V/A - SUB:STANCE VOL 1 mixed by SCUBA (Ostgut Ton)

In 2008, Paul Rose (aka Scuba) and Paul Fowler (Spymania Records) launched Sub:stance, a popular dubstep night at Berghain, Berlin’s techno citadel. In the same year, Scuba also released his critically-acclaimed debut album, ‘A Mutual Antipathy’ (2008, Hotflush Recordings, UK). With its roots in the early years of London’s garage scene, dubstep has since evolved into quite a different beast, or number of beasts compared with what was being made and produced at that time.

 “Sub:stance Vol. 1”, mixed by Scuba, reflects the eclectic range of styles and sounds now encompassed by modern dubstep most of which are linked via a ubiquitous two-step rhythm. The mix includes many tracks from artists who have played at Sub:stance such as Shackleton, Mala and of course, Scuba. As such it aims to bring across the sonic essence of the parties, with Scuba at the heart of things, selecting and pulling strings to try to make this compilation of 24 tracks sound greater than the sum of its parts.  

Given the speed at which mixed compilations emerge before slipping into obscurity, it takes something special for one to become subject to endless replays, gradually lodging the choice of tracks and the manner in which it is put together into the brain. Compilations are often used as entry points for curious punters checking out new sounds or scenes. It can be a cost-effective way of familiarising with a range of artists before forming preferences and taking the plunge in the sense of buying singles and albums. This reviewer, for example, still remembers the sonic magnificence of ‘Mix Magic’, mixed by Mickey Finn over 15 years ago, just as the UK jungle scene was diverging away from happy hardcore to become a music phenomenon in its own right. So, will this one “lodge”? 

Leading with tracks by Sigha, Airhead and Pangaea, Sub:stance Vol. 1 gives the listener time to bed down. This interesting, ambient melange of tracks gradually mutates into a rolling tide of dubstep beats, with highlights by Scuba (‘You got me’) and Surgeon (‘Klonk pt 4’) via Joy Orbison (‘The shrew would have cushioned the blow’) and Untold (‘No-one likes a smart arse’).  

But around the halfway point, the mix begins to sag. The turn back into more, minimal, crackling ambient sound might seem a good way of taking the foot off the pedal, in order to allow the listener some room to breathe. Instead, the mix appears to lose momentum somewhat, and it is easy to switch off and lose interest. Some of the tracks such as Mount Kimbie’s ‘Maybe’ (James Blake remix), while harking back to a more traditional two-step garagey sound, just gives the impression of a lack of focus. With tracks such as Ramadanman’s ‘Tempest’, focus is restored giving back some continuity from the sound that was created earlier on. By this stage, the mix also has more of a housey vibe, and even a sound that reminds the listener of Sub:stance’s home territory, Berlin. A track by say Kit Clayton or Pole, for example, would have fitted in quite easily here.  

The mix ends in a more down-beat, almost psychedelic mood. Mala’s ‘Stand against war’ and Scuba’s ‘Last stand’ are among final standouts. Overall and despite falling down a little around the half-way mark, Sub:stance Vol. 1 is a good introduction to modern dubstep and a great souvenir for anyone who has been to a Substance night.  

Charlie Palmer