Distance: Dubstep Allstars Vol. 08

Arguably, dubstep has not been around long enough to have established a sound that could be labeled “old school”. But if it has, Distance features old school dubstep on Dubstep Allstars Vol. 08. The London DJ eschews fast, flashy, drum’n’bass-inspired rhythms and pretty much does away with vocals. What’s left is deep, dark, near-industrial dub, slow-moving and thick. If it weren’t for the electronic effects and sub-bass, this could almost qualify as dub in the reggae sense. While it may put off those who expect a more wobbly, frenetic sound from their dubstep, Dubstep Allstars Vol. 08 gets at the core of a sound that influences more mainstream pop with each passing year.