The NextMen - The Lions Den [Single]
 

The coming together of the Grime and Garage genres has caused quite an upheaval in the music world. The “street” sound has garnered much support in the UK and it is starting to stretch its influence outside of the United Kingdom and probably deservedly so.

The NextMen are otherwise known as Brad Baloo and Dom Search (not sure if they are aliases in themselves, Mr Baloo and Mr Search sounds a little funny, but then again the UK is a vastly multi-cultural space). A glance at their Myspace reveals that they are massively busy, with a jammed gig list. This is probably due to the fact that their live show consists of the two artists mastering 4 decks and two mixers. This is a realm that was otherwise only entered into by the most current Techno DJs. I , for one, would love to see how this transfers to the world of Grime / Garage / Dub / Dubstep so I will have to wait, eagerly, for them to tour Ireland.

'The Lions Den' is a very current sounding song, featuring a very “rootsy” Ms Dynamite larging up the “Ragga / Street” style, meshed with some very up to date Synth and Bass work. 'The Lions Den' combines the edgy vocal of Dynamite with the Zeitgeist that is wobbly bass along with some slow atmospheric pad sounds.

There is, in fairness an absolutely immense chorus. I do not fully understand why the chorus is so effective but it is. I am sure this has to do with chord progression, synth modulation and the impressive vocal range of Ms.Dynamite. Either way, the chorus is going to go down a storm, all over the UK, and I am sure it will be on many a Radio playlist.

'The Lions Den' features the customary “radio-edit” along with an extended version of the track that will probably be used more in the clubs. The extended track adds an arpeggiated synthesizer line, an even more wobbly bass and adds one more chorus section. I really like this song. I probably wouldn’t buy it, but I was glad to hear 'The Lions Den', for the chorus line if for nothing else. I am sure that at some time or another I will get the opportunity to see The NextMen in a live environment whether it be on television, radio or the internet.

After all, their sound is immensely “up to date”.