Out now on Manuka Records, Substance reveals a sonic storybook that carries listeners through all the emotions of recalling and reliving memories. Nothing is permanent, and nothing lasts forever, yet The Persistence of Memory remains a constant. It reveals life’s true nature sonically through each track.
Forging a project that seamlessly pulls from many genres, moods, and inspirations, Substance fuses dub techno with breaks, dubstep, UK bass music, and everything in between. The album also features heavyweights like Hypho and MCs across multiple tracks, including Rakjay, Nurries, Fugzi, and Griz-O.
Straight outta Montreal, French Canada, Substance commands the role of producer and storyteller, skillfully guiding the listener’s emotional journey from start to finish. With releases on Deep, Dark, & Dangerous, DUPLOC, and many more, his versatility is evident in how he manipulates rhythm, atmosphere, and melody, weaving complex textures that hold attention and spark curiosity.
Enter The Persistence of Memory: Cognitively & Conceptually
Coming out with a bang, “Aim For Your Ear” with Hypho and Rakjay is a prime example of the high-energy, boundary-pushing sound that defines the current wave of underground bass music. The track showcases razor-sharp production, infectious rhythms, and lyrical intensity, setting the tone for what listeners can expect of The Persistence of Memory.
“Thoughts Of You” captures the melancholic feeling of missing something from the past. Its unsettling soundscapes and thought-provoking frequencies tune the mind to a meditative zone.
The track, “It’s You,” feels like a reconnection and a rediscovery of heartfelt emotion. The uplifting nature and high-toned synths bring a story of unconditional, boundless love. Each layer adds warmth and optimism, creating an atmosphere that celebrates finding deep connection and joy in another person.
A master of blending genres, Substance consistently reimagines classic sounds through a modern lens. He infuses his tracks with both nostalgia and innovation. “Drilla” is a perfect example, taking an old-school flow with treacherous drums and commanding vocals that blast listeners into a dub-soaked jungle.
“Time is Illusion” also bleeds genre lines. Using acid breakbeats and intense bass, it evokes self-destruction and the freedom to dissolve barriers like time. Let go and step into The Persistence of Memory to find your own meaning within the rest of the LP.
Exploring Memory & Emotion Through Sound
The best memories are the good ones. The ones that take you to fun places and new discoveries. Substance not only flexes his production prowess and incomparable illustrative creativity on The Persistence of Memory album, but he also has fun with his unique craft and sonic discovery.
“This LP is something special for me as I poured a lot of the emotions I was feeling at the time when writing it. I also wanted to show how versatile I can get with producing, blending styles in unique ways” – Substance
Substance’s technical mastery is matched by an instinctive sense for musical narrative. This gives each track a distinct identity while contributing to the album’s cohesive vision. The result is an experience that feels both meticulously crafted and deeply embraceful.
The project is a proper, heartfelt, deep body of work, packed with unreal features and a range of textures and moods throughout. It reaches in and asks listeners, what is your persistence of memory?
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