81/100
Radiology completely surprised their fanbase with this release, but we actually loved “Phobia”. Just like any other Dharma release, it has a unique personality, and in addition, it’s a massive electro house banger with major trap influences!
There are no ethnic vocals, but rather a reggaeish vocal that didn’t completely convince us (it’s an overused choice nowadays), but fits incredibly well with the base! Actually, it may be the most logical approach for “Phobia”, even though a spooky distorted voice could have been a creative and interesting idea (take for an example “The Spook” by KSHMR, Dharma’s owner). Anyway, let’s stop being picky and analyze this beautiful release!
We were particularly amazed by the “Phobia” drop. The progressive style of Radiology, the classic signature sound we are used to loving, is absent, but the bass house style bassline along with drums following a trap styled rhythm add the unexpected spiciness we adore. That’s a complete surprise, but don’t worry Radiology fans, there is some classic progressive influence in the break!
In fact, it has a brass-like instrument that lends an orchestral ‘creepy’ vibe to the track. It is shortly followed by the reggaeish vocal, emulating a kind of dark magic chant vibe, increasing the tension. Up next we have a brief build up and then the drop, which we’d focus on now.
The drop has a genial structure, there is a ‘stab’, a section that builds the tension, another stab and then it unleashes the frenzy of its warped bassline, this accurately depicts “Fear getting over you” as the title suggests – Phobia. The vibrant bassline is clearly progressive, together with that filling lead that shows an unusual delicate mood for that genre. We don’t know how, but Radiology managed to insert some progressive sounds in such a different production!
In conclusion, “Phobia” is excellent on the technical side though it doesn’t completely justify the ‘fear-factor’ we expected. The combination of trap-electro house is not new on the scene, but Radiology brought it to a new direction, inserting energetic signature progressive sounds and dropping one of the best Dharma releases ever. Congratulations to Radiology!
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