Bristol-born and now based in Brooklyn, Rockafella arrives on Vibe City with a background that stretches from jungle and UK garage through to the more melodic side of drum and bass. Indica Dub / Paradise is his debut for the label and its eighth release, landing first on Beatport and Spotify on 16 October before the worldwide release on 30 October.
Indica Dub takes its time getting up to speed. A slow, hip hop-influenced beat gives the opening an almost trip hop feel, joined by live bass, electric piano, guitar, and subtle keys. There is an early funk character running through it, while the female vocal twists around the guitar melody without pushing itself to the front.
The drop changes the shape rather than the mood. The live-sounding low end opens into a wider, more synthesised bass, and crisp rolling drums carry the track into liquid territory. The jungle influence comes through in the percussion, but the edits stay controlled, adding movement without disturbing the warmth established in the intro.
Paradise reaches full tempo much sooner. Piano-like synth runs set up a beautifully judged female vocal, with delay and reverb allowing it to sit playfully over the sharp, snappy drums. Brief breaks flit in and out of the rhythm, adding extra detail without breaking its flow.
Where Indica Dub keeps things bright and soulful, the drop in Paradise pushes into a darker scale. A distorted bassline gives it more bite, while small bass buzzes and stabs move beneath the vocal. That tougher edge never completely takes over, leaving the track suspended between the darker low end and the dreamy atmosphere above it.
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