RB Writer Picks: Breakout Artists of 2024
December 20, 2024
December 20, 2024
Decade of Decadence: Headliners of the Week
Melodic Bass stands out as one of my all-time favorite genres. There’s an undeniable desire in the genre’s focus on expansive chord progressions that resonate with me and millions of other fans. While much of “melodic bass” tends to explore the lighter side through artists like Seven Lions and Trivecta, whose sounds transport you to heavenly realms, I wanted to delve into the darker side. Here, the pronounced chord progressions immerse you in a flurry of intense sound, akin to a nocturnal adventure guided by an immense chord structure. Let’s explore five of my favorite Dark Melodic Bass tracks!
“Gravity” by Ganja White Night
This track, a personal all-time favorite, debuted in Ganja White Night’s Gravity album and instantly captivated my attention. The solid, wubby first drop boasts excellent chord progressions complemented by incredible wubs as accents. However, it’s the second drop that truly blew me away. The fun cascading buildup leads to a drop featuring gnarly, deep bass note chords with an incredible emotional progression. This song is a must-listen, especially at high volume.
Another personal favorite, this track marks Wooli’s entrance into the dark melodic bass genre, and what a spectacular entrance it is. The first drop is heavy on bass, showcasing exceptional progression, while the sound design steals the show. The second buildup is immaculate, with swirling sounds building tension until the drop smashes into existence. The chords themselves vibrate with fierce sounds that surround you, leaving no prisoners. If you’re a bass music enthusiast, this song deserves a spot in your playlist.
“New Rave” by SYN
SYN, often underrated, delivered a gem four years ago that remains among my favorites. Starting with a robotic-like voice, the track exudes futuristic vibes. The first drop kicks in swiftly with a quick buildup, featuring predrop notes that set the stage for the intense dark melodic bass drop. This time, there’s a more heart-piercing sound with emphasis on the notes themselves. The incredible accents create a sensation akin to energy beams firing at you like a cannon, quickly resetting to shoot again. The second drop is equally potent, featuring arpeggios dancing over the melodic bass, showcasing the song’s compelling duality. Don’t miss out on this one!
“Dopamine” by Wooli, Tape B
Wooli makes a second appearance on this list with a scorching collaboration with Tape B. Opening with the iconic lyrics of “Good Feeling”, the song instantly hooks the audience. The buildup features incredible bass notes, setting the stage for a hard-hitting and fast drop. This track is a wild mix of gnarls, chords, and wubs that will undoubtedly make you go crazy. It’s a must-listen that you won’t want to skip over.
“Womp Portal” by Ganja White Night, Subtronics
We started this list with Ganja White Night, and now we conclude it with one of their collaborations with Subtronics. The first drop seamlessly blends their styles, featuring heavy down beats with high-pitched accents and a beautiful counter melody in the higher range. The second drop opens with a predrop flurry of reverberating sounds, delivering a drop that will smack you out of your chair. Long, heavy bass notes progress through different chords, with Subtronics’ signature high-pitched sound dancing intricately above it. This song is a gem, and if you haven’t given it a listen, it’s time to check it out.
