‘Bridges Between’, a 10-track album by Au5 on Ophelia Records, has a healthy mix of modern vocal cuts combined with experimental and melodic bass music.
Premier EDM score:
8.2/10
Au5 is a name that might not be the most familiar to the average bass music enjoyer in 2023. However, Austin Collins has one of the most decorated and innovative careers in the dubstep scene. Long known as a sound design maestro that shares his secrets on YouTube and social media, Au5’s production prowess and reputation is rivaled by very few in the industry.
Au5’s latest album, Bridges Between, is his sixth studio album and his first on the Seven Lions-led Ophelia Records label. The album includes both creative bass music cuts as well as more formulaic Ophelia-style tunes that focus on vocals and melodic vibes.
The album starts with “Entrance”, a 5+ minute long instrumental journey that exhibits the production skill Au5 is known for. It’s an impressive entrance to Bridges Between, but maybe not the most accurate representation of the album’s remaining tracks. It almost feels like Au5 went the hardest on the first song before going more melodic and emotional right after it. In a recent video, he said that “Entrance” is a song he first started in 2014.
“Bridges” with Linney is one of the album’s most impressive tunes. Outside of “Waiting” with Crystal Skies, “Bridges” is the most recognizable collaboration on the album. Previously working with several EDM artists like Tritonal, MitiS, Project 46, and Champagne Drip, Linney’s lyrics combined with Au5’s production results in one of the most creative and melodic dubstep cuts in recent memory.
“Waiting” is another favorite, as well as “Before You Leave” and “Future Without You”. In a genre that sometimes feels more repetitive than most, Au5 puts his own spin on these productions and the result is truly impressive. As Collins has previously said regarding his music: “If you’re looking for trendy music, turn away. If you’re looking to embark on a journey, come with me.” The effort and passion that went into this project is immediately apparent.
Songs like “Summer Days” have more of a future bass feel, while “Resurrection” brings heavy, wobbly wubs. He snuck some serious creativity into “Paradise”, a vocal cut with a unique drop. The album closes with “Escape”, marking the end of a complete musical project that tells a story though electronic music. Bridges Between is one of the best bass album releases of the year and a proper showcase from one the most legendary dubstep producers in the game.
Au5 is kicking off his Bridges Between 2023 World Tour on November 2nd in Japan and China. It will continue through January 2024 and includes stops at The Loft in Minneapolis, Church Nightclub in Denver, and Celine in Orlando. It follows recent festival appearances across the country like Lost Lands in Ohio and Area 406 Festival in Montana. Tickets are available now.
Ophelia Records is one of the current leaders in the bass music scene, and this LP from Au5 is an impressive addition to their discography. We’d recommend catching Au5 on his upcoming tour, as a set from Au5 is sure to impress even the most jaded of dubstep fans.
“Bridges Between” is a collection of songs that depict a journey of different emotions. The songs bridge between the stages of connection, denial, despair, grief, hope, and eventually acceptance. The title also refers to the bridges between the external world and our internal world, the process of reconnecting with ourselves after the loss of someone or something important to us.
– Austin Collins (Au5)
Author: @michael__premier
Premier EDM 