‘Typography’ the debut production album from N-Type, a name synonymous with early Dubstep sounds and beyond. N-Type started buying records in the early 90’s and loved the sounds of Jungle, Drum & Bass and Garage. When different strains of UK Garage started to emerge, N-Type’s influence and production followed the darker, 2 Step Garage and Grime route which fitted into the early Dubstep sound. N-Type’s production and DJ Sets have always been an amalgamation of the wide UK underground and this album is a reflection of that, from Reggae and Dub to Garage, Breaks, Grime, Jungle and Dubstep.
Typography kicks off in the familiar Dubstep zone with a selection of previously unreleased Dubplate’s that lead to the creation of the album. The tracks are deep and minimal, rich in the bass and space ethic that Dubstep was built on but with sounds leaning towards Dub and Hip Hop. N-Type reflects he likes to call sounds such as the intro track BUBBLE ‘Hop Step’ due to their Hip Hop influenced sampling and groove. BUBBLE sets the scene for what is to come in the album, stating ‘The trip will do you good!’.
As the album progresses, N-Type’s collaboration tracks begin, the first being ‘Insomniac’ a collaboration with LOST that delivers a minimal yet powerful blend of sub-bass pressure, stripped-back energy and thick analog sound. The sub heavy, Tech - Roll out ‘ETERNAL BEINGS’ with YOUNGSTA and BOYLAN that has been doing the work in the clubs and festivals this year. Dancefloor smash ‘RAVAGE’ with American Dubstepper’s CØNTRA & LAZY K was written whilst on tour in the USA and one of N-Type’s favourite tracks on the album. ‘DON’T BE AFRAID’ a collaboration with KROMESTAR, SGT POKES & BREEZY LEE is a Trip Hop style Dubstep track that is the perfect example of familiar sounds but with forward thinking. All the collaborations on the album are special to N-Type as these are some of his favourite artists to work with and their collaborative tracks merge their retrospective genres.
The vocal offerings on the album came from a mixture of Garage, Funky, Grime and UK Rap MC’s. The blending of Dubstep with these genres is something N-Type has always liked to do. ‘MORE TIME’ with UK Rapper EKLIPSE, blends Hip Hop drums with distorted D&B bass lines and thick Dub sub resulting in a signature N-Type sound. ’TOO BADMIND’ with MC DONI RAMPAGE kicks off a Grimey Trap intro, dropping into a Half step tearing bassline, whilst DONI’S flow darts between the beats with furious effect. Another MC N-Type had always wanted to work with is GRIM SICKERS who recorded and toured with one of his favourite bands THE STREETS. SICKERS lays down some serious bars on ’Top Of The Map’ in his signature style on another bass heavy USA / UK Collab with LAZY K.
The album wraps up with a lost plate ‘METERS’ featuring FATTY BASSMAN (PENGSHUI and OUTLOOK ORCHESTRA). This track perfectly ends the album in fine style with a Liquid-esc, breakbeat style Dubstep track leaving a suggestion of what vibes to expect from N-Type in the years to come.
Typography pays homage to N-Type’s roots but pushes the boundaries with an ever evolving sound.
A big thank you to graphic artists NEIL DAVIES, MATT BAYFIELD, and videographer RAJABONGO who together visualised the album and LOST who mixed the majority of the album and mastered the full project, ensuring a consistent finish.
