The first time I heard clips from Slugabed’s “Ultra Heat Treated” E.P. I thought to myself, “Who the hell would want to listen to this?” I had really never heard anything like it. The rhythms sound a bit off, the synths sputter and arpeggiate all over the map. As a matter of fact everything sounded a bit off to me. I listened a few more times and thought, “I’ll give this kid a chance, ” and took a listen to the entire E.P. I have to say, after a thorough listen, I was hooked.
According to his bio, Slugabed is 21-year old Bath, UK raised Gregory Feldwick. He likes “synths and compression…kicks and snares…hats…portamento…and arpeggio.” He also uses Fruity Loops 4. What he does with these basic building blocks is pure magic.
The opening title track, begins with a slow moving freight train of a beat that after a while takes on an almost shamanic, trance like vibe. A bassy analog synth hops around the bottom, swirling pads take up the mids and high range as video game inspired stabs pierce the mix. “Quantum Leap” moves along with spacey, thick walls of synth and a lone lead bleeping from the stratosphere.
In addition to the EP, Slugabed has accumulated numerous remix credits for the likes of Starkey, Rudi Zygadlo, Kelpe, NastyNasty, BD1982, and Eprom.
Be sure to check out the “Gritsalt/Let’s Go Swimming” single on Ramp Recordings for some swampy beats and his soundcloud has a preview of his forthcoming single, also on Ramp.
So, if you want some cutting edge, dubstep/chiptune/instrumental hiphop/psychedlic/laserbass originality get on the Slugabed train now!
Slugabed: Ultra Heat Treated E.P.
“Quatum Leap” (official video) by Halp
