Live Review: Moonbase Commander 'Southpaw' EP

As far as "huge" tracks go, Sydney producer MOONBASE COMMANDER consistently delivers the goods. More than just your standard bangerz, Moonbase Commander thinks about more than just sick drops, and now, with the release of his latest EP Southpaw, he looks set to finally receive the recognition he deserves. 

From the bassy monster that is the title track, to the CAKES DA KILLA featuring 'Serve It Up' that saw his name be thrusted onto the international stage, Moonbase Commander has slowly trickled his way through this year, giving away little bits here and there as he bided his time until now. Working hard on his signature sound, he has also distanced himself from the fray of trap producers and by doing so, instead of "fitting in" he has carved a place of his own.

Refusing to touch the brake pedal for even a second, Moonbase Commander (aka Nick Luke) lays down his full throttle beats from start to finish. Drawing influence from the big dogs of the game like TNGHT, Hudson Mohawke's solo work, and even elements from frenetic and experimental acts like Crystal Castles, Luke keeps it fresh, tight and controlled - even when it sounds like it's all about to break loose.

Moving from 'Southpaw' into 'Serve It Up', then to 'OT Oss', in all it's hard-hitting glory, to final track 'Mirror Mirror' (featuring Cakes Da Killa again), each and every track is just as different from each other as they are the same. Providing one hell of a party soundtrack, Moonbase Commander moves effortlessly through a multitude of styles and genres, never staying too still for too long. Making it sound almost too easy, Luke has clearly done the hard yards and now it's time to reap the rewards.

Out now on October Records, Moonbase Commander is already planning his next moves involving Dr Dre collaborator Anderson .Paak, and playing with Mr Carmack and Keys n Krates in the new year. With this now out in the world, we can hazard a guess that 2016 is going to be even bigger and better for Moonbase Commander, and we can't wait to see just how far he takes this.

Words by Emma Jones.

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE

SEE ALSO:

MOONBASE COMMANDER 'SOUTHPAW'

CAKES DA KILLA 'SERVE IT UP' (PROD. MOONBASE COMMANDER)