DFRNT

Edinburgh's Alex Cowles has come a long way since the release of his debut album in 2009. As the founder of Echodub, quality-assured free music label Cut Music and deep music resource Sitting Ovation, Cowles's efforts are tireless and his talents extend well beyond music production. It's no surprise to hear his latest project, Fading, draw from a multitude of influences. Elements of ambient, dub, house and techno are introduced into DFRNT's dubstep-charged repertoire and the evolution hits the mark. Much like its title, the album's gentle beginnings gradually fade into darker territory. An abundance of velvety soft dub sounds pace the record beautifully. Tracks like the uplifting "El Spirito" present a heartfelt approach to Cowles's process, which is reminiscent of recent works by labelmate Essáy. "In You Go" features wobbling sub frequencies and haunting vocals that are warped and pitched in Burial-fashion. Fading is a brilliantly produced, well-executed display of an artist who's taken in his environment and emerged anew.