A1 – Lunar Sunset

Aural Imbalance returns to Spatial with the first track of the EP opening with a typically dreamy soundscape gently luring us to the skies, an unforgettable melody chimes away as the layers of atmosphere collate. Breakwork skills are on full show as crunchy drumloops give Lunar Sunset some serious rhythm, and just wait until you hear the stunning breakdown highlighting the impact of the mournful padwork which brings the mix together.

A2 – Moonfall

The rulebook goes out of the window early doors for Aural Imbalance here as he opens Moonfall with a clean, tuned pattern of Hot Pants breaks before gradually adding smooth pads & synths and some superb sub bass. We are treated to some delicious ambient workflows later in the track but make no mistake – the breaks are the star of the show here and DJ’s will love utilising the energy of the track in sets.

AA1 – Point of Origin

Starting with a punchy selection of brisk, clean-cut Apache breaks, Point of Origin sees Aural Imbalance demonstrating his musical range with a distinct electronic synthesizer style melody and full-bodied aquatic backdrops which echo around the soundscape like playful whales enjoying a vast lagoon. It’s another reminder that Spatial is playing host to one of the true talents of atmospheric drum & bass – output like this being both ambient and weighty in harmony.

AA2 – Near-Earth Object

Our finale track is a special one. Opening with a luscious dreamscape of mellowed-out pads and effects, seriously heavy sub bass then takes over to test your speakers before the drop, which sees addictive, detailed analogue breakbeats enrapturing the listener with a thickly detailed drum pattern aimed squarely at the dancefloor. This one is a real mover and continues Aural Imbalance’s impressive divergence of styles on Spatial.

Words by Chris Hayes