Dublin based label Absys records claims to specialise in “deep, futuristic and atmospheric” drum and bass. Their somewhat ominously titled 4^th CD release “mystical deep” certainly ticks all those boxes. Intricate broken drum loops and deep basslines are a recurrent theme but the track listing itself is diverse enough to engage even the most restless listeners. Chilled out offerings from the likes of Gerwin, Mortem & Loxy and Joe syntax, with their atmospheric synths and acoustic rifts, go hand in hand with the bouncing drum loops of the more rhythmic closing tracks produced by the likes of Method one, Dj Trax and KJ Sawkwa. A quick glance over the track listing confirms that Absys have kept their fundamental commitment to promoting up and coming talent alongside much hailed veterans of the deeper side of Drum and Bass.

The end result is a mesmerizing collection of 12 well polished and well layered tracks, each one offering something different to the last. At no point however, does the record sound disjointed or awkward, each track flows from the last as the album unfolds with impressive continuity. Absys consistently emphasise their desire to stay above pigeon holing by simply producing good music; “Mystical Deep” is no exception to this rule. It looks good aswell, thanks to the help of Polish born artist Feebee who produced some eye catching work to complete the package.       

So who are Absys records? The labels first release came back in 2008 with the CD compilation “behind the corner” which set out to showcase the work of a number of less well know producers alongside that of cult veterans such as dissident. From here came a string of successful free digital releases, an EP featuring strictly Irish based producers and an interesting sounding 6 track digital release from Fusion art which, as the label say, explored “the fertile intersection of ambient glitch and dubstep”.

Absys then attracted further attention with two more forward thinking CD releases, an 11 track compilation “strangers from nowhere” and a 12 track LP from Radicall entitled ‘emotive’. 2010 saw the labels debut vinyl release, featuring three tracks from LM1, dissident and Mr Sizef, each one offering a fresh take on Drum and Bass. Absys work isn’t just limited to all things musical, the labels art project aims to promote and publicise the work of cutting edge graphic designers in tandem with new musical offerings, the very best of the visual work is set to be released in a series of one off prints. As we can see, Absys has made some impressive moves over the last two years and it seems like a label with a lot more to offer.