An instrumental odyssey through rhythm and texture
Ant’s Collection of Sounds: Volume 3 is a masterclass in the groove, blending elements of dub, hip-hop, and ambient soundscapes. Each track builds a distinct atmosphere that reflects his ability to craft immersive beats.
The album opens with “Blame the Dub,” an effortless dive into the smoky atmosphere of dub music. Anchored by a deep, pulsating bass line, the track is drenched in tape delay and reverb. The drums feel organic, with hi-hats that shuffle in and out of focus. A submerged melody resembles a distant keyboard riff echoing from the other room. A warm, inviting opener immediately establishes the album’s tone.
“Second Try” introduces a slightly more structured rhythm, with crisp drum patterns locking into a tight groove. The bass is more pronounced while allowing the melodic elements—softly plucked guitar lines and synth pads—to stab at the composition. The mix remains intentionally spacious, letting each instrument breathe while restraining the overall energy.
A shift in mood comes with “Just a Business,” which leans into classic boom-bat influences. The electric guitar feels ghostly as it drifts in and out, with snappy drums and a punchy clap providing a steady backbone. Chopped-up vocal samples punctuate the beat, closing out with a quote from Andrew Dominik’s 2012 movie Killing Them Softly. The instrumentation feels intentionally minimal, allowing the rhythm to carry the track while subtle synth swells add just enough texture to maintain depth.
“Bad Motherdub” is one of the standout moments on the album. The drums seem to hit harder here, and the bass line vibrates through the mix with a rich, enveloping, yet simplistic warmth. The guitar riffs seem to dance around the beat, with an effect that seems to stretch them into the distance. The vocals enter and exit unpredictably, adding to the track’s loose, improvisational feel. It’s hypnotic, layered, and full of movement.
“The Shuffle” lives up to its name, built around a drum groove that gives it a fluid motion. The interplay feels almost conversational, as wood blocks seem to punctuate the baseline that locks everything into place with a subtle but persistent groove. The vocals give the song an encouraging character, making the track feel playful yet refined.
Closing out the album, “Rhodes, Birds and Wind” is a soothing, introspective piece built around delicate piano chords that float over a barely there drum pattern. The bass line is subdued but provides just enough warmth to ground the melody. The addition of field recordings—birdsong and soft gusts of wind—gives the track a natural, meditative atmosphere. It’s an outro that leaves the listener contemplative and relaxed.
Ant’s Collection of Sounds: Volume 3 is a beautifully constructed instrumental album that thrives on nuance. Each track feels intentional and well-placed, letting the music breathe while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity. The album’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a mood without too much over-complication
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