BT Gate X-138 - Gravitational Grooves (2025)

BT Gate X-138 returns to Greyscale with Gravitational Grooves, his second album on the label following 2023s kV Pylon. This 44th full-length release from the esteemed imprint sees the artist further refine his deep, dub-infused sound, crafting a hypnotic journey through laid-back chords, dense atmospheres and ever-evolving sonic landscapes. The opener, Inertia, begins with gentle chords and a hazy fuzz of audio interference. Its mellow beats and drifting feel draw the listener into a meditative state. Gravity follows, showcasing BT Gate X-138s knack for minimalism-its subtle changes and melodic catchiness make for a thoughtful, deep-listening experience. Orbit ramps up the energy a touch with a heavy beat and airy, spacious midrange. Creative delays and echoes play off rising chords and layered melodies, giving the track a dynamic, evolving quality. Particles bring a taut beat and synchronized chords, shifting gears with a powerful new chord that takes center stage, leaving earlier elements in its wake. True to its name, Float has a moment of weightless respite, with ambient drifts that evoke the sensation of flight. The album then transitions to Mass, where anticipation builds through rising sounds, leading to a deep bassline and catchy chord work that stretches into the horizon. Heat introduces warmer tones, underpinned by a deep, dubby bassline that gives the track a more grounded feel. Eliptical reminds us of legendary albums in this form like Wolfgang Voigts Königsforst and Markus Guentners In Moll, with floaty chords and orchestral-sounding production that expand the albums emotional palette. Object stands out with its crisp chords, spacious bass, and a brilliant balance of traditional dub percussion and rich atmosphere. A captivating piano hook in the second stanza adds a touch of elegance. Finally, Matter closes the album with a busy, layered ambient crescendo, evoking the sensation of fast-moving memories rushing by. Overall, Gravitational Grooves is a fantastic deep dub techno album, where each track feels like a self-contained world while contributing to the albums overarching sense of exploration and flow. Its a testament to BT Gate X-138s skill in creating evolving soundscapes that solidify his place in Greyscales storied catalog.