sonic progression of one of dubstep’s finest innovators.
Exclusive to the digital release are two additional tracks – ‘Minimals’ and ‘River Troll’ – which both find Cluekid on a dark dungeon flex akin to V.I.V.E.K and J:Kenzo.
DJ support from N-Type, Quest, Chef, J:Kenzo and Kutz.
Mastered at Dubplates & Mastering (Vinyl) and Optimum (Digital)