Big Numbers by Richard Green is an electrifying, cerebral odyssey that blends dubstep, techno, and electro-dub elements into a haunting, cinematic composition. It opens with a dramatic organ-esque synthscape that feels hypnotic, immediately pulling us into a dystopian sonic world that evokes images of futuristic, dark alleys and neon-lit cityscapes. The track’s atmospheric weight and layered textures are reminiscent of a score for a cyberpunk epic – perhaps the sequel to The Matrix or the pulsating backdrop to a climactic scene in Blade.
The composition’s industrial bassline – whirring and mechanical – grounds the track, while Green uses divergent percussive elements to build a sense of tension and anticipation. The rhythm is irregular yet captivating, as though propelling us forward into the unknown. There’s a lingering sense of menace, yet it’s balanced with enough allure to keep you entranced. This combination of hypnotic, pulsating beats and dissonant melodies hints at influences from notable producers such as Skrillex, Sven Väth, and Boys Noize, all known for their contributions to electronic and techno scenes. Green’s ability to merge these styles into something wholly unique showcases his knack for crossing genre boundaries.
Midway through the track, the relentless bassline subsides, allowing a moment of eerie tranquility. The introduction of astral bell sounds and haunting, almost vampiric synths adds a cinematic layer that evokes the Gothic futurism often found in a Blade movie. It’s at this moment that the piece flirts with the enigmatic and the psychedelic, immersing the listener in a world that feels otherworldly yet deeply connected to the emotional undercurrents of modern life. This moment of reprieve, however, is short-lived, as the fierce bassline soon reemerges, guiding us through to the minimalist finale, where synths and drums create a stripped-back yet effective conclusion.
Green describes Big Numbers as a commentary on how numbers – whether through social media metrics, personal validation, or societal pressures – have come to dictate modern life. Beneath the surface of the electronic pulses and mechanical beats lies a deeper philosophical reflection on the influence of quantification on human existence. The track forces the listener to confront this modern obsession, using its industrial aesthetic to represent the machine-like nature of society’s preoccupation with numerical validation.
Recorded in his home studio and expertly mixed and mastered at Italy’s renowned Studio Elfo, Big Numbers demonstrates Green’s meticulous approach to production. Each sound is deliberately placed, and the layers of soundscapes, synths, and basslines are masterfully intertwined, creating a cohesive yet multi-dimensional sonic experience. The track’s enigmatic, almost psychedelic atmosphere is a testament to Green’s ability to evoke deep emotion through abstract sound design.
As a solo project, Big Numbers stands out not only as a powerful electronic piece but also as a symbol of Green’s flexibility as a musician. Having worked across multiple genres, from neoclassical to pop-rock, this electro-dance project is a reflection of his broad range of influences and mastery in crafting different musical landscapes. His collaborations in other realms – like working with famed Italian classical pianist Irene Veneziano – show his dedication to high-quality production across genres, adding an extra layer of depth to his work in the electronic sphere.
For fans of dark, cerebral electronic music that challenges both the mind and the body, Big Numbers offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience. It’s a track that doesn’t just ask to be heard; it demands to be felt, explored, and revisited. As Green continues to experiment with sound and genre, listeners can expect more enigmatic, original works from this versatile composer. We have added the opus to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY playlist!