Album Review: Subtronics - FRACTALS

Release Date: January 14, 2022 (Remix & VIP version released December 16, 2022)
Runtime: 51 min 49 sec

Rating: 86/100

High Tracks: O.P.U.S., Spacetime (feat. NEVVE), Gassed Up (feat. Flowdan), Take Flight VIP, Griztronics II (Another Level)
Low Tracks: Morning Coffee (feat. Sony), Hieroglyph

First things first, FRACTALS is a straight-up FUN album so let's keep this review casual.

Subtronics, real name Jesse Kardon, has been releasing heavy bass and dubstep music since 2015. His chosen stage name, a combination of subwoofers and electronics, clearly states where Kardon's interests lie. He's crafted a signature sound on 10+ EPs and has collaborations with some of the top names in bass & riddim music. While it certainly does not feel like a debut, FRACTALS is the first full-length album from Subtronics, recorded under his own label Cyclops Recordings. With it comes highs, lows (it's bass music), groove, grime, and a whole lot in between.

The opening track, "O.P.U.S.," is a flying ninja kick out of the dark. It starts with a simple build-up consisting mostly of strings and chimes that rise in tone and volume. After lulling you into a false sense of security, a single bass hit opens the way for a flurry of ascending rhythms and a warning: "You'll feel it all at once." Suddenly, the floor drops out from beneath you. Aggressive bass and crunchy synths take over; the meaning of Subtronics is abundantly clear. Welcome to FRACTALS.

Following that, "Spacetime (feat. NEVVE)," is possibly the most interesting track on the album. Featuring light vocals, heavy bass, and ridiculous pre-drops, it's got something for everyone. Familiar themes and rhythms are carried across the next few songs, but each track feels unique enough to stand on its own. The album does lack some cohesion from front to back, but the artist and genre don't necessarily require that to create a quality project. If asked exactly what genre that is, the answer comes in the pre-drop of "Gummy Worm (feat. Boogie T)," with the line: "EDM dude, obviously."

Kardon pulls from a variety of collaborators throughout this project, playing to other artists' strengths while still producing his recognizable sound. For instance, NEVVE is a singer/songwriter collective typically featured in melodic bass and electronic pop songs. While this isn't so far out from Subtronics' niche, the intro and verses on "Spacetime" lean more into a melodic and airy sound than he normally might. He also stretches his sound with the likes of Flowdan (UK grime rap) and Sullivan King (bass-metal). Of course, Kardon also works with artists that cater directly to him. Fellow dubstep/bass/riddim DJs Zeds Dead, Boogie T, and Grabbitz all make appearances on FRACTALS, sprinkling in the zest and flavor that identifies each artist. And, given the success of the 2019 track "Griztronics," The GRiZ/Subtronics combo had to return with the sequel "Griztronics II (Another Level)." All in all, the variety of collaborators works entirely in the album's favor, allowing distinct moments to shine without detracting from Subtronics' inventiveness.

Beyond that, there isn't much else to say without being redundant. FRACTALS is a quality of piece work from an experienced DJ. Subtronics provides plenty of opportunity for some stanky bass faces without being too heavy-handed. It's a great entry point into the genre while still being fun for any long-time fan. Give it a listen.