Jeremy Sylvester’s return to the Shall Not Fade sister label Time Is Now for ‘The Lights’ EP is nothing short of a celebration of his musical legacy. As an artist who has been at the forefront of the UK Garage scene for over two decades, Sylvester’s name is synonymous with quality production, and this EP only further cements that reputation.
The Lights EP is a masterclass in the art of UK Garage, blending choppy breaks with basslines so deep they practically rattle your bones. From the very first track, you’re swept up in a whirlwind of infectious rhythms and dynamic energy. Each kick drum and snare crackles with the kind of precision only a seasoned producer like Jeremy Sylvester can deliver, effortlessly fusing the old-school sounds of Garage with a modern edge.
The standout feature of the EP is the way Sylvester masterfully uses bass warps. These aren’t just deep, rumbling basslines; they’re intricately layered, creating an almost hypnotic feel that pulls you deeper into the music. It’s a perfect balance of groove and aggression, with moments of tension and release that keep you engaged from start to finish.
‘The Lights’ opens the EP is it’s deep rolling bass lines, garage fx whirls and skipping percussion all tied with airy, electric organ chords. ‘Tings a Gwarn’ blows hard with its bulbous bass tones, dub-like vocal chops and silky smooth female ad-libs. ‘Falling’ is a classic UK garage sound with deep house nuances. The tension builds with high strings and tight punchy drums, layered with sax stabs, and delicate toy piano lines. Artist of the moment Soul Mass Transit System takes ‘The Light’ on a hyped journey to round off the EP. Increasing the tempo and bringing gritty bass lines, bouncy rhythms, and old-school rave energy, this is a peak time weapon.
Overall, ‘The Lights’ EP is a triumph, proving that Jeremy Sylvester remains at the top of his game after 20 years of influence and innovation. It’s an essential listen for fans of UK Garage, and for anyone who appreciates top-tier, bass-driven club music. Time Is Now has done it again, and Sylvester’s return to the fold is an EP that will be spinning in DJs’ sets for months to come.
‘The Lights’ EP is out on Shall Not Fade‘s sister label Time Is Now from December 6th, 2024. Pre order here.
