Along with his brother and fellow Cambridge resident, Logistics, Nu:Tone has developed a distinctive, soulful sound that strikes a chord with liquid drum and bass fans everywhere.
After a slew of releases on Beta, Soul:R, Tangent and a handful of other respected imprints, he signed to the ever present Hospital Records in 2004. Ten years later, he has refined and developed his sound but this album shows he also has the ability to diversify.
In a similar vein to Ulterior Motive's excellent "Tape Pack" the opening track of "Future History" is a misty eyed nod to the recent past. "Til Dawn" contains a the instantly recognisable vocal from the house classic "Party Children" by Wareband and the tried and tested amen creates the kind of intensity and energy that commands you to dance. The nostalgia continues as "Onorea" transports us back to the golden days of hip hop. The vocal sample talks of growing up on the street, playing video games or listening to music before another tough but well crafted break drops in over the deep, solid bassline.
Though tracks like "Change" and "Deep Inside" are nothing new, Nu:Tone has perfected that rolling, liquid sound that delights warm up DJs and soulful drum and bass fans alike. What makes this album stand out for me, is the inclusion of tracks like "Metaphor 6000" featuring the underground HipHop legend, Kool Keith. With sub low bass and sinister, swelling synths, this track proves that there's a lot more to Hospital than soulful female vocals and piano chords. Similarly, "Cannibals", featuring Dynamite MC showcases a darker, dancefloor direction from Nu:Tone.
The track that surprised me the most and consequently, became a firm favourite, is "Lightening." Once again, it has a nostalgic quality with samples and synths that hark back to the glory days of metalheadz at the bluenote. The bassline is reminiscent of Rob and Goldie's seminal "Shadow" on the sadly now defunct Moving Shadow records but the modern day production values make this an underground classic waiting to happen.
Future History is a fitting title for an album that pays homage to various styles of drum and bass that have defined and shaped the genre over the years and although the tried and tested liquid rollers are all present and correct, it's the tracks that take you by surprise that make this an album worth buying.
Future History is available to buy here.
Matt Taylor
Follow Matt on Twitter: @theruckuz
