[Review] Bassnectar Delivers Once Again on 12th Album ‘Unlimited’
If you’ve seen Lorin Ashton, known more commonly by Bassnectar play live, you’ve felt the soul cleansing experience his sets give listeners. Fans float back down to their own realities feeling a little lighter for weeks after music has ended. It’s the defining feature that makes Bassnectar fans some of the most dedicated in the electronic music scene. So when new music is released, rest assured there’s going to be a massive reaction from fans.
What some complaining fans might not realize is that Ashton has put out full length albums almost every year since 2001. On top of constant touring and a shocking number of thirty-three singles and EPs. Not to mention sixteen remixes. Can’t forget about his five music videos, either. Basically, this guy gets shit done.
Ashton is just as dedicated to bringing us new music as we are to listening. But with such little time to find inspiration, produce and perfect…every album isn’t going to be flawless.
Bassnectar fans hold high expectations and an all consuming eagerness to be at every show getting down for hours on end, feeling heavy bass ‘play with our nervous systems’. But Unlimited is not an album that is going to give us the face melting bass some fans are forever searching for.
Unlimited has got it’s heavier moments, sure. But this album is more focused on exploring the journey, transformation and connection a nectar set brings. It’s a celebration of what Bassnectar’s music has been giving fans for years. Quite literally. Because a lot of the tracks pull inspiration from music already heard in Ashton’s arsenal.
For example, when listening to the intro to the album, “Reaching Out”, I recalled its similarity to the ‘blipy intro’ that was played for us at Camp Bisco ’15.
“Mind Tricks”, featuring the up and coming bass music extraordinaire G Jones is reminiscent of “Bass Head”, with a new twist and lyrics that remind us our minds are more powerful than we realize. Lorin also decided to give us ‘Zodgilla”, a fan favorite that was actually set to be released on Into The Sun. Which is why you probably recall hearing it played from a show on last summer’s festival track. “Unlimited Combinations” also features sounds off older tracks “Replenish”, “Ping Pong” and “Flashback”.
Will this be the most loved album Bassnectar has ever put out? No. Probably not. But, like all Bassnectar albums its focus is on something positive. Human connection and transformation. I’m going to predict that regardless of some complaints, fans will continue to come from miles around to experience the physical and emotional journey of a Bassnectar set.
Sexiest song: Bassnectar & The Glitch Mob – Paracosm
My personal favorite on the album. This song has everything a nectar fan could want out of a slow jam. A sultry intro that morphs into progressive, interesting synths and tantalizing melodies. It reminds me a lot of “One Thing” off Into The Sun. The new cuddle puddle anthem.
Biggest Question Mark: In the Beginning [2016 Version]
This song sounds like aliens hatching on some planet three or four solar systems away. The sounds are haunting. The deep, almost growling voices give listeners instant goosebumps. Definitely a little creepy. Definitely excited to see how this will be mixed into his sets to create something truly out of this world.
Favorite uptempo song: TKO ft. Rye Rye & Zion I
This song gets the favorite pick out of the heavier, uptempo songs because its message of embracing your inner weirdo and never letting hatred phase you. Not to mention the drop is absolute madness. It will make you feel like you’re strapped into a spaceship, zooming at record breaking speed on a highway somewhere in the cosmos. Expect excessive head banging from rail riders when this track drops.
Track most unlike previous releases: Crywolf – Rising, Rising [Bassnectar Remix]
This is really a side of Bassnectar we’ve never seen. He’s got his slower songs with instrumentals and vocals. However this song feels purely melancholy. Around 2:20, you might expect one of those long awaited, massive Bassnectar drops to swoop in and pick things back up. But no. He holds true to the original track. The result is something a little different, but dreamy and beautiful nonetheless.
