One of the few artists to successfully navigate not one, but two codependent music careers, Sam Pool deserves nothing but recognition for his ability to transition from his roots producing Drum & Bass under the moniker SMPL into the shockingly experimental freeform guise of Champagne Drip.
With releases on the likes of Quality Goods Records, Wakaan, and Bassrush, the sheer dynamic nature of Pool’s production and the depth of his sound allows him to flow effortlessly between his signature vivacious synths and a more bass-clad style, marking him as a prime candidate to transcend the boundaries of genres altogether.
In his latest expedition, Starman, Pool conceives a vast underwater metropolis, which builds upon the bubbly nature of previous releases such as Of Course I Still Love You where he first divulges the early beginnings of his subaqueous elegance, but an experimental bass undertone gives the project a tangible step in a new direction.
The journey begins with the rhythmic chanting of drums, which loom menacingly overtop a high-paced riser which breaks just slightly for an exquisitely timed vocal sample that unleashes an oncoming fleet of oscillating wobbles and reverberating patterns of dripping bass. As the first assault is narrowly dodged, the rhythmic drum sequence forewarns of a looming threat, building yet again into the second wave of wobbles ornately spackled with tight horns and incisive bass stabs.
As a gentle humming and delicate percussion set the stage, a perilous fate seems to menace in the distance; needless to say, this will be no leisurely sonic voyage. An electrifying riser takes its grip over the track, building energy to a crescendo before letting loose a rampage of mesmerizing bass pulses which resonate and transform seamlessly amid juicy vocal samples. A laidback electro melody gives a playful touch, while walls of captivating bass immerse you in a state of resonance.
With well over a decade of experience under his belt, production expertise and a true veteran ear for sound design shine through in Champagne Drip’s latest Starman EP, allowing him to further demonstrate the dexterity and precision of his delectable freeform style. As on the eve of all of his releases, we highly anticipate the next opportunity to further explore the vast bass-riddled world that Sam Pool has crafted.
