Chase & Status have been at the pinnacle of the UK bass scene for more than a decade, releasing records like End Credits, Time, and Blind Faith to audiences that reach far beyond their given genres. Following in the footsteps of iconic UK dance figures such as Goldie and The Prodigy, the pair have now achieved a level of recognition that finds them with hundreds of millions of plays across their tracks, and selling out shows to arena-sized crowds up and down the UK. Their latest studio album,
What Came Before, lands this month and like all their previous long players, finds that perfect balance between the uplifting nature of modern day D&B, and the authentic appeal of traditional jungle music. Whether you’re keen for dense hoover basslines and edgy breaks, or emotive toplines and airy liquid sounds, this one has you covered on all fronts. ‘Go’ supplies a steady stream of nostalgic dance synths, while ‘Over & Done’ and ‘Hold Your Ground’ provide energising, pop-tinged vocals from Pip Millett and Ethan Holt respectively, and ‘When It Rains’ takes things into a realm where BackRoad Gee’s UK rap meets grungy synth bass and chunky drum hits. There’s a long list of features elsewhere on the album too, with Takura, Popcaan, IRAH, and Unknown T also chipping in with their respective talents. It could be the best Chase & Status record since 2011’s No More Idols cemented the pairs place in British music history.
Where to start:
Don’t Be Scared: Heavy bassline rumbles and hair-raising vocal chants
Mixed Emotions: Liquid-tinged D&B anthem with an emotive topline
When It Rains: UK rap gem featuring enormous basslines and skippy breaks
Previous from Chase & Status:
No More Idols LP (2011, Mercury Records)
Brand New Machine LP (2013, Mercury Records)
If you like this then check out:
Sub Focus & Wilkinson – Portals LP (2020, Universal Music)
Netsky – Second Nature LP (2020, Hospital Records)
Chase & Status – What Came Before LP is out now on EMI.