Stream Cruelty on Spotify
Dutch producer Inova employs a slick range of sounds in “Cruelty” spanning darker, heavier music, and enervating, uplifting melodies. The EP as a whole continues the intriguing gravitas of Inova’s music, and while it sticks well within the confines of drum & bass and future house, it does it well.
The seven track EP is a pretty solid ride, sticking to generally fast BPMs throughout. There is a mood present that conveys something deep, heavy on the horizon of great importance. “Cruelty” shines in the varied ways it delivers this message and the subsequent feels.
Take the intro track named after the EP itself. Opening with beautiful violins and bells, it builds up an atmosphere of massive energy. The choral chanting adds to this as twinkling chords give way to a massive drop.
Echoing chants continue going into Brave accented by bursts of thunder and a very addictive hook and drop. My personal favorite, Burst, is full of high energy drops and streams of futuristic synths.
One of the most interesting cuts, Lift Me Up, breaks away from the sort of darker moods and sound and flips them upside down. This is the album’s bright and bouncy track, with a speedy drum & bass drop, soothing vocals and relaxing shamisen-sounding chords.
There are moments where the songs seem to blend. Both “Grime” and “Paradise” came off to me as a bit generic, with “Paradise” being the better of the two. “Cruelty” closes out with “Dedication” which gets back to a more dance centric space, but still with heavy atmosphere and some very nice vocal chops.
Cruelty is a great listen for fans of Inova and future house/bass music with some great “pump-up” tunes, that also feel worthwhile and moving.
Check out more from Inova:
Soundcloud
Instagram
Spotify
LUMiNOUS Musings 