Blog
Schoolboy - “The Science Project” EP (Rottun Records)
Article by Mitchell Buchanan
One of my favourite things about public school was working on science projects. They never turned out any good (my home-made thermos was the worst in my class), but it was always fun experimenting and getting messy with new ideas; isn’t that the point of doing science projects, after all? No matter how it turns out, it’s always fun to give it a shot.
This is the idea behind Schoolboy’s newest album. The Science Project, released on January 23rd through Rottun Records, is a seven-track EP that sees this Los Angeles-based producer exploring new corners of the vast realm of bass music. Schoolboy tries his hand at electro, dubstep, and drumstep – all while staying true to an overarching sonic theme. From the opening notes, Schoolboy establishes a set of sounds that continue to make their way into each track until the very end of the EP. This album is a perfect example of an experiment gone right – The Science Project is sure to bring Schoolboy to the very top of his class.
The first two tracks on the album, “The Science Project” and “Zombies Ate My Neighbours,” are a blend of aggressive sounds and bouncy rhythms. Listen to the offbeat strings in “The Science Project” or feel the upbeat tempo of “Zombies” to get a taste of Schoolboy’s dance-inducing production skills. These tracks use the album’s signature bass and synth effects, while mixing in futuristic, piercing sounds and impeccably-chosen vocals. “The Science Project” features lyrics by Ricco Vitali, and the news report in “Zombies Ate My Neighbours” tells a chilling tale of reanimated corpses walking the streets – but both tracks feature an infectious bounce that simply can’t be beat.
“Paradigm Shift” introduces a darker, more emotional side of the album. The chord progression is more solemn, and Taylr Renee’s vocals float hauntingly over the ethereal synths – it’s pure beauty to the ears. The insane drop is an exciting contrast to the calming introduction, with mid-range wobbles and synth triplets creating a near-glitch atmosphere. “Top Of The World” continues this darker vibe with a deep electro track. Flowing bass and a minor chord progression adds heaviness, while the driving beat and ever-changing sounds maintain a perpetual freshness. Even as the tempo increases to make way for “Daydreamer,” the mood stays somber. The pounding drumstep rhythm and melodic synth lines carry on through the drop, with the addition of extreme distortion, piercing sirens, and bubbling synths. There’s a mixture of anger and sadness in this track – the anger comes from the distorted effects and the aggressive drums, while the chord progression evokes a sense of sadness and longing.
“Equalizah” begins the conclusion process for the album with an elaborate synth melody. Soon, vocals are introduced and we’re thrown into a massive drop filled with screaming synths and explosive drums. The introduction of a piano adds a melodic quality to the track, but it’s quickly drowned out by another round of violently screaming melodies. This blazing dubstep track will destroy foundations with its bass lines, while obliterating anything that remains with its piercing high-register assault.
The Science Project leaves listeners on a high note with an irresistible electro track. Instantly, the grooving chords of “Needy” put smiles on our faces as we bob our heads along to the beat. With the introduction of a vocal sample, the build-up comes quickly but smoothly – soon we’re grinding along to driving drums, deep bass, and whining off-beats. Returning to the uplifting chord progression, we experience a sense of excitement as the next build-up doubles the intensity; the drop crashes down as the dance floor ignites one final time.
Although we’re less than a month in to 2012, Rottun Records has already proven that they know how to release music. Schoolboy’s newest EP is no exception – the seven tracks on The Science Project move between electro, dubstep, and drumstep, but the album doesn’t feel scattered in the slightest. In fact, it’s astonishing just how complete and coherent this album really is. Beginning light and bouncy, moving in dark and deep, and then emerging and ending on a high note, Schoolboy has proven himself to be not only a top-quality producer – but also an incredible storyteller. We get an introduction, a middle, and an end; we experience points of explosive intensity and other times where we can just sit back and absorb the music. If this is Schoolboy’s idea of a science project, then Dubstep.NET gives him an A+.
Follow Schoolboy:
