For Denver-based producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Contra Scandal, it was high time that Ezra Arensen got back to his dubstep roots. After releasing on Spicybois, Subciety, and Gravitas with his worldly Eastern-influenced debut LP, Full Circle, the artist found himself more recently embracing uplifting hip-hop lyricism, massive synths, and full-bodied basslines in the bpm of 140. Armed with a deep dub style in 2022, what better place to find a home for this sound design than on Street Ritual.

For his upcoming Panther EP, out this spring, Contra Scandal now begins rolling out the seven-track project with “Muddle,” which CE is thrilled to be premiering exclusively today, February 25. Influenced by the roots of early dub and by the pioneers of contemporary bass music, this 4-minute heavy hitter comes armed with saucy low tempo, tripped out vocal samples, ominous low ends, and more surprises around every corner.

While “Muddle” clocks in as the EP’s first track, providing the perfect groundwork for a collection of dark 140bpm tracks, Arensen actually reveals he built his Panther EP around it’s leading track: “‘Panther’ was the first tune I cranked out, summarizing the sound I was going for, and the rest of the tracks built off of that vibe,” he told CE.

“These collection of songs fall on the darker side of things. I went back to my dubstep roots with this one, as every track is 140bpm. Seven tracks featuring violin and vocal work. Expect the full release on 3/8.”

– Contra Scandal

Contra Scandal has spent more than a decade refining his electronic production and developing his own interpretation of dub music colored by the sounds of the world, making Panther a brilliant showcase of the myriad influences at play in the electronic music styles of today and tomorrow. Bridging the fierce with the melodic, Contra Scandal will take bass music aficionados on a journey through high-fidelity sound design in the Panther EP.

Fans can Pre-save the project on Spotify now, ahead of its March 8 release via Street Ritual. In the meantime, stream Contra Scandal’s “Muddle” below.

Contra Scandal – Muddle [Conscious Electronic Premiere]

Panther Tracklist:

1. Contra Scandal – Muddle
2. Contra Scandal – Stanky Rank
3. Contra Scandal – Cloud 9
4. Contra Scandal – Zonia
5. Contra Scandal – Panther
6. Contra Scandal – In The Making
7. Contra Scandal – Infinity

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