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Datsik - “Vitamin D” LP (Dim Mak Records)

Article by Mitchell Buchanan

Being from Canada myself, I can say with certainty that we’ve had a pretty good run of musical talent over the years. Making a significant impacts across rock, jazz, and even pop – and with the explosion of bass music in recent years, it’s an honour to be able to say that we’ve got some pretty damn fine producers adding a Canadian touch to the music industry. I’m always proud to speak highly of Canadian musicians, and today is a day where I can do exactly that. On April 10, the Kelowna (BC) producer, Datsik, released a full-length album entitled “Vitamin D” through Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Records. By the morning of April 11th, “Vitamin D” had already shot to the Number 1 on Beatport’s Top Dubstep Releases chart – and almost a week later it’s still holding strong. “Vitamin D” is full of Datsik’s unique and easily identifiable sounds, and features an array of banging originals as well as some  incredibly tight, ground-breaking collaborations. If Dubstep is an essential part of your life, a little extra Vitamin D will certainly do you a world of good.

Staying true to his signature industrial-swagger style, Datsik uses robotic, shuffling beats and mechanical whines and grinds to pull us through each track – all while keeping each track sounding as unique and versatile as the one before it. Fans of the older Datsik style can celebrate with the opening track, “Annihilate.” Its deep whomping bass, mechanized sonic weaponry, and stark, shuffling rhythms create a dark but electric atmosphere, perfect for a battle waged by futuristic war machines. “Annihilate” solidifies the foundation upon which Datsik has built his reputation – and we’re happy to hear new music that shows he hasn’t left his roots. Those who love hearing that original Datsik sound might want to also check out “Fully Blown,” “Complete Control,” and “Napalm”, all of which accommodate the original Datsik feel while taking his laser-precise production to the next level .

Now, keep in mind that we’re  not saying that other tracks on this album are straying from Datsik’s established sound. In fact, Datsik’s done an incredible job of branching out musically while never once giving up on the style that’s made him so successful. However, there’s no doubt that this album shows some serious musical exploration through some otherwise untested waters – tempo changes and some definitive genre-bending experimentation prove that Datsik knows his way around all areas of bass music, incorporating his unique sound set and his love of dark, futuristic melodies into each and every one of his musical creations. Take “Light The Fuse,” for example. There’s no denying that its bouncy and incredibly infectious 110bpm rhythm is a new direction for Datsik, but the modulating mid-range and malevolent vocal clips are deeply rooted in Datsik’s established sonic repertoire. Other tracks that take Datsik’s music in a new direction are “Need You,” “Don’t Feel Right,” “Punisher,” and “Double Trouble.” Whether it’s new sounds, a new realm of bass music, or just all-around fresh, there’s no doubt that Datsik is intent on exploring the depths of his musical creativity – and we’re absolutely thrilled with what we’re hearing.

One of the most powerful aspects of “Vitamin D” of the staggering line-up of top-notch collaborations. A full half of Vitamin D is credited to work with other artists, and what a line-up it is! Whether it’s the lyrical stylings of Snak The Ripper (“Fully Blown”), the turntable genius of Z-Trip “(Double Trouble”), or the welcome and extraordinarily diverse sounds of producers like Infected Mushroom or Downlink (“Evilution” and “Syndrome”/”Punisher” respectively); these collaborative efforts showcase a vital element of companionship and respect that’s absolutely crucial in the world of music. Also included on this album are haunting vocals from Korn’s lead singer Jonathan Davis (“Evilution”) and the distinctly ferocious style of Messinian (“Napalm”). It’s amazing to see such a wide variety of artists working together to make “Vitamin D” a definitive stand-out album from 2012; collaboration brings a unique and empowering energy and creativity  to music, that is otherwise nearly impossible to attain.

Once again taking the world of electronic music by storm, Datsik maintains a deliberate mechanized swagger all the while infusing his full-throttle production with an incredible variety of invigorating new influences. Coherent and exciting to an increasingly wide variety of fans, Datsik has produced an album that feels delightfully nostalgic while simultaneously staying on the cutting-edge of innovation. Throughout his career, Datsik has always displayed a profound desire for progress, and the recent creation of his newly-branded “Firepower” label, as well as his decision to release “Vitamin D” with Dim Mak Records certainly demonstrate a radical step forward for this relentless power-house of a producer. Challenging the limits of his own musical experience, Datsik remains true to his own musical roots all the while continuing his dogged pursuit of a new and previously untested sound. His signature whomping bass tones and dark, haunting, melodies certainly aren’t going anywhere – but Datsik’s music is clearly evolving in a way that encourages both diversity as well as consistency. It’s a tried and true mix that’s worked consistently for Datsik since 2009, and it’s a staggering musical blend that we can’t wait to hear more from.

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