Submerse
Streams


4.5
superb

Review

by Deviant. STAFF
January 15th, 2011 | 52 replies


Release Date: 2010 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Submerse throws off the comparisons and finally realizes his full potential on Streams, a quintessential ode to turn of the century garage

Even as the opening bars of '1UP' slither delightfully out of the speakers it becomes readily apparent that Submerse (real name Rob Orme) is playing with something just a little different this time, substituting the 1's and 0's that have formed the structure of his works up until this point with something a touch more garish, something just a little more lively than what he had appeared capable of before. There's always been that promise that Submerse was always going to be capable of crafting effortless magic, its just always been slightly hidden from view, infuriatingly shrouded behind dense layers of imitations and odes to his peers and influences. It's here however, where Orme steps out of the shadows he's ensconced himself in and spreads his wings that his attention to detail and fervent inspiration is fully revealed, and transformed to something gloriously unique and uplifting in the process. It's written all over the face of the opening track, from that bouncy 2-step to the behemoth sized bass. It's that flirty invitation that's been missing from the scene for far too long now, soulful and bittersweet yet evocative and enticing. Like a thumping one way ticket back to the late 90's garage scene it's indebted to its maker's rave leanings, exploratory yet assured of its path.

It continues on throughout the remainder of the EP, this overflowing melting pot of vibrant and vintage nostalgia. 'Oh Gosh' finds itself a touch more formulaic though, alternating between lustful bouts of affectionate dubstep and full blown garage rave, all coming together under the watchful eye of a consummate perfectionist. 'All I Need' is the pinnacle though, the delicate result of the EP's lifeblood working at full capacity. Desperately haunted yet beautiful and delicate in equal measures, the track generates this undefinable yet hard-to-look-away-from hypnotizing allure. Infusing all the aspects that have marked Orme's career up until this point it pushes outward from the jaded and reclusive nature of its origins and almost forces itself into this entirely new dynamic, every diverse influence impeccably attached and aligned perfectly. He fills the impossible follow up spot with 'Stay', barren and alien compared to the more tranquil feel of its predecessor, but still undeniably entrancing and flirtatious. He piles the samples on heavy for the closing banger, melting down the cold and frigid nature of urban step into something more warm and intoxicating, wrapping up his revivalist love story with a welcome flair.

Much like Pariah's excellent Safehouses EP, Orme's latest output is set dead center on the turn of the century garage skeleton, one of only a few like minded artists focused on bringing it back to life while adding significantly to its memory and legacy. It takes a modern approach to the idea though, focused on recreating the old by remodeling it with the modern day mindset of that oft romanticized time. Energetic and flirty, yet hypnotically enthralling, Submerse has finally found his own identity and come out on top. In a scene focused more on individual tracks than long players, Orme has compiled his legacy already, a glorious look down memory lane while moving forward into the future. Big strides indeed.



Recent reviews by this author
Burial Tunes 2011 to 2019Flying Lotus You're Dead!
Aphex Twin SyroBanks Goddess
Burial Rival DealerDeadmau5 >album title goes here<
user ratings (11)
3.7
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


My lack of reviewing lately is a result of road tripping and the steady intake of alcohol, but I thought I'd drop this little banger in (mainly because it's been one of the constants in the car stereo as we slowly travel up the North island, and because i'm currently recovering from the already mentioned alcohol intake). Seriously, you guys need to look into this, I have the sneaking suspicion that Sputnik might have a 2 step crush and just not know it yet

1UP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rxIjj3KUtM
Oh Gosh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcwpVAvwO3E
All I Need: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2mQPvBWcCo
Stay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJHBdghr3vI

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


The North Island of NZ

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


Yeah, we weren't very creative with our island names

It's definitely worth the trip, especially this time of year (Summer)

JustJoe.
January 16th 2011


10944 Comments


Informative and interesting, as per usual.

Just add this to my catalogue of Deviant. recs

Edit: Oh snap! I just looked up "Stay" and heard the sample from "Angel In Disguise" by Brandy... I
need this. ASAP.



Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


I'm 99.9% sure that 'All I Need' samples The Fountain OST as well

JustJoe.
January 16th 2011


10944 Comments


2-Step. Crush.

I'm enjoying this very much.

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


Prove me right with The Fountain sampling

klap
Emeritus
January 16th 2011


12410 Comments


why apologize for not reviewing I go on week long benders all the time nbd

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


Just in case you missed me

JustJoe.
January 16th 2011


10944 Comments


Maybe I'm reaching, but I think I hear the melody from "Finish It", at the 2:38 point, but isolated:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfybcej2F-M&feature=related

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


Was going to mention it in the review but just in case it was a coincidence I decided to leave it alone

JustJoe.
January 16th 2011


10944 Comments


Identifying unlisted samples is one of my favorite parts of listening to releases like these.

=]

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


Have a few other EP's I might review in the next few days if I get the chance, kinda flying on auto pilot until I can drop James Blake, nothing else really catching my interest until early Feb

JustJoe.
January 16th 2011


10944 Comments


Understandable. I'll keep my ears open for those EP's, and I'm definitely anxious to hear your take on the new James Blake LP.

Also, I really need to finish up my 5th review. Meticulous writing, as usual.

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


Find me a stream then haha. Looking forward to your new review as well

JustJoe.
January 16th 2011


10944 Comments


Believe me, I'm looking, Dev. You'll be the first to know if I find anything.

Tyrael
January 16th 2011


21108 Comments


Amazed. Pos.

Deviant.
Staff Reviewer
January 16th 2011


32288 Comments


Thanks! Good to see people getting into this

Irving
Emeritus
January 16th 2011


7496 Comments


Great review Dev, as per usual. Pos.

And happy tripping!

Adash
January 16th 2011


1355 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

beast review for an EP, will have to check this out. Loved Fox's Sketches so this should be right down my autobahn



You have to be logged in to post a comment. Login | Create a Profile





STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2023 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy