San Francisco producer Lorin Ashton - aka Bassnectar - describes his music as "omni-tempo maximalism". We're not sure what that's supposed to mean, but don't let the confusion put you off listening to his new album, Cozza Frenzy, which is an infectious blend of musical styles, held together by an affection for distorted electro bass and a love for party-starting vocal samples.

If you had to describe Bassnectar in terms of genres, you'd probably plump for a hybrid of dubstep and electro. The music features the kind of half-time stomp you get with dance-floor dubstep tracks, but it also has a cheeky freshness that leans towards electro house. Cheeky is the operative word here. We're talking massive wobble basslines and brash synthesisers reminiscent of 1980s-era electronica. Most of the album is full-rinse-out stuff, but whereas so much dancefloor dubstep from the UK likes to cultivate a certain 'badboy' image, Bassnectar is all about the party rhythms.

So what's the story behind Bassnectar? Firstly, Ashton is keen to point out that it's not a one-man outfit. The "experiment" he started in the mid-1990s is now something of a communal project, drawing in MCs, musicians and DJs, as well as graffiti artists and video DJs. In fact, Bassnectar often manages to pack the stage with up to 20 performers of various descriptions during his live shows.

Though he denies sole ownership of the "multi-faced creature" called Bassnectar, Ashton is certainly key to its existence. His distinctive long-haired appearance – Ashton looks like, and indeed is, a Metallica fan – is what many ravers will remember from his shows. These have ranged from dates across the US - Ashton is currently midway through a 30-date tour in his home country - to festivals further afield, including the UK's own Shambhala.

The project began, in Ashton's words, as an attempt at "fusing youth culture and social action". It has grown to encompass a range of musical styles, always underpinned by that wobbling, bouncy and occasionally "perverted" bass. It's got wiggle, it's got instant appeal, and it's delivered by a fun-loving crew who cite influences as diverse as Simon & Garfunkel and Mr Oizo. We're definitely enjoying Bassnectar here at Knowledge, but if you need more persuading, perhaps the best description of Bassnectar is from Ashton himself: "I guess Bassnectar is an amalgamation of every sound I've ever heard, mixed with ultra-wicked basslines."

 

 

• Bassnectar

Related Links:

• Free Bassnectar Mix
• Give Em Props
• Ringo's Swarf Pot Compilation
• Download A Free Dubstep Mashup Track
• Unique Artists Release Compilation

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