[Southside Recordings]

Over the past few years Kromestar has emerged as one of London’s most prolific and creative dubstep producers. Real name R. Kalsi, he also goes by Iron Soul when making grime and Droid for a kind of hybrid sound. Using a sonic palette similar to last summer’s “Attenshun,” he channels Lil’ Jon and bangs out another crunkstep classic with the release of “Alien.” A pumping bass note, as though driven by servos, chugs along under what can only be described as machine gun laser synths.

Despite it’s title, “Hype” is a chilly low-key number and “Poison” takes it slightly in the direction of digidub. And despite working in many genres at once, Kalsi’s raw talent is in no danger of being spread too thin. These tracks comprise what is technically his first appearance on Southside Recordings, though he’s already blessed both Southside Dubstars and N19 Recordings with his presence. A label that began as a UK garage outlet, Southside has earned a reputation for being on the forefront of the underground, and this latest offering only bolsters that reputation.