- The ultra-prolific and ultra-subtle Dominick Martin is a bit of a paradox in terms: He's one of drum & bass's most prominent producers, yet makes some of its quietest, most elegant music. Sometimes Martin's delicate taste can lean too close to politeness, leading to uneven albums like last year's Even If... At his best, though, he's a killer singles producer who shows that drum & bass can be strongest even at its meekest.
Released on New Zealand's Samurai Red Seal, "Hummer" could be a new standard for the term "roller," with drum programming so smooth it's more like a hovercraft than its titular vehicle. The track floats gently on a mildly sloped bassline that sounds more like cruise control than "Pulp Fiction," and its intent poker face would otherwise grow stale in the hands of a lesser producer. The other tracks are livelier, with "Touch Me" juggling up lightweight breaks over anxious Autonomic-style chords, and both "Free My Mind" and "Dog Shit" dealing with surprisingly abrasive, rambunctious basslines wrapped up in syrupy, luxurious melodies. That's the thing about Calibre, though: He's not the most exciting producer all the time, but it takes a refined taste to appreciate pure refinement.
Tracklist A Hummer
B Dog Shit
C Touch Me
D Free My Mind