Drums Don’t Burn is a contemplative statement piece from Paris-based Subsism (Guillaume Arnaud) that remains acutely aware of the artist’s past production while embracing a more natural state of flow. This duality is repeatedly demonstrated in a hybrid of spell-casting, acoustic rock, dub, and metal. A coming of age for both the artist and the label, Drums Don’t Burn is both our first full-length EP and the first project to be released on both digital and analog formats (yes, we made a tape).

The EP grew out of a year of assembly across central, eastern, and southern France, translating various influences into six original tracks. A final climactic effort came together in a little studio lost in the hills of Morvan, where Guillaume and Arthur Kern wrangled a 3-day mix session, with results being described as nothing other than heavy. Simultaneously, Warzou (Aurélien Arnaud… although surprisingly not Guillaume’s brother) and Ronja Kappl were forming the remix and artwork, respectively.

The EP begins with a series of introductory statements. This varying ambience of opening textures and vocal effects is greeted by the first taste of drum patterns found further along the road. It goes without saying that the graphics pulled a lot of inspiration from both Susana and Radiant Recess, the lead-out tracks on the project.

Falling straight to track number three, Shawskank sits in Subsism’s ever-hybrid jungle aesthetic. With a pulsing heart flashing remnants of past trance productions, Shawskank continues to guide listeners into the universe of Drums Don’t Burn. Following up, Loom Vigi is a standalone dubstep track that commands the attention of the project’s mid-section. ‘Dubby Club’ that ebbs and weaves before ultimately making way for the ever-personal, ever-enrobing Velvet Ache.

When we first met with Guillaume, there was mention of vocals in the project. Having no past references to go by, I don’t think anyone expected that they would materialize as the most stirring/warming/powerful part of the album. Of course, this is just our opinion, and we always prefer that you come to your own, but Velvet Ache remains the centrepiece of our breaky-achy hearts.

And finally, Drums Don’t Burn is both the title track and the axis of the album. It was the first track sketched for the project, and ultimately the choice for the remix. This special positioning in the creative process means that it has informed almost every output in this little universe. Followed by the Warzou remix, both versions make up either side of an asymmetrical pairing, fielding a full circle of approaches.