Sub Focus and Wilkinson enchant on debut collaborative LP, ‘Portals’
by: Jessica Mao
Oct 9, 2020
In their first-ever collaborative album, drum ‘n’ bass heavyweights Sub Focus and Wilkinson come together to deliver Portals. Preceded by three singles, “Just Hold On,” “Air I Breathe,” and “Illuminate,” the 11-track release is the culmination of a full month’s effort of writing and recording from the pair, who took to Peter Gabriel’s legendary Real World Studios for their creative process. Leaning into expansive approaches to the signature genre, Portals incorporates purposeful depth and introspective emotions into electronic structures.
Spanning vocal-centric productions, the album recruits the likes of Empara Mi, Cameron Hayes, PAWWS, and iiola for guest features. The project simultaneously sees Sub Focus and Wilkinson tread delicately on much of the track list, infusing regal and ambient qualities into crisp breakbeats as they explore more poignant, melodic instrumentation. Still, pockets of explosive energy can be found on Portals as well, with anthemic cuts like “Illuminate,” “Turn The Lights Off,” and “Time.”
Categories: Music