Cubicolor’s recent accomplishments have impressed and caught the eyes of the entire scene. At this point, deep house junkies know really well what they’re capable of when it comes to creating prodigious melodies. But no previous knowledge of the band can possibly prepare you for this experience. When We Dip shares its early impressions over their debut album, coming out on their home label Anjunadeep, on September the 16th. This is BRAINSUGAR.
In the Intro song we are immediately surrounded by a misty atmosphere, followed by a waterfall of elements that properly gets us in the mood and ready for the landing of the second track, also providing a graceful demonstration of the instrumental base of the album. ‘Mirror Play’, the second one, is a chilled-out tune with a beautiful guitar line that conducts a certain melancholy. The feelings are intensified by beautiful pianos that provide perfect background for the initial appearance of Tim Digby-Bell’s remarkably touching vocals.
Next, ‘Dead End Thrill’, is a more ‘housy’ arrangement. Still, soft as silk, with a breathtaking refrain marked by uplifting synth elements and cheerful vocals. The album plays with our emotions, leading to a sprightly state here. ‘Fictionalise’, in the other hand, is a well of emotions. It’s piano solo introduction, sort of explain what the track means to bring and as a perfect topping, Tim’s vocals kindly suit to the background, just like another instrument. This dramatic intro leads to the appearance of some gentle beats followed by some cavernous elements. Piano remains the focus and a smooth bass line sets the tone for this fine deep house cut. As the final part approaches, solo vocals intensify the thrill and the pianos rise again followed by a synth explosion, consolidating the bliss.
The title track is a bit trippy and a much less linear one, bringing purposeful randomness. Sounds of motor vehicles coming and going eventually, a monstrous voice comes in and out periodically and there’s a simple but hypnotizing synth melody. All those elements intensify and lead to a climax where a big bassline emerges and a trancy atmosphere is stablished. A rather futuristic affair.
Melodic and highly anticipated single ‘Falling’ is pure brilliance. A perfect blend between instruments and vocals made it even more powerful as Tim Digby-Bell’s voice seems once again, to be tailored for the instrumental base. Another uplifting song to cheer up the moods again. No surprise it caught Edu Imbernon’s attention leading to an original release on his ‘Fayer’ imprint. Goosebumps tune!
‘Nights In Bloom’ is all about chords in the beginning. You have then, Tim’s kind vocals perfectly introduced and a pleasant surprise when, as the final part approaches, a deep atmosphere comes suddenly in and there’s a nice flurry that keeps moods uplifted.
‘Machine Keys’ is a ‘piano only’ song with a beautiful touching melody and emotions keep running high on ‘Black Vines’. In this one you have perhaps the most dramatic vocals that Tim Digby-Bell delights us with. Some unlike percussions and a kind bassline dictate the course of the tune while impassioned vocals and chords conduct the feelings.
‘Inscape’ is more of a classic ‘Anjunadeep style’ deep house track, that kind we are used to see featured on Anjunadeep annual compilations and it sure keeps sophistication levels high.
At this point we are already used to beautiful emotional chord introductions followed by a sentimental evolution narrated by Tim’s voice with of course, a strong passion explosion as climax and that’s what they brilliantly deliver, once more, on ‘Diver’. Classic emotional bassline melody, guitars as strong trademark and you have a blissful final track, wrapping up perfectly the album concept with “One False Step”.
What we see in this album is a perfect demonstration of vocals not as an additional element, but as a component part of the band’s set of aptitudes. It’s not surprising that Ariaan Olieroock and Peter Kriek, Cubicolor’s original two members have decided to absorb Tim Digby-Bell as a third element. An extremely pleasant musical experience, this is an album for those with a refined music taste. Cubicolor takes the definition of ‘deep’ one step further.
Words by Gabriel Gonzalez