A constant front-runner in pushing boundary-breaking bass music to the masses, Inspected truly never disappoint. Without constraining themselves to a particular genre, the UK-based collective have been able to simultaneously mold the popularity of unconventional electronic music and bring underground talents to the limelight, most notably through their scarce yet substantial Powered by Inspected compilation series. Pairing industry veterans with promising up-and-coming artists has given previous instalments a very approachable appeal, and Inspected are well on their way to accomplishing this feat once again with the third collection due on Friday.
Lucky data:base subscribers have already gotten their hands on the sixteen-track journey that is Powered by Inspected #3, but since the tracks are slowly appearing on SoundCloud, we figured we’d highlight these early and get you prepared for what’s to come. Netherlands-based Buunshin led the way in high gear early last week with the menacing ‘Trauma’ that is equally sinister as it is mesmerizing. The attention to detail throughout the neurofunk monster is unparalleled, and kicks off the compilation in style.
Similarly awe-inducing but in a completely different way, Hudson Lee and Tom Finster provide an expedition through bass music with their contribution to the collection of tracks. ‘Flymmer’ draws on the beauty of melody and simplicity in the opening moments to lure you in, before blurring the lines between genres as the track progresses. Both musical and gritty, the pair of producers have crafted a grandiose, ethereal piece that exquisitely contrasts the opening single.
Enigmatic bass aficionado Protial followed with a track that is quintessential to his style. ‘All Caps’ is quick to the punch, featuring everything that we love about his inimitable signature sound. Repeated vocal samples, mind-bending synths and crisp percussion all arranged in a hypnotizing manner provide Protial’s welcome introduction to Inspected.
The last piece released at the beginning of last week was Monuman‘s ‘Hurts When I’m With You,’ sampling the popular ‘I Wanna Be Down’ by Brandy in a rather unusual way. A slow yet ominous bass ballad, ‘Hurts When I’m With You’ builds gradually in a soul-stirring fashion, before the vocal samples are juggled in the latter half to give listeners a sense of familiarity all while remaining mysterious and captivating.
With Vellum curing your Monday blues with the unique, highly-anticipated bass house belter titled ‘Bungle‘ and the promise of more from Chee, COPYCATT, and RefraQ among others, fans are in for a real treat. If the range and versatility in these early singles are any indication, Powered by Inspected #3 is an early contender for compilation of the year. Stay tuned for more soon.
