We are evolving the concept of VII.
We are changing to an exciting new format which will allow us to release music from anyone and not just the seven focus artists on the label.
While the existing format of the label does give a focused spotlight on a hugely talented group of core artists, we also feel it excludes so much good music that we get sent, music that fits our mantra and vibe perfectly.
Also with this evolution we want to evolve our booking policy for VII events - meaning we will now book artists from the list of producers that have previously released on the label. These changes will avoid repetition and predictability, two things we don’t want on our path forwards.
With this exciting change we feel our brand will become more diverse and above all will be able to present a much wider range of music - but all aligned with the core sound and style.
And so with that change we’re now proud to present our first VII release that falls under the new format - this is Drop It from the utterly brilliant Zach Zlov who we’re thrilled to now bring under our wing with his futuristic tech sound that that been blowing our minds for years.
A new chapter begins with Drop It, by @zachzlov - out on VII this Friday!
John Askew commented about the track: “I can’t tell you how excited I am about this release. It’s well documented that Zach is my favourite tech producer and I love everything he makes but this one takes the fucking biscuit. It is IN-SANE. I played this out for the first time on my Asia tour last year, including at Transmission during our AA Meeting set and it just takes the dance floor apart. The quality of the production is amazing, so full, powerful. Zach is a master and it’s an honour to have him release on VII”.
Summary
VII is an underground collective of boundary-pushing artists, renowned for their refusal to conform to musical norms. Their latest offering, "Drop It" by Zach Zlov, exemplifies this ethos with a sophisticated blend of dark tech-inspired elements and meticulous sound design. From a technical standpoint, "Drop It" is 142 BPM masterclass in production. The track opens with wild, driving dark techy basslines, crafted through precise layering of distorted sub-bass frequencies and mid-range growls, creating a rich, textured low-end. The pounding moody percussion is built using a combination of synthesized drum hits and processed live drum samples, giving the rhythm section both punch and organic flair. The kicks are tightly compressed, offering a driving force that anchors the track, while the live-like drums add dynamic nuances, achieved through subtle velocity changes and reverb automation. Zach Zlov’s use of dark, swirling synths adds another layer of complexity. These synths are likely created with analog gear or analog emulation plugins, enriched with modulation effects such as phasers and flangers to achieve a swirling, evolving texture. This contributes to the track’s rough, raw atmosphere and intense drive, effectively immersing the listener. One of the standout features is the AI-produced spoken vocal samples. These samples are not mere placeholders but integral components designed to hypnotize the crowd. The AI algorithms probably involved text-to-speech synthesis with pitch and formant modulation to achieve a unique, robotic yet human-like timbre. The vocal processing includes delay and reverb effects, adding spatial depth and enhancing the hypnotic quality. The breakdown section is a testament to Zlov’s prowess in tension building. It’s mysterious and dystopic, featuring siren-like sounds that are crafted using pitch-bent synth layers combined with filtered white noise sweeps. The background ambiance is enriched with subtle granular synthesis effects, creating an otherworldly soundscape that maintains listener anticipation. As the track builds towards its climax, automation plays a critical role. Filter cutoffs, resonance boosts, and gradual increases in reverb size and decay times create a sense of rising energy. The climax is characterized by an unstoppable surge of sound, with head-down, aggressive energy that is both uplifting and cathartic—hallmarks of a perfect tech trance experience. "Drop It" is more than just a track; it’s a meticulously #PureBassPower #LoveITlinktr.ee/theviicrew
