Vantablack cover

Released 9 years ago this November

Vantablack

Dirtyphonics · 2017

18 min · 6 tracks · electro house

An electrifying blend of heavy basslines and intricate rhythms that pushes the boundaries of drum and bass.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Vantablack — The title track stands out with its pulsating bass and intricate beats, encapsulating the EP's overall vibe while showcasing Dirtyphonics' signature sound.
  • →
    Navigator — Navigator features a captivating blend of melodic elements and driving rhythms, demonstrating the group's ability to balance intensity with musicality.
  • →
    Sight of Your Soul — This track showcases ethereal vocals layered over dynamic beats, creating an atmospheric experience that diverges from traditional drum and bass.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP combines intricate rhythms and heavy basslines, showcasing strong production and cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • The EP features a consistent tempo throughout, with all tracks maintaining a high-energy pace that rarely dips.
  • Each track employs complex layering of basslines and synths, creating a dense soundscape that demands active listening.
  • The arrangement of the tracks showcases a progression in intensity, with the final track, Hammer, serving as a climactic conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • brief energetic listening bursts
  • invigorating movement and rhythm
  • front-loaded dynamic energy
  • immersive sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 3, 2017, Vantablack is Dirtyphonics' first EP since their debut album, From the Inside, in 2013. By this time, the French electronic group had established themselves within the drum and bass scene, known for their energetic live performances and genre-blending sound. This EP marks a return after a period of experimentation with new sounds and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors
Pendulum· Noisia· Sub Focus

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Vantablack 4:25
  • 2 Navigator 3:12
  • 3 Roam 1:09
  • 4 Sight of Your Soul 3:17
  • 5 Timbale 3:36
  • 6 Hammer 3:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata