Chroma - Acetate

If two heads are better than one, what are three heads capable of?

Don’t answer that. Just press play and marvel at the power of northern trio Phobia, Sato and Tyrone. Respect-worthy players in their own right these three heads have consolidated their brute audio force to form their shiny new bullet-proof brand Chroma. Clearly three heads are capable of kicking serious dancefloor ass.

With previous on Phobia’s Coded and Klute’s Commercial Suicide, the guys have now secured a slot on one of 2012’s runaway success stories of the scene: Program. With a distinctive floor-focussed sound and a growing repertoire of exciting new artists, Ram’s sister joint is the ideal home for Chroma’s pristine production and ruthless attention to the groove.

We kick off with ‘Acetate’, a deep croaky roller that pays homage to the formative days of jungle drum & bass where the highly sought after dubplate was the scene’s gold standard. With its effortless roll and less-is-more motif, it’s reminiscent of early Ram material from the turn of the century such (think Moving Fusion, think Shimon, think Andy C himself) but it’s delivered with that all important contemporary crunch. The elements are devilishly simple but startlingly complex; just tight, chest-punching drums, hypnotising one note bass and a walloping sub.

‘So Alone’ flips the switch for a more wholesome, soulful scenario thanks to a breath-taking reggae vocal loop that doesn’t sound dissimilar to Barrington Levy circa ‘Broader Than Broadway’. Again, the elements are simple but devastatingly effective as the bassline swings with well-rounded glee and snake-like drums that do more driving than an Eddie Stobart driver.

Following fine joints from the likes of Kove, Frankee, LoKo, Wickaman and more, Program have proved themselves to be one of the strongest new labels of the year. Chroma’s contribution is no exception and proves the trio to be a name to watch right now!

Chroma
A: Acetate
AA: So Alone

Date: 17th Dec 2012
Cat: PRGRAM005