< Critical

Simula returns to Critical Music for his debut solo release; delivering four typically unabashed sonic monsters that smash the sub-genre conventions of drum & bass.

Having made his name with a unique style that sits somewhere between the playful simplicity of direct-to-dancefloor jump-up and more minimal, techier strains of the D&B spectrum, the variety presented on the ‘Salvo’ EP marks a further stride forward for Simula.

‘Venator’ is classic Simula with its relentless stepping drums punctuating a manic game of synthesiser call-and-response, while title track ‘Salvo’ brings serious drama as it alternates between hellish, wailing synths and heads down, low-end percussive workouts.

Rolling things back with some mid-90s nostalgia, ‘Oculus’ welds Simula’s trademark snarling bass licks and razor sharp snares with layers of vintage, breathy drum breaks and the occasional oscillating sub.

Finally, ’Melancholy’ featuring Catching Cairo brings moods to match the name - awash with sombre musicality and swooning soundscapes that subside for a strangely beautiful synth melody that, like Simula, is nothing but unique.