Monstercat has maintained an impressive momentum this year, and the latest addition to their catalog, “Gumraah,” stands out as a fiery collaboration between Dirtyphonics and More Plastic. The track serves as a masterclass in sound design, specifically regarding its percussion work and the seamless integration of ethnic atmosphere.
Reflecting on the creative process, the duo More Plastic shared, “Fast forward to 8~9 years, and we sent them (Dirtyphonics) a demo. […] The collaboration is still unreal to us, and we are so proud to finally release it for people to enjoy.”
“Fast forward to 8~9 years, and we sent them (Dirtyphonics) a demo. […] The collaboration is still unreal to us, and we are so proud to finally release it for people to enjoy.”
— More Plastic
The production quality is immediately striking. The drum hits are exceptionally crisp and punchy, featuring a layered kick transient that mimics the realistic, visceral feel of a live drum set. This organic texture is complemented by a tight snare layered with white noise and intricate hi-hat patterns. The inclusion of stick-click counts before the buildups provides an authentic Rock & Roll energy, a signature element that Dirtyphonics has refined over their career.
Beyond the technical prowess of the Drum and Bass foundation, the track excels through its cultural infusion. The use of Hindi vocals, traditional percussions, and string arrangements creates an enchanting midsection that feels both immersive and intentional. These elements do not feel forced; rather, they serve as sophisticated additions that elevate the track's groove. By blending these unique South Asian flairs with high-octane electronic production, the artists have successfully bridged two distinct styles into a cohesive, energetic experience.
As noted by Pitchin of Dirtyphonics, the track has already proven its effectiveness in live environments, having “crushed” during their sets upon release. With a balanced mixdown and clear, driving intent, “Gumraah” is a standout release that showcases the potential of cross-genre experimentation.
You can listen to “Gumraah” here:
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Photo: Pitchin (1/2 of Dirtyphonics) stated that the Monstercat release “Gumraah” with More Plastic has been doing really well during their past live sets.