Veteran production duo BARELY ALIVE are capping off the year with a bang.
Their new EP ‘Casket Case’ arrives on Bassrush Records and showcases their decade-plus experience and signature sound. Blending ‘80s synth-wave influences with heavy-hitting dubstep, the four-track effort reminds fans that they continue to get better with time. The release follows the recent lead single “Headshot” alongside rapper Mikey Caeser and sets the stage for their upcoming ‘BETTER OFF DEAD’ Tour in 2024.
Leading the charge comes the massive opener “Big Ivan.” The opening melody is grandiose and nostalgic, creating an anthemic energy from the outset. As the drums hit, the scene shifts into an alarm-like countdown that’s equal parts mysterious and pulse-raising. Rugged ragga vocals give way to a blistering assault of brutish low-end, industrial-inspired sound design, and a merciless edge. The pair offer a brief break from the destruction as the track continues to ratchet up before exploding once more into a beastly bout of pure destruction. “Big Ivan” drifts off with an ominous outro and playful cartoony spring sample that completely resets the energy.
“Headshot” is an innovative banger unlike any other. BARELY ALIVE crafts a jazzy synth wave soundbed that’s blustery and sparkling. Mikey Ceaser skates over the laidback backing with scene-stealing swagger and an effortless flow. As the namesake vocals play on a loop, the track switches to a more sinister sound. The pitched-down pre-drop bars are grim, perfectly giving way to the impending dubstep annihilation. Growling sub-bass, rapid-fire percussion, and wailing laser-punctuated sequences collide for a bloodthirsty industrial explosion. The familiar vocals and airy melodies wander in to bring a more organic balance before being obliterated once more. Creeping back in like a dream comes the sun-soaked ‘80s-infused sound with Ceaser’s smooth raps providing a care-free close to the wild ride that is “Headshot.”
Joining forces with North Carolina dubstep producer beastboi., the trio catapults the affair “Sky High.” Retro synth riffs dance over angelic vocals and hazy atmospherics for an upbeat wave of bliss. Ramping up the intensity, the first drop balances the smooth vocal tones and ‘80s style synths against blistering percussion and gritty low-end. The ever-evolving work sees the namesake vocals looped before a glitchy break descends listeners into a world filled with brain-bending sound design and slabs of savage bottom-end. “Sky High” teeters between playful hints of catchy nostalgia and experimental futuristic flourishes, leading to a rambunctious floor-filler that’ll have heads coming back for more.
“Double Dare” is built around an uneasy yet enticing dissonant melody. The foreboding feeling is underscored by a devilish allure that can’t be ignored. A vocal sweeps into focus, upping the intensity and driving the track forward to “keep the crowd pumping.” They do just that with a destructive dubstep drop, which is intensified by screaming layers and thrashing percussion. Just when it seems like “Double Dare” can be figured out, it shifts to a whole new beast, erupting with a pounding hard techno switch-up that will set stages ablaze. It’s a massive festival anthem that’s set to become a certified rail-breaker.
Massachusetts-bred and Long Beach-based, BARELY ALIVE are the definition of staples in the dubstep and bass scene. Their extensive discography boasts two full-length albums and collaborations alongside Virtual Riot, Getter, 12th Planet, and more. Their in-demand sound has also landed official remixes for superstars such as Excision, Zomboy, DJ Snake, and Eptic. The pair have a massive year ahead with their impending ‘BETTER OFF DEAD’ Tour set for 2024.
‘Casket Case’ is fresh, inventive, and explosive, the four-track offering serves as yet another not-so-subtle reminder of why BARELY ALIVE are at the precipice of the dubstep scene.
BARELY ALIVE’s new EP ‘CASKET CASE’ is available on all platforms via Bassrush Records.
