Universal Vibrations

The Deep Medi label founded by Croydon dubstep scene Mala of Digital Mystikz has become an extraordinary force. As of this release in 2022, since 2006 it had released 17 albums and 124 singles, all pushing at the boundaries of UK bass — mostly but not always at dubstep’s 140bpm, and managing to constantly increase the sophistication of production without ever losing the sense of raw, rough and ready soundsystem pressure. This, the third album by the Bristolian producer Chad Dubz, is case in point. It weaves a host of guest voices from dancehall (two turns from Warrior Queen) and the more Jamaican-leaning side of Grime (Killa P, Logan, Riko Dan) into crisp electronics and skull crushing bass, sounding slick on first impression but absolutely apocalyptic once you turn it up. It’s a little like The Bug with the rusty industrial edges smoothed off, but with a strong personality of its own too and no less impact for its smooth edges.