Trevor Kelly — Midnight Express LP [ShadowTrix Music]

Trevor Kelly, head honcho of the rapidly growing ShadowTrix Music imprint and one of the West Coast’s most iconic underground badmen, is almost constantly on our radar. We had the privilege of premiering his previous album, Activated, last year and he’s only been honing his skills since then. Now, we come full circle and present you with his latest album: Midnight Express, the 12th release from STM.

Featuring 12 all-original tracks with appearances from Benjah Ninjah and Dylano, the album is a smorgasbord of low-end rhythms. The vibe here is deep and dark, with clear influences of jungle, grime, and drum & bass. Chunky, 808-laden bass-lines crash headlong into gritty synth stabs and aggressive, eclectic melodies. Dancehall and reggae vocal samples permeate the fog of sub-bass with messages of strength and positivity; a light in the darkness. Trevor certainly knows how to curate a proper atmosphere; each track contributes to the progression of the album stunningly while also managing to stand out on their own. Those half-time arrangements are reminiscent of Ivy Lab, and keep us coming back for more every time.

Midnight Express is available now via the STM Bandcamp; check out the full stream after the jump and be sure to grab a copy if you’re feeling the vibes!

TREVOR KELLY

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