Scuba & Distance - Opposites

  • Is it 2005 again? Two UK music pioneers teach a powerful lesson in old-school dubstep.
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  • Scuba teaming up with Distance to make a growly, 2005-style dubstep track wasn't on my 2023 bingo card, but I'm not mad about it. "Opposites" kicks off the Hotflush label's 20-year celebrations, and it's honestly hard to say if this one's new or dusted off from some long-forgotten hard drive. It's stiff, serrated and lead-footed, calling back to some of the earliest dubstep tracks without moving into the grouchy darkness of so-called "dungeon sound" revival dubstep. Instead, it's all about how the oscillating frequencies cut through everything else, especially the staccato second drop. 'Opposites" is a portal back to "Headstrung" times with better production values. Chances are if it doesn't make you nostalgic, it might just sound mind-blowing—at least teeth-rattling—instead.
RA