Label highlight: 7even Recordings

French producers shine with new dubstep label

by DJ Shiva

on 06/08/2008

12.31.07

In the rapidly expanding world of dubstep, new sounds are mined and explored daily, so finding something that truly sets itself apart in a stage of rapid innovation can be a heavy yet enjoyable task.

With his 7even Recordings label, French DJ and promoter Greg G is sure to bring something new to chew on. No mere wobble bass floorfillers, Likhan’s productions give us something deep, cavernous and original. Soundscapes reminiscent of a more experimental flavor, coupled with some creative basswork, make the offerings from this French dubstep soldier a unique experience.

Focusing on Likhan’s production thus far, “Dao’” (released on Dubkraft’s Worldwide Babylon Compilation), with its laidback skank beat, dark echoes and lazy tones drifting throughout, is a rare treat. “Victoire” takes things up a notch into more dancefloor territory, with a bouncy bassline that rips open after the first break into an 8-bit monster. “Symbad” taps into just a hint of the Middle Eastern flavor so welcome in dubstep circles, but digitizes the sound, basking in the synthetics and blipping out the bassline for maximum movement. “Terre” straightens out the beat and delves heavily into the dub sound. Open soundscapes with a monster bassline that lurks just underneath the surface, combined with classic dub echo and a sense of space that lets the mind explore while the feet stay moving, make this one a subtle winner.

Greg G, while keeping busy dropping plates for his Basement nights in Paris, his Subsolute night in Nantes, and his internet radio show Dubstep FM on www.prun.net with Simon Selecta and Future Form, has managed to carve out enough time to start his own label and will soon grace it with some truly beautiful tunes in the process.