Prolix’s Trendkill Records took a bit of a pause in 2021 after the label boss’s Pushed EP and ‘Ready’ single. Prolix has been gigging nonstop since the lockdown lifted, however, so there’s been no shortage of metal-infused grinders on the live circuit. Similarly, Opsen has been a bit quieter since 2021 but that’s understandable, considering Burr Oak, his wildly popular collab project with The Clamps, has kept him more than busy. Now these two major neuro talents are coming together to fill a gap that’s been seriously lacking, as the eagerly anticipated Opsen Give Them Hell mini EP has finally dropped on Trendkill.
If audiences expect ‘Give Them Hell’ or its b-side ‘Burning Blossom’ to sound anything like a Burr Oak offering, they will be surprised by these two tracks. First of all, both tracks have a heavy dose of 4×4, with ‘Give Them Hell’ being comprised of nearly a third heavy gabber or 174 techno. Whilst not a novel concept to toggle back and forth between D&B and 4×4, it’s not often seen in neurofunk and hard drum & bass. It’s also something we haven’t seen much of, if any, from Burr Oak or Opsen thus far. These also just happen to be amongst the best 4×4-to-D&B transitions put to the grid thus far. Where most artists will just cut off one and move to the other or put in a little rewind or other stop gap, Opsen actually mixes them down so smoothly most won’t even notice the transition until their brains catch up with their dance tempo.
Also seemingly unique for a member of Burr Oak but not so much to Trendkill, ‘Give Them Hell’ has a number of metal and rock elements as well as some MC samples. In both the intro and breaks, guitars and a sort of black metal/screamo vocal announce the 4×4 beat. The rap verses are laid the track to give emphasis to certain areas. It sounds like it might feel busy, but the way Opsen has composed the track, there is not only plenty of space for all these elements but they merge together to create a cohesive, if extremely fiery, track that will bring most dancefloors to their knees.
‘Burning Blossom’ is equally tough and heavy, but with a bit more melody under the scorching bass. Also an instant classic, Burr Oak fans will hear lashings of the group in this one but it’s clear Opsen is also happy to have the freedom to add in those techno touches. The two tracks compliment each other nicely and will definitely be making the rounds in the fall gig season. Trendkill picked a hell of a time to come back and a hell of a release to do it with, but we’re glad they’ve done it. Neuro fans can look forward to Trendkill shaking up the hard D&B scene once more and living up to its name by killing the current trends.
‘Give Them Hell’ and ‘Burning Blossom’ are out today and can be streamed on Spotify or purchased on Beatport.