Gravious – Futurist EP (Highpoint Lowlife)

Glasgow-based producer Gravious (real name Ali Jackson) has amassed a reputation as a name to watch in dubstep circles, particularly through the release of preceding 12″s such as his devastating ‘Wormsign.’ Inspired by the conceptual theme of modernity in science fiction and architecture, this latest 12″ on the ever-eclectic Highpoint Lowlife label sees Gravious unleashing three new tracks that occupy distinctly divergent moods. Opening track ‘Jupiter Jazz’ certainly lives up to its title, sending skittering jazzy breakstep snares darting beneath a smooth, nu-jazz-kissed backdrop of bleepy synths, warm sub-bass ripples and soulful keys, the entire atmosphere evoking a similar vibe to one of LTJ Bukem’s classic Good Looking moments. By contrast, the stripped-back, dark and moody ‘Vultures’ couldn’t be more divergent, playing eerily delayed-out female tribal vocals against a writhing backdrop of oppressive, queasy bass drones and sparse, flickering rhythms to stunning effect – indeed, I must confess that it was easily my favourite moment here. Finally ‘World Of Tomorrow’ closes proceedings off with a return to the more smooth and soulful atmospheres explored earlier, taking things off on a gliding oceanic ride that trails sweeping Detroit-tinged synth pads and bleeping electronics against a crisp backbone of breakstep rhythms and subtle bass pressure. An excellent EP from Gravious that proves once again, as with the likes of Boxcutter, some of the most interesting sounds in dubstep are happening outside the capital.