Zeds Dead's Sophomore Album is a Masterpiece

Zeds Dead showcase their free-flowing artistry throughout the 14 tracks on their first album in over eight years, Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness.

Canadian duo Zeds Dead aren’t your average producers in the scene. While they made a name for themselves early on with their dubstep originals and remixes, many of which still get played out regularly in the current era, they’ve dabbled in everything from drum and bass to house during their remarkable run. During this time, Zeds Dead dropped off major albums, performed for thousands at festivals and curated shows, and grew their label, Deadbeats. Now, they’ve refocused their production efforts and channeled their artistry on their latest album, Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness.

Zeds Dead have always seemed to zig where the scene has zagged, and this album is the latest proof of that. Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness isn’t just a collection of previously released bangers released over years that could be played randomly, nor is it as chill as Catching Z’s. It’s an evolving story that showcases the duo’s creativity, wide range of influences, and passion for sampling—something that’s more than refreshing to hear in the current, chaotic state of the world.

In making “Return To The Spectrum Of Intergalactic Happiness”, we really connected with the spirit of what Zeds Dead is. Throwing whatever crossed our minds at the wall and seeing what stuck. One of our biggest inspirations for this album was the idea of not letting anything matter in our creative process except for our own taste. It is very much art for art’s sake, and the product is something we can both fully stand behind.
Zeds Dead

This nostalgia-twinged journey from Zeds Dead opens with “Light.” A tube TV clicks on as a sample from The Neverending Story plays and a stuttered beat takes over. Additional spoken word samples are layered in soon after, all relating to light and darkness, as the breathy background beat hypnotizes the mind with its broken elements. Three minutes in, you’re met with a new breakbeat that punches forward, adding a touch of energy to the track before it washes away again as the TV clicks off.

“Light” sets the tone for the rest of the ride, because you’re met soon after with stunning tracks that will warp your mind. “Hold My Hand” features a slow, methodical beat with bass warbles and distant vocal samples that creep in and out of the soundscape. The sample in it urges you to go look at the stars out there before it’s echoed and you’re thrown straight back into the gritty madness.

Quick channel changes define the opening moments of “Fall Away.” Close your eyes and you can quickly imagine yourself flicking through stations late at night to find something to watch before the main vocal kicks in. The rest of the chopped beat is displayed as the vocals become clearer, delivering a mind-melting experience as the seconds tick away. This leads into “Angel,” which changes pace. The rave-ready synths, pitched vocals, and electro-infused elements make this one stand tall as you’re jettisoned straight into pure chaos. It’s deep, gritty, and unlike anything you’d expect Zeds Dead to be making – I can’t help but love it.

“Transmission 3406-12” acts as a break from the action before the next series of tracks, all seven of which showcase the range that Zeds Dead brings to their productions.

“Heartbeat” brings an infectious pop-infused beat that pairs beautifully with Minke’s gorgeous vocals. You’ll be spinning on the dancefloor while listening to this one. “One Of These Mornings” is Zeds Dead returning to their sample-laden dubstep roots, building with power and offering heavy drops along the way.

“Can’t Make It” turns down the dial a notch for a chilled-out, jazzy ride with percussion and horns front and center before Zeds Dead give everyone some liquid drum and bass action on “A Million Dreams.” The mesmerizing ride on that one will leave you breathless.

Another massive film sample arrives from Scarface as “Bad Guy” opens into a warped electro ride. The vocal stabs and oscillating elements on this one are simply fantastic. Then, Zeds Dead flips the script once again on “Vertigo” for a chilled out ride that drives forward into the night. Singer-songwriter Naomi Wild is credited as one of the writers behind this one, and her touch makes this one feel whole as you’re wrapped in its warm embrace.

There’s one last transmission, “Transmission 11623-55-2,” to help mark the close of Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness. The duo’s hit track “Sweet Memories,” which helped start the run of singles for this release, kicks in for a final dose of their classic dubstep style.

“RSIH” brings the album to an end, with waves washing over your ears and a droning beat entering the fray. The samples play in perfectly to be a closing track. Guitar chords, almost reminiscent of Blink-182’s “Adam’s Song,” are met by pitched vocals and a drumbeat that makes it feel like the realms of rock and electronic colliding. Then, with the click of the TV, the ride ends, yet you’re left with the fuzzy feeling just like the static of an analog broadcast.

Listen to Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness on Spotify or your preferred platform, and follow Zeds Dead’s social media channels for more to come from the duo.