Solitaire by 501: A Dubstep Gem That Still Hits Hard
Alright, let’s talk about Solitaire by 501. This UK-born dubstep album dropped in 2009 under Audio Freaks, and it’s one of those records that sneaks up on you like a bassline in the dark. Mastered by Wally (shoutout to him for keeping things crisp), this thing is pure vibes wrapped in wobbling synths and heavy atmospheres. If you’re into electronic music with a raw edge, this one's worth your time.
Now, I gotta zoom in on two tracks because they’ve been stuck in my head like gum on a shoe. First up: “Beginning Of The End.” Man, this track just slaps. It starts off all moody and mysterious, like walking into an abandoned warehouse at night—creepy but kinda thrilling, ya know? Then BAM! The drop hits you outta nowhere, all guttural growls and stuttering beats. You can practically feel the subwoofers rattling your ribcage. It’s not overthought or overly polished; it’s straight-up dirty dubstep done right. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
Then there’s “Incognito,” which feels like its cooler, more laid-back cousin. This one has these lush pads floating around while the bassline does its thing underneath. It’s hypnotic as hell, man. Like, you could zone out staring at raindrops sliding down a window while this plays on repeat. But don’t get too comfy—the occasional glitchy stabs keep you on your toes. There’s something so smooth yet unpredictable about it, like meeting someone who seems chill until you realize they’ve got layers you didn’t see coming. Props to 501 for pulling that off without trying too hard.
As for “Solitaire” itself… well, it ties everything together nicely. Not gonna lie, though—it doesn’t hit quite as hard as the other two for me personally. Still solid, though!
Reflecting on this album now, almost fifteen years later, it’s wild how timeless it feels. While some dubstep from back then sounds dated, Solitaire holds up like a vintage leather jacket. Maybe it’s because 501 wasn’t chasing trends—they were making what felt natural. Or maybe it’s just proof that good music doesn’t need bells and whistles to stick around. Either way, it makes me wonder… would dubstep have stayed underground if albums like this hadn’t pushed boundaries early on?
Oh, random thought before I sign off: Did anyone else picture Wally mastering this record wearing headphones bigger than his head? Just saying, that image keeps popping into mine whenever I listen. Anyway, go check out Solitaire. Trust me, your speakers will thank you—or hate you, depending on how loud you crank it.
