With his debut, Jurassic EP released nearly 6 years ago and consistent contributions to the Never Say Die Records and Black Label XL compilations since 2012, the influence that Peterborough-native Rikki Moore has created toward the dubstep genre producing under the alias Trampa is nearly unmistakable.
After a brief hiatus from complete projects following the release of the Bulldozer EP in 2016, the UK powerhouse finally concludes the swelling anticipation with his highly sought after Knockout EP.
A four-piece project in whole, Knockout presents an opportunity for Trampa to refine his signature style of “deathstep” even further, demonstrating the fruits of his extended absence through enhanced production and subtle intricacies that allow each track to flow seamlessly as its own masterpiece as well as work in perfect synchronicity with the accompanying tracks.
The product of long nights, a busy touring schedule and meticulous fine-tuning, the raw unadulterated energy in Trampa’s latest project was well worth the wait.
An intimidating siren clamors in the background as a distinct bell sounds off as the introduction for the namesake of the project ‘Knockout’. As the siren hastens in pace it gradually transforms into a high-paced riser, which grows to a crescendo before letting loose a grungy vocal lead, which unleashes colossal walls of bass that flow effortlessly with electrifying hydraulic fills. Armed to the teeth with reverberating heaves of bass, the subtle but precise snare rolls and innovative production intricacies provide a sensational flow to keep the track rigidly in check.
Toying with left/right audio panning, the introduction for ‘Walloped’ boots into transmission like an extraterrestrial dubstep spaceship. A tantalizing vocal lead symbolizes the final stages of initiation as the track kicks into a mutiny of incisive bass stabs, which Trampa expertly contrasts with definitive percussion and exquisitely timed beat breaks. Depth is one of the first thoughts to come to mind as the second build materializes from a simple vocal loop into a massive wall of engulfing bass, which carries on relentlessly for the totality of the second drop.
It seems like fans have been waiting forever for ‘Coming At Ya’, but don’t fret because it’s finally here. Old school rave sounds are peppered throughout the introduction with a repeating sample of the track’s title warning you of the impending doom that’s about to hit. Doing what he does best, Trampa delivers a violent barrage of mind-bending frequencies. In a contrast of neuro-rave nostalgia and forward-thinking sound design, Trampa has concocted a heater in ‘Coming At Ya’.
An eerie soundscape kicks off the fourth and final track of the Knockout EP, before Rico Act takes the lead on ‘Ceremony’. A short verse from the ever-present vocalist is quickly flipped into bass madness, as Trampa delivers the final blow of his skull-cracking project. ‘Ceremony’ and the Knockout EP are definitely worth celebrating.
Words by A. Samuel Lewis and Steph Contant.
