Chino (4) - Winding Down / Copantl

To those unhip to drum n bass parlance, the terminology of the genre can seem rather odd and obscure. While there isn't a dnb glossary printed on the label of this release, the A-side will clear up at least one junglist definition: it is the embodiment of a "roller." Like many great tracks, it's deceptively simple. The beat is straightforward 2-step made with standard thwack-a drum hits. The build up to the bass drop is well executed but largely textbook. In fact the whole arrangement has very effective tension and release, but it's nothing remotely new. What's brilliant here is the main riff, which has more groove than a ribbed condom. "Winding Down" is a case where the synergy between the different elements makes the whole far more than the sum of its parts. It is a shining example of what drum n bass can be, funky, uplifting, and loaded with energy.