Dimensions 3 EP

Dimensions 3 EP

Ram Trilogy, Brookes Brothers, Cult...

14 May, 2008 | 2.55AM

• Written by: The Last Real DJ Alive
• Filed under: Music Recommendations: andy c, ant miles, brookes brothers, chase, culture, icicle, nymfo, ram, shimon, status

RAM Records still commands the grandest following amongst hardcore drum & bass aficionados, but does their latest ‘Dimensions’ EP live up to expectations?

Of course it f&*king does – RAM are the masters of quality control.

The ‘Dimensions 3’ EP contains four club bangers, starting with the VIP of Ram Trilogy‘s ‘Screamer’ which was originally released in 2003.

‘Screamer VIP’ doesn’t follow the standards set by Pendulum whereby every track nowadays seems to feature heavily processed, low-frequency laden drums.

Instead, this number boasts clubs trademark, cutting Ram Trilogy beat loops, which are funky and hit you right in the face with a mid-ranged edge.

Staying faithful to the original, this record displays an evolution of the RAM sound whereby everything is more melody-driven and less about standout, synthy set pieces.

As such, expect the lead sample of the original to be played out in a deliciously funky melody that has to be heard to be believed.

Ram Trilogy – Andy C, Shimon and Ant Miles – round everything off in irrepressible style by injecting ‘Screamer VIP’ with excellent, intricate effects automation – expect to hear the very latest plug-in technology screwing variables like pitch, amongst other things.

So, in all, a tight track by Ram Trilogy and a satisfying benchmark for their future work.

Moving on, ‘Smoothie’ by Brookes Brothers and Culture is made for a ‘Dimensions’ EP because it is seriously funky, driven and iron-lunged.

The tune lives up to its name by displaying tons of rounded, soft elements that combine on top of rougher synths and beats to create a wholly juicier song destined to have ravers bopping around incessantly as they await the next mix.

Speaking of which, this is a great track to mix a harder song into – the contrast will work wonders – just try it!

Onto track number three, and ‘Brazil’ by Chase and Status is obviously inspired by the pair’s travels abroad.

It doesn’t pull any punches,and features a very common amen drum that will have stalwarts nodding in approval.

Containing exotic horns, don’t be fooled by the basic musical elements here – this track is all about brute force – drop this son-of-a-bitch in a rave and watch the regulars claw for a rewind.

Finally, we have the rather excellent, refreshing ‘Franky Mountain’ by Icicle and Nymfo.

Whilst this song is lacking the epic build up and bridge that could have sealed it as a classic, it’s all about the drop, which is brilliant-sounding.

Listening like a mutant crossbreed of Digital and Spirit with Total Science, ‘Franky Mountain’ boasts a scuttling, skanky vibe, which, just like the other numbers on this EP, works a treat on the dance floor.

Long-time fans of drum & bass will therefore adore the curiously-titled ‘Franky Mountain’.

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