PROP002 : Sol Pillars - Convictions by Propaganda011

Newtown Nuance is Propangada011's second release after its inception December 2019, this time with a 3 track EP from Sol Pillars (Liam). The EP's name is a nod to the district in Johannesburg which has fed and shaped Liam's passion for drum and bass and love for the underground club culture in South Africa. Written through October and November 2020, Newtown Nuance presents itself as a spike of energy from a largely dull year in terms of inspiration for Liam, and is predominantly driven by the resurgence of events in Johannesburg in the latter part of this year. Sticking to the same themes of his recent release on The Frontliners Vol.1, this EP aims to build on darker and more melancholic atmospheres and melodies paired with high energy drums and basslines - dancefloor tunes to listen to at home.

Convictions opens the trifecta with drippy and glassy overtones and flourishes which lead into a melody fueled 'false' drop. Convictions is characterised by lush, thick pads and a deep bassline that wobbles and rolls throughout the tune, accompanied by bouncy drums pulling you enticingly towards the next phrase. Convictions comprises the ability to be steadfast when your passions and goals are far out of reach with having to swim through stormy waters in order to be in a position to thrive again.

The title track sucks you in to spectral vocal chops, filtered drums and pads hanging just above your ears. Newtown Nuance is all about moody and raw soundscapes, largely driven by the dark reverberations of Techno nights in the EP's district namesake. Angry basslines and loud drums culminate in a release of energy, where thick synths and arpeggios are heard to be painting the scene. The back bone of the tune is the push and pull of the drum kit and various breaks, adding to the rawness with a more acoustic feel and sound.

Closing out the EP is Hourglass - a dark and dystopian lyrically accompanied tune.
Abrasive synths, harsh basslines and stripped back drum lines give this tune its charm. Borrowing from the eerie and futuristic soundscapes of Ridley Scott's Bladerunner franchise, Hourglass wants you to feel like you're stuck in a small dark room, filled with uncertainty. Hourglass is an observation of and commemoration to the mental health crises that countless people around the world suffer from before, during and after the pandemic, and how it is so easy to feel like you're falling through the cracks and detaching from your soul. The lyrics compliment the twisted theme, albeit pushing a positive message throughout. Nonetheless, Hourglass' fat kick drum and clever hats will have you bouncing around your bedroom, or at least nodding your head in rhythmic agreement.

Newtown Nuance stirs the stagnant dark waters that rest below our surface and like the sirens in the deep calls us deeper in, drowning us in chasms of sound that we would otherwise be safe from had we not been through all that we have been in the months preceding it's drop.

Artwork by Naushad Goberdan
Mastered by FM Mastering

Delivered by <a href='http://www.label-worx.com'>Label Worx</a> on behalf of <a href='https://propaganda011.com/'>Propaganda011</a>