Electric Harmony: NEW TO ELECTRIC HARMONY

Stantz

I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve never counted myself amongst the hardcore fans of the dubstep genre; I’ve never really contracted the “wub-wub-wuuub” bug. My knowledge on the genre is basic at best. So when asked to have a listen to Stantz, the label ‘dubstep’ instantly raised an eyebrow.

As many of you know, there’s an old saying that goes “Never judge a book by its cover”. Similarly, never judge a track by its genre tag.

My first foray into the world of Stantz was the track ‘People Are Weather’ which instantly summoned up a very different view on the genre. The best way to describe it is ‘intensely mellow’, which I know sounds suspiciously like a paradox, but bear with me. The melody and vocals are instrumental in creating a laid back feel, coupled with a very sparse and minimalistic approach. This helps to let Stantz masterful technical skills shine through. The samples used are placed with absolute precision, helping to add to this fantastically mellow atmosphere. On the other side of this musical schizophrenia is the beat itself; unrelenting, driving, powerful and yet somehow complimentary to the overall mood of the piece. In this way, I felt as if Stantz has created the perfect way to introduce me to the genre; heavy beats, masterfully placed samples, and yet something that wasn’t the musical equivalent of a hyperactive puppy on speed.

As my journey through Stantz tracks continued, I could see this approach unfold and evolve. The sheer amount of musical talent and ability on show here never failed to impress. This is an act who have managed to make the only example I’ve ever found of traditional Oriental music in a dubstep style. This means that as a whole, the music of Stanz is a wonderfully varied affair; a rich tapestry of different influences, all under the alternative dubstep banner.

It’s at this point I begin to wonder. Stantz is doing a fantastic job at introducing me to the genre of dubstep, so is it possible that they could also work the other way, and show a large audience of dubstep fanatics a way into different styles of music they might not normally try?

It’s obvious that this type of music has its limitations however. While I love how diverse it is within the genre of dubstep, it is still solidly rooted in the genre. Therefore, you can’t get away from the fact that you will have that wub-wub-wub effect on the go for 83% of the track, across many of the tracks. Now, I could probably live with that, but if that gets under your skin, then Stanz isn’t going to convert you, no matter how super chilled and mellow or wonderfully diverse it is with its influences.

It’s important to note, this isn’t a drawback or a negative. It’s simply an observation. Which means you should still definitely check out a couple of tracks before you make up your mind. While I loved the impact ‘People Are Weather’ had on my on my first listen, and the amazing use of Chinese instrumentation of ‘Awakening’, my favourite track and definite recommendation is a track called ‘Dragon’s Theme’. It kind of reminds me of Passion Pit’s ‘Sleepyhead’ in its intro, then moves onto become a track that feels like it’s being played in the weirdest nightclub in the world. Truly special, and well worth your time. There’s a video for this track out there on Vimeo that is incredibly well made that you should also check out.

It’s hard to truly work out whom to recommend Stantz to. Hardcore fans of all this dubstep may appreciate this alternative viewpoint on the genre, as it maintains a lot of the conventions of what makes dubstep recognisable. On the other side of the equation, if like me you’re a complete newcomer to all things ‘wub-wub’, Stantz is definitely a great place to start. The sheer level of technical skill on show coupled with a driving momentum and beat, but offset by the seriously laid back attitude gives listeners a very complex musical treat; that rare concoction that offers a little something for everyone’s taste.

Review by Paul Barnes