Founded under the parent label Disciple Records, the Round Table imprint exemplifies the more eclectic tastes of the bass music scene. Captained at the helm by none other than bass connoisseur 12th Planet, the Disciple Round Table imprint has furnished the stomping grounds for all assortments of peculiar bass and hybrid styles of dubstep since its establishment in late 2017.
Toting a catalog of releases that would rival the sheer magnitude and girth of a Category 5 hurricane, the Round Table is responsible for heavy-hitting projects that have spanned the length of 2018, including UZZI’s Future Dab EP, Adair’s Spellmaker EP, and Subtronics Thermal Expansion EP.
Released only a few short months after the label was founded, the first volume of Knights of the Round Table offered an opportunity for each constituent of the newly formed label to share in the spotlight, contributing towards the overall diversity that the label has to offer, while providing just a taste of what each artist brings to the table with their own style.
With a remarkable year of releases in the wake, it only made sense that the 2nd segment of Knights of the Round Table provides the ideal adieu to the first complete year for the imprint. While its predecessor packed tremendous volume, the latest installation demonstrates unparalleled diversity and truly encapsulates the growth that Disciple and its artists have experienced over the past year.
Welcoming back veteran names Virtual Riot, Barely Alive and Dirt Monkey, while presenting a massive influx of fresh talent, such as UBUR, Stabby, Bandlez, & Hi I’m Ghost, Knights of the Round Table Vol. 2 comprehensively illustrates the diversity that dubstep can afford. We expect nothing but quality and innovation in 2019 from Disciple and the Round Table imprint, give a listen to the project below and let us know what your favorites are!
Yes, Virtual Riot can make some pretty complextro and even some electrifying super bass as well as, if not better than most in the scene. However, his true musical genius comes out when his sound design is at the forefront of his tracks, and his German Engineering EP and Preset Junkies EP are prime examples. And, when he pairs this impeccable engineering with riddim (*cough* ‘Shindeiru’ *cough*), fans start to sweat profusely. In his contribution to the latest compilation, Virtual Riot continues to impress with ‘Cry Some More’. Utilizing Team Fortress 2 samples, he bridges a short yet punchy introduction into sound design insanity. ‘Cry Some More’ is nothing but a flex from Virtual Riot, where he creates a vibey riddim track tied together with mind-melting growls and Earth-shattering synths. Everything from the flow of the track to the complexity of each sound is flawless, again showcasing Virtual Riot’s twisted ingenuity.
A transitional year has seen Stabby hop from label to label, trying to find a fit for his unique sound. A track on frshblood and Never Say Die kicked off his busy 2018, before unleashing a highly underrated three-track EP on Buygore and a plethora of independent singles. Despite all the bouncing around, Stabby sounds right at home with ‘Chain Protocol’, his contribution to Knight of the Round Table Vol. 2. With his signature percussion and a captivating melody leading off the track, listeners are brought into a realm of old school Stabby. A rapid rise in tension with filtered synths brings us into the drop, where Stabby flips the script with a bass-in-your-face approach that is both aggressive yet entertaining all at once. ‘Chain Protocol’ with undoubtedly bring out your nastiest bass face.
One of the latest additions to the extensive roster of Disciple talent, Modestep were surely aiming to make a splash with their debut contribution to the Round Table imprint. A resounding ensemble of horns welcome the duo with confidence as a distant siren disguises an increasing tempo. A crisp drumroll breaks seamlessly into a vigorous riser, building the track to a peak before a harsh crack of the whip catapults the track into a cascade of relentless synths and aggressive bass ripples. Despite the threatening volume, ‘WIP’ flows effortlessly as a tribute to Modestep’s decisive percussion breakdowns and meticulous sound design.
Bandlez is one of the few bass producers to successfully utilize comedy as a primary component of his persona, weaving tidbits of a mock police chase in progress, the track launches into a signature breakdown of audacious synth swells and playful fills, which flow together in perfect synchronicity. A retro melody straight out of a Law & Order episode offers a brief reprise, as the revving of an engine kicks the tune into a gunfire-ridden buildup that unleashes a second round of relentless wobbles. If the past is any indication of the future, ‘Hot Pursuit’ will be the first of many spectacular releases from Bandlez in the coming months.
Returning to his seat at the Round Table, INFEKT seems to have flourished immensely over the course of the past year, even despite an overwhelming popularity within his sect of the riddim subgenre of dubstep. Companioned with a fresh new face at the Round Table, INFEKT & Griefer concoct a remarkably seamless collaboration ‘Spazz Out’, which contrasts grungy synth jabs and drawn out bass roars in a track that flows perfectly from start to finish. We look forward to the ways in which INFEKT will continue to refine and differentiate his sound in 2019.
Don’t let the playful cartoon ghost fool you, Nathan & Tiago of Hi I’m Ghost pack some of the heaviest bass of up & coming talent in the scene, and are putting a noteworthy finish on a standout year performing and producing with their Round Table contribution ‘Ghosts Do It Better’. A punk guitar riff provides the introduction for the tune, disguising a catchy vocal loop, which lines the backdrop. Two decisive bass notes unleash a beastly synth riser and ominous siren, which surge uncontrollably, dropping into an onslaught of reverberating metallic notes and walls of overwhelming bass. Illustrating the depth and volume of their signature ‘Ghost’ style, Nathan & Tiago provide the perfect spooky addition to the ranks of the Round Table.
A dark horse in the bass scene, London Nebel have managed to release hard-hitting tracks on dubstep’s biggest labels while still remaining an underground name. Nonetheless, the German duo sure know how to pack a punch, offering a somber melodic touch to riddim and dubstep. Their latest track ‘Bang Bang Bang‘ featuring Leroy is no exception, where a hip-hop-inspired introduction leads fans into wonky madness. Utilizing their distinctive synths layered over ear-shattering percussion, London Nebel captivate fans for a full four and a half minutes with their catchy melodies and impeccable production.
Capping off a year filled with unparalleled compilations, albums, and EPs from some of bass music’s best, Disciple and their Round Table counterpart brought the heat one last time to bid farewell to an epic year. If the Knights of the Round Table Vol. 2 is any indication of their future, it’s safe to say 2019 will be even bigger and better for the artists and fans alike.
Words by Steph Contant and A. Samuel Lewis.
