Released 6 years ago this October
Portals
Sub Focus · 2020
49 min · 11 tracks · drum and bass
A vibrant fusion of uplifting melodies and driving basslines, creating an expansive soundscape that invites listeners to lose themselves in the rhythm.
Top tracks — play these first
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Air I Breathe — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal soundscapes and soaring vocals, encapsulating the emotional core of the project.
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Illuminate — A standout moment featuring infectious beats and a euphoric drop, 'Illuminate' showcases Sub Focus's ability to merge melodic elements with dancefloor-ready energy.
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Just Hold On — 'Just Hold On' combines poignant lyrics with a powerful vocal performance, creating an uplifting anthem about resilience that resonates deeply during challenging times.
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Turn the Lights Off — This track offers a darker, more introspective vibe while still maintaining rhythmic intensity, highlighting Sub Focus's versatility within the genre.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends uplifting melodies with driving basslines, showcasing solid production and varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a gradual build-up in 'Air I Breathe', layering synths and percussion before introducing the bassline.
- Several tracks feature vocal contributions that intertwine with the instrumental sections, creating a dynamic interplay between melody and rhythm.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the more energetic earlier songs and allowing for a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with euphoric peaks
- uplifting melodies for motivation
- ideal for focused work sessions
- immersive journey through soundscapes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of 'Portals' in October 2020, Sub Focus had established himself as a prominent figure in drum and bass, following his critically acclaimed albums. This album marked his collaboration with Wilkinson, further solidifying their influence in the genre after both artists had enjoyed successful individual careers.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pendulum· Noisia· High Contrast
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Just Hold On
The verses shift from describing personal struggles to offering words of encouragement creates a powerful contrast.
This structural shift amplifies the song's message, transforming it into a rallying cry that emphasizes hope amid adversity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Air I Breathe 4:10
- 2 Enter Night 3:57
- 3 Illuminate 2:59
- 4 Freedom 4:02
- 5 Turn the Lights Off 3:48
- 6 Just Hold On 4:59
- 7 Ray of Sun 5:31
- 8 Alone 5:26
- 9 Time 5:09
- 10 Stratus 4:06
- 11 In Bloom 5:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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