Ancestral Voices - Nemeton

Ancestral Voices - NemetonWe return to the evocative sound world of Ancestral Voices for an album that splits the difference between cinematic sound design and deadly restraint at 170 BPM. Nemeton continues Liam Blackburn's exploration of ancient Celtic mysticism through snaking rhythms and snarling sound design, conjuring a high definition sonic image of sacred groves and the druids practicing amongst them. Blackburn's Ancestral Voices project tracks back to 2015, when he

a remorseless low-end wobble drives the track onwards

perfectly placed snares and percussive touches

delivering a hybridised electro-jungle rhythm that never loses the metallic tang of the opening section

before a real treat to the senses unfolds as heavy breakwork thunders hard into the mix with crisp snares and rolling drums

creating a divergent synergy to the vibe

Layered with detailed FX demanding repeated listens to soak it all in

jumping maniacally over the buried sub bass below to a typically detailed rhythm

the breaks sit over a sumptuous deep sub bassline which carries our journey through simple key melodies

high female vocals whoosh and echo out as amens continue thrashing around like panicked wolves to a delightfully simple and memorable melody

Continuing the breaks-driven approach to the LP

breakbeats buoyed by some seriously deep 808 bass and distinct hi hats

" X is an accomplished manifesto of re-imagined Jungle