One of our favorite gems of the experimental bass scene, Late Night Radio, recently released his new EP, titled “Nocturne.” If you haven’t already been a close follower of both […]
One of our favorite gems of the experimental bass scene, Late Night Radio, recently released his new EP, titled “Nocturne.” If you haven’t already been a close follower of both Late Night Radio and Philos Records, where the EP was released, now is your chance to jump in. Late Night Radio draws on a long lineage of musical inspirations, often shaping his music from jazz, hip-hop, and R&B samples. His niche artistic vision has turned heads in the electronic music realm, collaborating with other esteemed artists such as Daily Bread, SunSquabi, and Manic Focus. This EP marks a switch from his traditionally chill tracks, embarking into deeper realms.
The first track, “Late Night”, sets the stage. Opening with ethereal chimes and a looping 808, this track quickly morphs into a dark, driving bass masterclass. LNR lays down a freakish bass line to accompany the hypnotic vocals, taking us to a new creative space. “Late Night” gracefully incorporates the best of both his R&B stylings and his bass music production prowess.
“Shadows” continues this journey into the unknown. Lyricist extraordinaire ProbCause‘s vocals ripple through a puzzle of static drum pads. The repeated “trouble on my mind” mantra makes this track rude and nasty, but in all the best ways. LNR shows off his creative range with this tune, proving again he can take on any style.
Switching it up on track three, “Odds & Ends,” takes a pitstop back into the more ethereal and emotional sides of Late Night Radio’s repertoire. This track was released ahead of the EP as a single and has been a coveted first glimpse into this stage of his transformation. A pulsating bass flows through the hypnotic sound design, sending listeners further into the warm sonic nirvana.
“Mauve” is a mean but melancholy track that revolves around Jonah Cruzz‘s featured rap vocals. LNR laces high-end chimes and disjointed rhythms throughout the whirring bass line and the melodic leads pair effortlessly with Cruzz’s vocals. Once again, Late Night Radio shows his ability to “hopscotch” through various bass music sub-genres.
Wrapping up the masterful EP, LNR concludes with an inspiring tune titled “Plunge“. Sparse, subtle beats lead the droning synth melodies towards the drop. Each bar incorporates a new flavor of LNR’s endless sound designs. As if he is walking us all up to the summit of a mountain, the entrancing melody is the sunlight beyond the peak. We are met with pure bass-filled bliss; a picturesque, peaceful, serene moment suspended in time. The spectrum of string samples moves seamlessly into harmony with the sounds of nature, making this the perfect concluding track to the all-star EP.
As we revel in the rich sonic tapestry of Late Night Radio’s “Nocturne”, we eagerly encourage you to check him out live on his sixteen-date U.S. tour, alongside HIHF favorites like Tripp St. and DMVU. It will be my personal first time experiencing Late Night Radio live at the Arora Nightclub in New Orleans next week, and I am beyond stoked.
The “Nocturne” EP showcases Late Night Radio’s transformation into the deeper, bass-driven sides of production and also highlights his commitment to reflecting on personal struggle through his music. You know the drill! Let us know which track you are rocking with the most from this stellar EP, and where you will be catching Late Night Radio live in the comments below AND on our socials!
