What makes FabricLive.82 by Optical notable?

FabricLive.82 is significant for showcasing Optical's dexterity in blending various styles of electronic music, contributing to the evolution of drum and bass. The album received critical acclaim and solidified its place in the FabricLive series, which has been influential in promoting underground electronic music culture globally. At the time of its release in 2015, Optical was already a well-respected figure in the drum and bass scene, known for his innovative sound design and production techniques. This compilation marked his contribution to the FabricLive series, following his previous work and collaborations that established him as a pioneer within the genre.

How many songs are on FabricLive.82?

FabricLive.82 has 39 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

FabricLive.82

Optical · 2015

68 min · 39 tracks

A frenetic blend of drum and bass, pulsating beats, and eclectic samples that ignite the dancefloor.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Chubrub — This track's infectious rhythm and playful samples exemplify Optical's signature style, making it a highlight of the compilation.
→
The Host — Featuring dark undertones and intricate soundscapes, this track showcases Optical's ability to create immersive audio experiences.
→
Until the World Ends — With its driving bassline and rapid-fire beats, this track encapsulates the energy of a live set, resonating with listeners and dancers alike.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate production and genre-blending, but its extensive tracklist can dilute cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unexpected samples from various sources, adding layers of complexity and surprise to the mix.
The tempo consistently hovers around 170 BPM, maintaining an energetic pace that drives the album forward without significant dips.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Shape the Random 0:16
2 Chubrub 2:17
3 Full Force 2:11
4 Dive Bomb 2:22
5 Incessant 1:16
6 Scarabs (VIP) 1:05
7 Headroom (Audio VIP) 1:05
8 The Host 3:28
9 Loner 1:27
10 Clockout 2:11
11 Until the World Ends 2:33
12 Saus 1:49
13 Whip Slap 2:08
14 Straight to Bad (Maztek VIP remix) 2:14
15 Know Your Place 2:33
16 Stamp Out 1:27
17 Surrounded 3:39
18 Influx 1:27
19 Purge 1:27
20 Insomnia 1:27
21 Heads Up (VIP) 1:27
22 Reptilians 1:05
23 Badass 1:16
24 Aztec (Calyx & Teebee remix) 1:49
25 Watermelon 1:38
26 Shaman (VIP) 1:38
27 I Need More 2:11
28 The Infection 1:49
29 Messiah (Noisia remix) 1:33
30 Collision 2:06
31 Drama (Neonlight remix) 1:27
32 Acid Test 1:25
33 Inside Out 1:30
34 Never Stop 1:14
35 Stompbox (Spor remix) 1:16
36 The Turnover 1:16
37 Stutter 2:00
38 Footprint 1:05
39 Jack Nicholson 1:55

What to play next

Full Optical discography Artists like Optical

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata