Review Summary: Original and inventive, The Gemini Principle showcases an artist whom displays an expert ability to amalgamate dark, atmospheric elements with both minimalistic and complex rhythm. Highly recommended for any fan of drum and bass.
As most of you will have already recognized, drum and bass isn't a genre that I have been known to review before. I have always predominantly been a fan of music such as metalcore and the like but over the past few years, my tastes have developed and changed. I can safely say that out of the majority of drum and bass that I have listened to, very few artists stand out for me - the genre seems to be swamped with a slew of artists whom are uninspired or just plain boring. However, one artist that has always stood out for me has to be dBridge. His mix of minimal, dark and atmospheric electronic music is exciting and original. The Gemini Principle is, so far, his only full length release - and to be quite honest, it may not be perfect but it is certainly a well polished and accomplished piece of work.
The album begins with Seven Year Itch. As an introduction to dBridge, the track showcases his typical use of minimalistic techniques that, rather than having a specific 'drop', build in layers, rhythmically and in a melodic sense. It is an example of dBridge at his more progressive side and whilst the track is nothing special in particular, it gives you a feel of what is to come. Rather than simply pouring over each track individually, I will go through what I would classify as the album highlights.
The Gemini Principle features two tracks in which dBridge collaborates with other artists from the genre. Undoubtedly the best track on the album is Ponderosa, which features Calibre. The track isn't as dark in terms of atmosphere in comparison to the rest of the album - in fact, it could even be described as quite vibrant and uplifiting. A straightforward beat that's melded with an ethereal sounding melody opens the track and as it progresses, a perfectly placed piano riff enters. The track reaches full intensity when the rhythms of the drums are layered even further to an absolutely wonderful set of drum patterns. Deep, 'wobby' basslines and expertly programmed keys help keep the flow of the song.
The Gemini Principle's featured tracks tend to oscillate between darker, more minimalistic tracks and interludes that are more ambient and experimental. Mr. Malcontent is a chilled affair, featuring some glorious sounding keys/strings and some more restrained beats. The typical elements of dBridge's sound, such as the intersperses of throbbing bass (rather than a constant bassline) are also evident throughout. Other standout moments of the album include The Question, which begins, again, with those minimalistic rhythms that build in layers over the course of the song. The vocal samples sound particularly ominous but as the track progresses, wicked basslines pop up to compliment the ever changing drum patterns. Cast A Cold Eye does much the same, yet elevates the previously mentioned - truly dark key changes, complimented wonderfully with a thunderous beat. The production of each track (particularly the drums) varies greatly from track to track. This is quite refreshing as you never know what to expect. The Yearning is an interesting listen - the hectic, yet brilliantly programmed drum beats are matched with some truly monstrous sounding samples akin to that of the cry of a Predator. Mourning Dawn, whilst not being an album highlight, is a decent example of dBridge's typical sound. The album closes with Mana's Lament (outro), a simplistic track featuring a featuring esoteric keys - nothing extraordinary but a nice ending to round things off.
Overall, The Gemini Principle isn't a classic but it does showcase an artist at his experimental best. The highlight tracks blow the rest of the album out of the water but it can be said that there aren't any bad or boring tracks. It is quite a lengthy affair and definitely leaning towards the more progressive side of drum and bass, so it may take a few listens for it to sink in. However, it is a most rewarding listen and certainly has good replay value.
If you are looking for something a little different in the genre, check this out. If you are a fan of dark,atmospheric drum and bass, then this is also for you.
Recommended Tracks
Ponderosa
The Question
Cast A Cold Eye
