The single “Baka” released today by Oryous is a sporadic piece of sampling with some exquisite thought put behind it’s structuring.
Beginning with a sample that sounds similar to what we’ve heard in the early 2010’s from UKF Dubstep artists or deadmau5, the sounds are easily distinguishable between the disparities of breakcore and dubstep in the way that they shape the song. Unlike (paste dubstep song here), the sample is not using itself to hype up a drop to let you down later on – without any frame of reference to the sample. The structure of “Baka” builds upon the sample of the song rather carefully, every step being rhythmically structured around the opening sample. In this case, the sample is used in a rather clever way that provides substance as opposed to simple filler that we’re so used to hearing in said case of previously mentioned dubstep, or even modern house music.
The opening vocal sample supported by distant percussion noise on accented beats, along with some chords that sound like they’re coming from a MIDI really shows the build-up that is yet to come. Nothing about the percussion or chords necessarily change, albeit more fuzz is noticeable it’s quite clear what Oryous is going for. Around the one minute mark we are introduced to an extended part of the sample, the female harmony making a rhythmic structure rather than singing actual lyrics. And now we’ve got something that Oryous can really work with here. A full blown breakcore beat breaks out behind this sample supporting given rythmic structure; Sounding like something that could fit right into a Venetian Snares or Igorrr song. Carrying on for about seven measures, we’re then introduced to the real meat and potatoes of the track. More background flair and noise are added to the track – prime example being that there’s what sounds like a squeak toy popping up here and there. The synth chords are fleshed out yet again, and we can hear a subtle bass melody supporting the chords.
The same patterns follows for about two minutes, not losing any interest value or character to it. As the vocal melody begins to switch out after it’s familiarity kicks in, the beat and backing melody mainly stay consistent although taking a few breaks here and there depending on the sample’s rhythm. When the breakcore beat cuts, we still hear the same chords and percussive noise that was brought to us before the one minute mark wondering what comes next. As the track ends we are brought with essentially a mini-fuzz/noise wall, all leading to just suddenly fade into a cut.
The usage of a sample in this song is important due to it’s characteristic of what most modern artists cannot do: Stay consistent. The song relies on the sample in the most genuine way, without going off pace or sounding out of place at any point in the track. There were plenty of artists who were masters at this during the late-90s to early 2000’s: Aphex Twin, u-Ziq Squarepusher, Drumcorps. etc. The listener can really only hope to expect more of this style from Oryous within the near future, due to it’s innovation and excitement factor that music fans have been in drought of for many years now.
