censor: excise [snsr]

Censor has topped the ranks of emerging artists that aim to dissolve the barriers between drum & bass and other varied musical forms while redefining these musical styles in the process. The debut release "Empire Holds Down" is a stunning testament to this new brand of musical hybridization. Censor goes a step further than most bands working with the breakbeat / drum & bass hybridization genre. His sound reflects mixed inspirations ranging from Juno Reactor, Atari Teenage Riot, Panacea, The Prodigy, Robert Miles, early Metallica, The Mars Volta, Dvorak, to even soundtrack compositions. His talent for producing insane rhythms is surpassed only by his intent ear for truly beautiful melodies and complex orchestral moments. Taking nods from industry luminaries, he also leaves a truly original mark on the minds of listeners with his violent yet intensely beautiful songwriting. The music is gritty, original, yet, with a potent rockabilly flare it unexpectedly transforms into something more sensual. Touted by many, he is seen as the next titan of dark electronics.

The man behind Censor is no stranger or newcomer to music either. Raised by parents who were part of a successful touring band from Europe named Bez Atu, music was already present in the home front. He started DJing at the age of sixteen. Playing large scale venues, raves, and residency spots under different aliases, Censor was a strong participant in the states side electronic scene. During the earlier years, many places needed to sneak him through the backdoor - but his talents were already recognized early on. His faith in his skills was strong enough that he entered several turntablist competitions with credible performances and commanded the audience with top winnings. But the move from DJing to producing came with the purchase of his first Roland SP-808. From that point on, producing a new breed of drum & bass became his dominant passion. That passion came to fruition with his debut album, Empire Holds Down, released on Hive Records. Within only a few short weeks of its release, the album with its harsh and powerful imagery immediately captured the attention of the dark drum & bass scene and the popular electronic music community lead by such acts as the Chemical Brothers, Propellerheads, and Aphex Twin. The first stand-out track "Cambodia” has a compelling two-minute intro of foreboding tension that culminates with the well-chosen sample “I like these calm little moments before the storm”. The remaining five minutes pummel you with fits of beats, aggressive hooks, bass and keys. “Fleeting” has a haunting choral synth melody that lures with promises of unblemished exquisiteness. Perfectly following is the brilliant title track that kicks you in the chest with its layers of intricate rhythm and orchestral sonic energy. After working with the likes of DJ Hidden, Panacea, Lenny Dee, Needle-Sharing, Retnah and many more eclectic artists, Censor has stepped under the international spotlight of what has been described as an artist that deserves to be watched and experienced. Subsequent releases are currently in the works.

[Brian Clarkson]

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