Tom Talks #10: Dimension-Organ Review (A blistering debut, ready for festival season)

 

Hello folks and welcome back to Tom Talks! The topic of discussion today is the new album from Dimension and our first electronic music review: 'Organ.' Dimension has been one of the hottest D'n'B artists in the UK for the last half a decade, who I first came across when I saw him support Chase & Status back in 2015 and for his viral hit 'Whip Slap.' He's an artist who's clearly been influenced by the likes of Sub Focus and the aforementioned Chase & Status, but when you hear that 'bum-ba-bum-ba-bum-ba,' you know it's a Dimension track.

His exposure grew with releases like 'UK' and 'Raver,' alongside the 9 singles he's released from this project since 2018. From these previews, I expected a solid record that would deliver bangers and maybe a few surprises and on that front this delivers that and a little bit more.

The LP begins with 'Saviour,' a nighttime banger that kicks off the project in style, despite being a single released almost a year ago. (this album's been a long time coming!) The vocals from Sharlene Hector are melodic, yet also quite sinister and add to this after dark feel, as she discusses that the rhythm will save her from someone who is after her. The rising horns lead to this euphoric feeling, creating a big tune that captures the attention of the listener.

We then get one of the more recent singles in 'Alive' which goes more down the uplifting anthem route, which mixes the melodic delivery of Poppy Baskcomb alongside this robotic organ sound and metallic whirring as the chorus kicks in. It sounds like a Dimension track and it's certainly one for festival season. 

'Danger' with MC GQ (who brings a very old school Garage attitude), mixes it up with a more heavy production, created by this intensity from a sound similar to a drill on a construction sound. So make sure to get the ear muffs on, because this one is big, boisterous and bloody brilliant, which I definitely could have seen on Chase & Status' debut album if it was released today.

'Devotion' was by far one of my favourite singles from the album, with the cut and pasted vocals layered over one another, alongside this great production, that gives me 'No Problem' by Chase & Status vibes. Even after 2 years, this one still hits and I will definitely be looking forward to this one blaring out the speakers at the raves.

After 4 familiar singles, we finally get our first taste of new music with 'Psycho,' a slower, but still intense number with a more Dubstep influenced sound, but still keeping with the Drum and Bass theme. The sounds of this track feel creepy, like someone is breathing down your neck, giving off this horror vibe. This is especially the case with what sounds like a Waterphone before the drop kicks in, which is an instrument used mainly in Horror films. Certainly a unique track and exactly what I wanted this album to do...surprise me!

We then move in a more calmer direction with 'Remedy,' which features TS Graye, an artist I previously interviewed at university. Her dulcet tones, fit well with the loud claps, making this perfect for the live shows and certainly a remedy for the boredom of lockdown.

The big shock of the album is 'UK Border Patrol,' in my mind the first political Rave track from this artist. It's samples of people protesting, people giving their views on foreigners and an officer telling someone they cannot come in, match the conflicting attitudes of Brexit and the tighter borders created, as a result of this event. The melancholic, chilled IDM beat, matches the depressing mood of the consequences of this political decision, showing the divide it has created in society and the negative effect it has had on the lives of many. It's unique for Dimension and not what I expected, so fair play to the lad.

Following this we move back to the wobblers, with 'Organ' feeling like a more bouncy version of his track 'If You Want To.' It's not unique like the prior track, but it still slaps and is yet another solid hit on the album. 'Altar' is next up, with this sinister rising sound at the start like it's something you would hear at a rave inspired opera, with the ferocity on this one furthered by the French vocals, the rising horns and metallic whirring. A truly phenomenal banger that really gets the blood pumping. (who needs drugs, when you've got tunes like this!)

Our first collaboration, a team up with Culture Shock on 'Love To Give,' gives us a more melodious sound in comparison to Dimension's gritty, metallic production. This one feels like it's trying to reach the charts and did give me mainstream Sub Focus vibes and it felt like it would have had more success in the early 2010s. More Sub Focus worship, in particular 'Turn Back Time' can be found on 'Domino' with it's fiery rising sirens throughout the song. The vocals on this one remind me of a raw Mr. Hudson, with a more slowed down, metal like ding to this Dubstep/D'n'B tune.

'Offender' has an exhilarating, anthemic sound with it's mix of EDM, alongside the production you know and love from this man. This was a big single and it definitely feels like something that will blow away the crowd at Tomorrowland. We then get the legendary Liam Bailey on 'Lord's Prayer,' who most famously featured on 'Blind Faith,' one of the biggest Drum and Bass tracks of all time. He sounds a lot more mellow then on that anthem, fitting well with the smooth production, leading to the most chilled song on the album.

The weakest point on the project comes in the form of 'Plus Minus,' with the average background vocals which are very similar to Sharlene Hector on 'Devotion.' The beat is solid, yet not memorable with it's bouncing 'boop' keys and just feels like your average Dimension track. 'Desire' with Sub Focus is still an absolute slapper, with both artists complimenting each other very well. The track is three years old and feels like it was put on the LP as it's the biggest hit for Dimension, but it's a nice reminder of a festival anthem from the pre CO-VID times.

The album concludes with 'Sensory Division,' with these quiet, haunting vocals over this booming beat, with it's melodic piano keys and whirring in the background. The words "You'll be coming back again," show the confidence that the producer has that people will listen to this project again and again. To be honest you can't argue with that sentiment and it's a great closer to a pretty amazing record.

I'm not gonna lie, I was quite impressed with this album and it did throw a few curveballs in there like 'UK Border Patrol,' which really show the experimentation and versatility in Dimension's music. The bangers and anthems range from the enthralling 'Psycho' to the kind of average 'Plus Minus,' while having heard 9 singles beforehand, it ruined the surprise of many a track. He may wear his influences on some songs, but Dimension is his own man and has made a fairly unique project. Overall, a fantastic debut from one of the hottest artists in Drum and Bass and the Rave scene in general, and I can't wait to hear these bangers over the summer.

8.5/10

Thank you for reading this review and remember to comment your thoughts. See you later folks and stay tuned for another Tom Talks!