Submerse: Hold It Down (Well Rounded)

Lovely post-garage throwbacks on this 10"/digital EP from dubstep producer Submerse. The A-side is a really nice, smooth 2-step track characterized largely by twinkling synths and strings. Vocal samples loop throughout, lending this the same distorted bittersweetness that characterizes the more accessible vocal tracks of Burial, but this is way more lush and less melancholy. It’s a grower of a track, starting off innocently enough with its delicate melody and a chunky halfbeat before hitting more of a stride as the vocal samples drop in. By the time the string chords are introduced, it all comes together beautifully — a really gorgeous combination of melancholy dubstep and buoyant 2-step, completely and utterly irresistible. If that weren’t enough, Submerse collaborates with Resketch on the B-side “Only,” continuing the combination of moody synth pads, cut up vocal samples and jaunty 2-step rhythm tracks. It doesn’t quite hit the great heights of “Hold It Down,” but it comes close. As a combination of tracks, it’s perhaps one of the best 12"s I’ve picked up in the last year. I can’t speak its praises enough — truly wonderful.

Watch/listen: Hold It Down

Buy it: iTunes | Boomkat | Amazon