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Tag Archives: Nero

Nero discuss their new album and launch a game

For anyone who has yet to experience the awesome “Welcome to Reality” then you should do so as soon as possible. And to entice you along, check out the Nero boys discussing the album in the video below, or play the album preview video game via the Nero Facebook page – it’s a retro beat ‘em up.

You can also catch Nero live in October in the UK:

Saturday October 8th – Manchester Warehouse Project
Sunday October 9th – Nottingham Rock City
Tuesday 11th October – Sheffield Fusion & Foundry
Wednesday October 12th – Newcastle, o2 Academy
Thursday 13th October – University of Plymouth, Covert
Friday 14th October – Birmingham, HMV Institute
Saturday October 15th – Liverpool, The Masque
Tuesday October 18th – London, Electric Ballroom
Thursday October 20th – Derby, Assembly Rooms
Saturday October 22nd – Bournemouth, o2 Academy

Beatzbase Recommended Album: Nero “Welcome Reality”

What a week for Nero (aka Dan Stephens and Joe Ray): New album “Welcome Reality” released and the single “Promises” makes it straight to number one in the UK Singles Chart (and I mean the SINGLES chart – not the dance singles chart (although obviously they’re there too!)) – who’d have thought, a proper dubstep track in the UK Singles Chart, let alone at number 1 (and with DJ Fresh in the top 10 with “Louder” as well! Things are looking up!).

Ever since I’d heard that Nero had signed to Chase & Status’s Mta label and that a debut album was coming, I’ve been eagerly awaiting “Welcome Reality”.

Thankfully, it’s not failed to disappoint – more dubstep than drum & bass, some hard and dark, some so obviously Nero tracks. And there’s the occasional odd track which breaks the mould a little.

The dilemma I had though was what to buy – whilst Amazon had a bonus track offering (the Hesper Muze remix of Innocence) and as it was their album of the week it was only 3.99; Play.com had signed copies of the album and iTunes has been offering a Deluxe edition as well as the standard album. Decisions, decisions!

Anyway, to the album. It opens with a suitable orchestral intro in “2808″ which leads nicely into the dark “Doomsday”. There’s a real mix of tracks on the album. You get all the well played singles, plus very Nero-esque tracks like “My Eyes”, some alternative beats stuff such as “In The Way” which is a little minimal compared to the usual stuff; some really bizarre tracks like “Crush on You” which has a 80s dance feel interlaced with some wicked dubstep grinds (Skrillex style) and “Must be the Feeling” which is the worst on the album and very misplaced.

The iTunes Deluxe edition includes some extra tracks included an extended orchestration of “2808″ are really nice VIP version of “Welcome Reality” and some tasty drum & bass tracks in “Choices” and “New Life”.

All things considered I’d say splash out on the Deluxe edition if you can afford it.

In conclusion: 10/10 for me – an excellent track, well worth the wait and lets hope Nero is here to stay. They have the musical style to make it big like Chase & Status and the power to bring underground sounding dubstep to the masses.

Plan B’s “Recluse” better off for Nero and Netsky remixes

I’ll confess up front that I’m not a big fan of Plan B‘s music – well actually that’s not strictly true. He’s got a fantastic voice, but I just don’t like the music in his tracks – a little to jazzy for my liking. But, what I do like about Plan B is that he’s not afraid to get some of the best drum & bass and dubstep producers to remix his tracks.

Case in point, “Recluse” which was released last week on Atlantic Records. On remix duties: Netskyand Nero. The Netsky version is is a fast D&B version with a nice deep underlying bass. The Nero version is more dubstep, but still with a fast beat and a lovely dark bass. Two perfect remixes that complement Plan B’s distinctive vocals perfectly.

So I urge you, seek out the remixes of Plan B’s tracks and you won’t be disappointed. Other’s to look out for: No Good – Chase & Status & Beni G, Remix,She Said – 16bit version and the Breakage Remix of Prayin.

But, if you are a fan then you’ll be interested in Plan B’s tour dates:

Wed 06-Oct-10 Nottingham Rock City
Thu 07-Oct-10 Norwich UEA
Fri 08-Oct-10 London Brixton Academy
Sat 09-Oct-10 London Brixton Academy
Mon 11-Oct-10 Bristol Academy
Tue 12-Oct-10 Southampton Guildhall
Wed 13-Oct-10 Cambridge Corn Exchange
Fri 15-Oct-10 Manchester Academy
Sat 16-Oct-10 Newcastle Academy
Sun 17-Oct-10 Lincoln Engine Shed
Mon 18-Oct-10 Preston 53ft
Wed 20-Oct-10 Dundee Fat Sams
Thu 21-Oct-10 Leeds Academy
Fri 22-Oct-10 Birmingham Academy
Sat 23-Oct-10 Glasgow Academy
Sun 24-Oct-10 - Leicester, University* (moved from 28th)
Tue 26-Oct-10 - Margate, Winter Gardens
Fri 29-Oct-10 - Sheffield, O2 Academy
Sat 30-Oct-10 - Liverpool, University

Review: Nero – Innocence

Knowing Nero (aka Dan Stephens and Joe Ray (with vocalist Alana)) are signed to Chase & Status’s new label, MTA Records, may give you an indication of what to expect from the team probably best known for their remix of The Streets “Blinded by the Light”.

Yep, that’s right dubstep/drum&bass flavours! And with this latest single they don’t disappoint.

“Innocence” is a tasty piece of dubstep that pumps away, ably supported by the vocal “innocence” sample and whispy synths, whilst “Electron” is an upfront drum&bass track full of fast beats and grungy synths.

If you’re a Chase & Status or Sub Focus fan then you’ll love this – can’t wait for their debut album to be released later this year; looks like it may be a belter!

Released: 26th April 2010 on MTA Records



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