Fortified Audio is readying 214’s newest slab of savory electro for the masses and believe us, it doesn’t disappoint. With over a decade of experience 214 is no stranger in the game; his tracks are soaked in outlandish sounds and 808-beats and considering that his list of influences includes electro dons such as Drexciya and Cybotron, this isn’t all that surprising. Plastic Spokes doesn’t pander to the purist as some might expect, many of the current trends in the UK underground have clearly rubbed off on him, but you’d be mistaken to stick him in that box.
The opener “Here We Stand” shows 214 (twofourteen) bring the funk and a pinch of Latin flavor thanks to the bongo drums. Those drums ride out while he builds a groove supported by stomping 808s before turning into something that belongs on Detroit’s Dressed To Sweat. Futuristic sounding disco synth-lines are paired with slowly opening pads and underneath it all the words “Here we stand” are chopped up. “Ridin Wit Yo Plastic Spokes” brings you further into the intergalactic world he’s created. Bass tones are blasted over and over as he lets FM sounds engulf the stereo field. In both this track and “Antarctica” his many years of experience show in what is an amazing display of sound design. Just think, “pads on pads on pads” (along with amazing sci-fi sounds). The final track, “First Chair” has been floating around for months and is the one aimed most directly at the dance floor. This track has peak time written all over it, elements work together perfectly. Loads of grunts, muffled samples, an extremely physical bassline, and as Chunky would say cowbell fever.
At times the EP brings you into the mind of 214, which appears to be full of chrome and futuristic gadgets. Still the tracks are 100% dance floor ready and “First Chair” is a prime of example of what he’s able to create, interesting yet bumping electro. This is his first release of the year and he’s got quite a lot up his sleeve as 214 and J Alvarez.
Stream: 214 – Plastic Spokes EP Preview (Fortified Audio)
Plastic Spokes is out on Fortified Audio April 23rd
