Last year saw David Kennedy (better known as Ramadanman) release two records under the Pearson Sound moniker; both Gambetta and PLSN/WAD were summertime highlights, but neither broke with Ramadanman’s percussive energy enough to really warrant the new persona. However, Kennedy’s first Pearson Sound transmission of 2010, the inaugural release for Darkestral Galaxicos, (a new imprint of the drum n’ bass label Darkestral) could potentially be the work of a different artist, containing two of his fastest, most rigid tracks to date. “Down With You” and “Higher” are restrained, atmospheric pieces that call to mind the Autonomic crew’s recent oeuvre — hardly surprising, as the former track has already appeared on Instra:mental and Dbridge’s Fabriclive mix.
As with the work of those producers, neither track fits comfortably into the confines of drum n’ bass. The meditative “Down With You” features tight, metallic percussive rolls atop a linear, bass-and-kicks heartbeat that hardly feels like it’s going 170 beats per minute — sort of downtempo-not-downtempo. The pattern’s spaciousness gives Kennedy ample room to drench the track in a dazed, dusky feel, which is heightened by the infusion of slowly arpeggiating blips and a detached, plaintive vocal repeating the titular phrase. “Higher” works with a similar rhythmic palette, albeit with less space, as the drums stay locked in a stunted codeine shuffle. A twisted, glowing melodic line and warm organ stabs are placed throughout, lending the track a lazy, summery creak. Aside from his drum programming skills, Kennedy’s most laudable trait is his manipulation of vocal samples, which is on full display here. These variations range from quick stabs to deeply pitched-down passages that perfectly complement the chopped & screwed influence on the rhythm section. Both tracks are among the prettiest things Kennedy’s put his name to, and he continues to show his versatility as a producer. The release’s only flaw comes from its potential fleetingness — as this is such an uncharacteristically laidback record, one wonders if it’s a one-off. Regardless, it’s a perfectly-timed release on Darkestral’s part, as the pervasive wooze on “Down With You” and “Higher” are going to sound fantastic in stiflingly hot weather.
