Friction – ‘VS Volume 2’

Following on from last years well-received Volume 1 of his VS series, Friction is back for 2015 with this hotly anticipated second instalment.

In recent years, Friction has been a regular on 1Xtra’s D&B M1X Show, collaborated with the likes of Example and has also had his work praised Radio 1’s critically acclaimed, world-renowned DJ Zane Lowe. As well as this, Friction has also released a number of high profile remixes of tracks by the likes of Wretch 32, Childish Gambino and MK. This latest release (brought out through his Shogun Audio label) sees Brighton-based Friction deliver Volume 2 of the VS series, in the form of 2 slick D&B cuts, in which he collaborates with Icicle and Technimatic.

Of the two tracks on show in this release, the clear standout is ‘Floating Frames’. It’s a track of epic proportions and even from the very first listen, it’s clear that the producers (Friction and Technimatic) worked tirelessly to perfect this one. Floating Flames is a meticulously composed track with a blissful, enchanting air about it, helped to no end by its sting-led sound which at times manages to move the listener to a near melancholy state. This tracks exquisite combination of a portentous bassline and up tempo sound makes it an absolute home run.

VS Volume 2’s other track ‘Crucifix’ offers less to shout about than the A side. Don’t get me wrong, this track isn’t a bad one; it’s just that it’s not particularly great either. ‘Crucifix’ seems to lack the X-factor of Floating Frames’. After the track is over, it just doesn’t create the same feeling of longing which makes the listener want to hit replay. ‘Crucifix’ gives you everything you’d expect from a D&B track, but nothing more. It seems to go about its business rather unspectacularly, making sure it never ruffles any feathers along the way.

‘VS Volume 2; features one outstanding track and one ordinary track, making it a good release, which could even be considered disappointing. Friction can be happy in the sense that he’s given us a thoroughly listenable release here, but at the same time, he will perhaps regret that he wasn’t a little more daring with this one. Part of me wishes he’d have taken a risk and included a track with a little more flair than ‘Crucifix’, instead of taking the safe option. Perhaps using ‘Crucifix’ as filler in a three track release would have made more sense, as filler doesn’t really belong on a two track release.

To give us a two track release and play it safe with half of the offering makes me a little confused. If we’re only to get two tracks, it makes more sense to treat listeners to something truly emphatic, as the risk of being underwhelming is already a realistic one. The aforementioned being said however, ‘VS Volume 2’ is still worth a listen. I’m sure there will be much more to come from Friction in the near future and I have faith that a bulkier offering will be something to really shout about.

Take a listen to the SoundCloud preview below and pick up a pre-order of the release here (due out March 15th through Shogun Audio).

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