BENDA and Fourfive’s latest release, LEANGUT, lands with the kind of physical weight that defines contemporary festival dubstep while still carving out its own tonal identity. Released via Bassrush Records, the track feels engineered for large systems and open-air stages, yet it retains a precision in its arrangement that rewards close listening. It is a focused, tightly constructed piece—lean in length perhaps, but not in impact.
From the opening bars, the rhythmic framework establishes a sense of controlled tension. The intro moves with a sparse, almost restrained pulse, allowing low-end textures to flicker at the edges before the first full drop asserts itself. When it does, the percussion snaps into place with mechanical clarity. The kick and snare pattern—classic dubstep in structure—anchors the chaos, but there is nuance in the syncopation. Ghost hits and clipped hi-hats add forward motion, creating a rolling cadence rather than a simple headbang cue. The groove feels deliberate, built to trigger movement without overwhelming the listener in pure noise.
The synth design is where LEANGUT reveals its sharpest edges. Metallic midrange growls twist and recoil across the stereo field, punctuated by abrupt filter movements and pitch modulation. The bass patches carry a serrated texture, but they are not static; they morph subtly across each eight-bar phrase, preventing repetition from dulling the impact. There’s a sense of dialogue between layers—one synth snarls while another answers with a distorted, almost percussive stab. The result is dense but readable, aggressive yet controlled.
Atmospherically, the track leans into darkness without losing clarity. There’s a tension in the air—an industrial haze that hangs behind the drop—balanced by moments of space in the breakdown. Those quieter passages are not merely transitions; they reset the ear, letting sub-bass rumbles and distant tonal sweeps build anticipation again. It’s a push and pull dynamic that mirrors the live festival experience, where anticipation is as crucial as the drop itself.
For BENDA, the Miami-based Israeli producer who has shared stages with heavyweights like Borgore and Sullivan King at events such as EDC Las Vegas and Lost Lands, LEANGUT reinforces a trajectory already steeped in high-impact bass music. Fourfive’s contribution sharpens the collaborative edge, resulting in a release that feels cohesive rather than stitched together.
As a statement on Bassrush Records, LEANGUT stands as a high-quality addition to the current dubstep circuit—precise in rhythm, bold in sound design, and atmospherically charged. It is the kind of record that translates seamlessly from headphones to mainstage, a testament to craftsmanship as much as sheer force.