If I had to break down the essence of what we know as the drum n’ bass sound, I would describe it as a study in the extremities of sonic frequencies and the manipulation of syncopated rhythmic patterns. DJ Airwalk understands the nature of this interplay well and his EP, I Luv U, is a luminous exploration of that with its tempered rhythms and atmospheric melodies. Citing the seminal drum n’ bass label, Metalheadz, as an inspiration for his sound, the influence is apparent: the delicious balance between beats and synth-washing recall the epochal liquidity of Goldie or the virtuosic complexity of Dillinja.

DJ Airwalk’s drum n’ bass rhythms and breaks are particularly sophisticated and well-produced, the beats feel elegant and fast without feeling aggressive. It’s a quality that highlights the glimmering atmosphere of the EP, a reminder that this is a deft synthesis of sonic components rather than a solely percussive and beat-focused endeavor. Yet this isn’t to say that the beats themselves are lukewarm or inert, on the contrary, they carefully gather velocity and strength to consistently focalize for all-too satisfying payoffs in a way that feels almost effortless. Title track “I Luv U” embodies this momentum with its fluid build-ups and explosive crashes. The punchy low-end subs ground the track and compliments the gliding velocity that infectiously propels us forward.

Likewise, “Vieux” inserts us into an evocative soundscape that’s both entrancing and hypnotic; when the rhythm relents, the effusive atmosphere envelops you. It’s a loving push-and-pull that allows each element ample space to be heard and recognized accordingly— a diffuse shifting from foreground to background to the fore once again. The synths swirl in and out while the drum breaks and laser-like synths pierce the atmosphere, producing a sound akin to a ship sailing through a pulsing current or a rocket moving through a compact and airless space. 

The highlight of I Luv U has to be centre track “Break the Funk”, a transitional number that encapsulates the warmness and opulence of DJ Airwalk’s distinct sound. A shimmering vocal resounds throughout the track, the digital processing rendering the words themselves just out of comprehension and thus indiscernible, but here, the voice itself is merely another texture for DJ Airwalk to meld with. The sounds here border on the sensual and ecstatic: a sweeping synthesizer that sounds just like a pebble skittering across a pond or the slightest quiver of an electronic tone feels like the sonic equivalent of the exhilaration of brushing one’s hand against another’s.

If I Luv U is defined by its swelling and morphic sonics, then “In My Head” is the embodiment of DJ Airwalk at his most resplendent; the breakbeats here are unabashedly strong and accompanied by a heart-thumping kick. It’s nigh impossible to not revel in the sheer complexity of the soundscape, an almost imperceptible supernal high is contrasted with a low, textured bass; the resulting effect sounds like multiple sonic halos converging, each carried with a weight and gravity that tap into a patient, personal vein. My personal favorite, final track, “Ricochet”, expresses DJ Airwalk’s penchant for the dramaturgical; a club-ready stage is set, the sweeping, orchestral synths come in on cue, but every second is the climax of the piece and nothing but pure auditory bliss. It’s less about reaching a climax or coming to a rhythmic resolution and more about the sheer joy of soundscaping. Here, the only prerogative is the solitary pursuit of pleasure. 

DJ Airwalk’s I Luv U has an expansive circularity to it, each track feels as if it could dilate and contract towards infinity, not only between each other, but as an all-encompassing whole. And I feel like that’s what ultimately draws you to I Luv U: it’s the earnestness of, along with the subsequent dedication to, the sound. You just can’t help listening without the faintest inclination of a smile forming on your face.