This is a massive 12″ follow-up to One of Us, Kryptic Minds’ latest LP. The title track, “Life Continuum” is an atmospheric dark-step track with big bass and a heavy beat, something of which I missed on the LP. The flip side, “Wondering Why” is an extremely warm tune with plenty of depth, ricocheting beats and female vocals. It’s huge! —right up there with Emalkay’s “When I look at You” and Burial’s “Moth.” With this single and their September release, 768, Kryptic Minds have effortlessly been able to jump to the forefront of a new genre and smash its boundaries.  ~ tom

MP3: Kryptic Minds – Wondering Why

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Kryptic Minds, a production duo hailing from London, have contributed to the deep drum & bass scene since 2005, but It’s no surprise that they’ve slowed things down for their latest LP. One of Us is a welcome departure from the heavy hitting antics of songs like “More Like You” and “Blue Print,” in which Kryptic Minds have taken a minimal approach to dubstep—drawing influences from Burial, Headhunter, Loefah, Pinch and Tech Itch.

Although Kryptic Minds are new to the dubstep arena, they’ve managed to infuse the expected spacious half-step formula with their own dark brooding style, creating yet another unique offshoot of dubstep. Long-time fans will appreciate this smooth transition as the same elements and slick production that draws them to Kryptic Minds remain present on the record. The individual tracks are intelligent and dynamic—containing a good balance between thick walls of sound and sparse breathable rhythms, but the whole can be a bit arduous. The album lacks differentiating bpms and the energy of previous Kryptic Minds releases. Independently though, “One of Us,” “Six Degrees,” and “Secure Lost” will most definitely make their way into countless DJ sets and late night mixes.  ~ tom

Check out myspace.com/krypticminds1 for show info and release updates. Full albums and remixes are available at iTunes.

MP3 1: Kryptic Minds – One of Us
MP3 2: Kryptic Minds – Secure Lost
MP3 3: Kryptic Minds – Generation Dub

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