16Bit Impress with Debut EP In the Death Car
This debut release by the enigmatic producing partnership of DRT and Kidnappa, aka 16Bit, has fired up interest from dubstep visionaries Rusko and Skream. The four track EP, released on BOKA Records, features both an original recording and instrumental version of the title track, “In the Death Car,” along with two further tracks by the names of “Chainsaw Calligraphy” and “M Dot Mosley.”
The highlight of the EP comes from it’s opening, the first and title track. It begins lightly with a keyed sample, before heading into a synthline and half step rhythm that are complimented by some unfathomable and reggae-tinted vocals. This holds for another few bars before a steep drop into a bubbling bassline that can only be described as ridiculously dirty. No wonder this track has been pedaled in sets and mixes across the world—it has the ability to drop in and out of different music styles in such an unforced manner. The final bars of this song return to its opening noirish sample, seemingly giving the listener’s head a little rest before heading straight into track 2.
The second track of the EP is called “Chainsaw Calligraphy.” This may seem odd as a name for a song of any genre or style, but after 30 seconds of this track you can fully understand why 16Bit chose this title. The track drops headfirst into a chainsaw sample that eases effortlessly into a dubstep rhythm as if they had always gone hand in hand. However, this is where 16Bit’s productional nous really projects this track and possibly the whole EP into a real cult hit. The mixing and splicing of dubstep and concrete noises make for an incredible hybrid of noise that one’s ears can hardly handle.
With the EP’s final track, “M Dot Mosley,” we see some reasons as to why 16Bit are making such an impression. This track is similar in traits and style to some of Rusko’s own dubplates and features a similar techno synth line to some of Joker’s Purple Pow tracks. It is a playful track introduced by a rather kinky vocal sample featuring a woman describing some S & M action. The music itself is preluded by some flogging noises before then crescendoing towards a huge drop which includes a low lying bassline that should carry a health warning. With a wiggly techno rhythm that it is nearly impossible not to move to, this is high quality, foot-stomping, techno-infused dubstep.
The one major gripe I had with this EP was its lack of light. I know that this is aimed towards the dirty clubs and raves that dubstep as a genre thrives in, but as seen on other EP’s by Burial, Rustie and indeed Rusko, a little light can really aid the listener’s experience. Apart from the sample that bookends “In the Death Death Car,” there is little other than heavy low bass lines and techno shuffles that really do tend to grind after multiple listens.
Overall, this EP features such high production value that it really is hard to avoid moving along with the beats and rhythms. With the only real shortfall being it’s lack of humour and sheer cheek that other producers feature on their tracks, this EP will surely go on to push 16Bit well on their way towards joining the higher reaches of this underground scene. ~ Andy Hill
MP3: 16Bit – In the Death Car (Digital Exclusive Vocal Mix)
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