Dutch trio Noisia have been one of biggest influencers in the game. Known for their razor sharp production techniques and monstrous DJ sets, Noisia have been the most profile acts to emerge in the last decades.
Their unique approach to sound design and use of breakbeat styles are hallmarks of their signature sound. Since they formed in 2003 they’ve released on Skrillex’s OWSLA, deadmau5’s Mau5trap and Jay-Z’s Rocnation as well as soundtracking and producing across many other projects. Known for their attention to detail, their sound is a unique combination of detailed programming and layering, powerful drums and drops.
Last summer, Noisia released their second studio album, ‘Outer Edges’. The album became one of the standout artist releases of 2016, earning them 3 awards at the Drum and Bass Arena Awards (Best Producer, Best Album with ‘Outer Edges’ & best video with ‘Mantra’), ‘Best Album’ at the UK Drum And Bass Awards, and contributed towards them receiving the Beatport award for ‘Best-Selling Drum & Bass Artist’.
‘Outer Edges was followed by the ‘Outer Edges Remixes’ album. Released on 7 April, the compilation brings together remixes of from the likes of Bassnectar, Ivy Lab, Machinedrum, Amon Tobin, Camo & Krooked, Mat Zo, Dyro, The Upbeats, and more.
LISTEN: Top 5 remixes from Noisia’s ‘Outer Edges (Remixes Album)
The album and the remix album exemplified Noisia’s music tastes and why they are regarded as one of the best trios in the electronic music spectrum. For a career spanning over a decade, Noisia have given us some of the intriguing and intense tunes over the years. They have explored a wide range of styles and techniques; they have made us chew our faces with their tunes. We take a look at the unpatrolled Noisia evolution and pick some of our favourite Noisia tunes.
Noisia – Block Control
Released in 2005 on the famous Moving Shadow, this tune put Noisia’s name on the world map. Another well produced monster complemented quite well by a catchy DMX vocal sample, ‘Block Control’ is next level gangsterly.
Noisia – Stigma
When ‘Stigma’ was released, it was ALL over DJ sets. No matter what sub-genre of drum & bass DJs were playing, they still found a place to squeeze “Stigma” into their sets. Bringing back the 90s hardcore synth riff and the giant winding bass on the drop, this is some next-level neurofunk with tons of personality. Lots of growling bass, frantic keys, energy out the fucking frame.
Noisia & The Upbeats – Dustup
One of many collabs with New Zealand’s kings of drum & bass, ‘Dustup’ by far the standout Noisia collab. The tune is a massive wall of neurofunk what is interesting is the way it’s done. Surprisingly simple yet so effective. Proper mid set banger.
Noisia – Incessant
‘Incessant’ displays the evolution of the Noisia sound. Supremely sophisticated production techniques, with the bell-like synth stab that carries the entire tune, Noisia took that sound and managed to evolve it into an epic riff. Signature growling bass edits, and you have yourself another modern drum & bass classic.
Noisia, Mefjus & Hybris – Reptilians
Not your everyday mundane collab. Noisia teamed up with Mefjus and Hybris to give us yet another monster. It leans on a bizarre vocal sample regarding the intelligence of the class of reptiles, pondering the domestication levels of dinosaurs on earth. Sounds weird cause it is, but it also somehow feels right once you hear the T-Rex-sized quakes and perilous synth bass snarls that comprise this menacing tune. The second drop might eat you up.
Hybrid – Power Curve (Noisia Driveclub Remix)
Another sweat inducing Noisia tune, the adrenaline-fueled remix of Hybrid’s already audacious ‘Power Curve’ is a proper game soundtrack. Another crisp neurofunk roller.
Noisia & The Upbeats – Dead Limit
One of the BIGGEST Noisia tunes EVER. ‘Dead Limit’ has ripped dance floors around the world. The track epitomizes the raw nature of the collaboration, diving deep into the low frequencies and speeding through a dizzying number of breaks. But it’s Dead Limit’s jagged mid-bass lead that delivers unadulterated aggression, climbing to anxiety-inducing peaks. Massacre.
Noisia – Mantra
Noisia’s music video for “Mantra,” off the trio’s latest album Outer Edges, tries to humanize the refugee tale for viewers around the world. Directed by Sil van der Woerd, the clip features real refugees from Afghanistan, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria. According to the director’s notes, some of these refugees spent a week in open water without enough supplies. It’s a heart-wrenching video that finds compelling beauty in the obscene.
Also read: Our favourite music videos from the whacky yet intricate audio-visual world of Noisia.
