Just recently, Live for Live Music declared DJ/Producer Bassnectar the top EDM act to see at this summer’s upcoming Hudson Project (See here). The iconic California-based DJ is known for a unique sound he produces which combines the sounds of heavy metal, inspired by artists like Nirvana and Metallica, dubstep and even occasionally hip hop. His newest album titled Noise vs. Beauty, which is being streamed below, sticks to the edgy basslines and “wobbling” wobbles we’ve all come to appreciate with his music but the album even throws in some curveballs.

To focus on the upcoming album, Bassnectar quit touring for six months, spending time in his home to perfect the LP. Noise vs. Beauty begins with the track titled, “F.U.N.” featuring producer Seth Drake. The song opens up elegantly with a soft piano and wind instrument rendition, immediately breaking into a soft ensemble of string instruments. Immediately afterwards, the heavy synths are introduced and they immediately build up and drop in only a way Bassnectar could produce, featuring the heaviest of heavy wobble sounds. The song proves to be a truly energetic and powerful way to open up the album. 

Next, we hear “Now”, a hip-hop and dubstep track full of powerful rap verses from Baltimore rapper Rye Rye, whose vocals accompony strong synths and sharp drops.  The next highpoint of the album comes with “You & Me” featuring W. Darling. The song opens with almost perfectly-smooth guitar chords that I swear somehow reminded me of the guitar intro to U2, “Where the Streets Have no Name”. W. Darling provides stellar vocals and the song gradually gets faster until it reaches the drop, which elegantly mixes the melody with hard dubstep kicks. Eventually, the guitar returns and the whole thing repeats. It happens to be my favorite song off of the new album.

I truly beleive that Bassnectar’s 10th LP, Noise vs. Beauty is one of his best creations to date. It combines not only his traditional dubstep sounds but harmonious vocals, smooth melodies and even guitar riffs. Bassnectar is heading on tour this upcoming fall to promote the album. I highly suggest you pick up a copy of this album and let the experimental noises of EDM help you transition into the upcoming summer.