Engine No. 909 is the debut 12” release from label lynchpin Rhyece O’ Neill aka Western Synthetics, on his own Sub Continental Dub imprint. As per the label’s stated intent, this release showcases a distinctly experimental lean – a noble direction given the increasingly formulaic nature of dubstep in recent times.

In spite of this, the lead track is a lumbering half-step groover with melodic touches that is perhaps not quite as experimental as one might expect. A multitude of samples and skewed vocal snippets liven things up throughout the track, but one suspects that Engine No. 909’s subtleties might have benefited from not having to share a side of vinyl with a second track.

Contumacious In Kind is billed as a leftfield techno infused experiment, of which there are plenty surfacing in the dubstep soundscape at the moment. All of the elements are there – skipping hi-hats, tumbling sub-bass and quirky effects, but ultimately this piece fails to distinguish itself from the work of other high-profile artists operating on this tangent recently. Nevertheless, the meditative intent of this track creeps upon the listener slowly, underlining an emphasis on repeat listenability over cheap dancefloor hooks. One for the stay-at-home crew.

Strangely the B-side gets the 45rpm treatment on this release, a spot traditionally reserved for the lead cut. 80808 is a guitar-led trip with 4/4 kick drums to propel the groove, Western Synthetics strikes a neat balance between dancefloor dynamics and introspective headspace. The melding of guitars and electronica can at times appear contrived but O’Neill’s restraint makes for an elegant pairing of mellow strumming and basswise science – a combination that will undoubtedly sound distinct when dropped in most dubstep sets. Of the three tracks on offer here, it is 80808 that makes the lasting impression by virtue of it’s judicious sampling of real instrumentation.

In all, a mixed package from a homegrown label that continues to show promise. It is with piqued curiosity that we await new material from the only label currently pushing Australian dubstep talent. Big up.