Review: Samplephonics Future Garage and Deep Techno by Ghostek

Samplephonics has collaborated with yet another interesting producer for its Future Garage and Deep Techno sample library.

Mysterious producer Ghostek presents a deep and varied sample library, containing an eclectic selection of lo-fi garage breaks, driving techno percussion, granular pads, dark brooding atmospheres, deep and sometimes sinister basslines, and a huge collection of one shot drums and effects samples.

From airy, floaty trips to sinister, pulsating rhythms, this sample pack pushes forward the deep house, garage and techno movement towards something that is both unique and varied, yet somehow bound together by a distinct feeling of otherworldiness and emotion.

I was not familiar with Ghostek’s productions, so I had a quick listen to some of his tracks at his SoundCloud.

Ghostek’s style is seemingly dark and otherworld-ish indeed. Next-gen garage style beats and percussion mixed with minimal melodic themes drenched in reverb, electric static bass sounds and haunting vocal snippets.

The sample pack kind of sounds like a dive into Ghostek’s personal stash of samples. Here’s a breakdown of what is included:

• 43 bass loops.
• 191 combi drum loops.
• 287 one shot samples
  • 70 FX
  • 25 hats
  • 60 kicks
  • 72 percussion
  • 60 snares
• 77 pads and atmos.
• 61 percussion & top loops.
• 26 synth loops.
• 6 sampler patches for Kontakt, EXS24 & NN-XT are included. These group sounds for easy auditioning.

The bass loops immediately set the tone. Ghostek is on some different stuff. Growling reeses and distorted hardcore stabs alternate with deep sub basses and techno lines. There’s a lot of creative processing going on. In general the bass loops are quite raw sounding.

Whereas the bass section smells more of drum and bass than garage or deep techno, it’s the combi drum loops that show this sample library’s true colors. The mix of syncopated garage shuffles and straight on deep techno beats is interesting. Both have a totally different feel, yet Ghostek blends them seemingly effortless. With close to 200 loops there is plenty of variety in these 4 to 8 bar loops. With a variety of lovingly applied sound effects, there’s not a bland beat to be found really.

The one shot sample section includes sound fx as well as various drum elements. These compliment the loops well and can be used to construct completely new beats from scratch. Very useful.

The pads & atmos are stunningly beautiful. Ghostek knows how to use reverb to create gorgeous, intricate soundscape type sounds. Very cinematic, and well suited to minimal or ambient music. I was pleasantly surprised that on their own, many of these samples actually have a very uplifting character. My only gripe is that some of the loops are cut a bit too short. They’re alright, but they just end too abrupt for my taste. Specifically the reverb heavy sounds would benefit from a longer tail.

The percussion and top loops again show Ghostek’s different approach. They have a lo-fi quality about them that I really enjoy. Lots of creative processing results in a very musical batch of sounds.

Lastly, the synth loops folder features another collection of melodic sounds. It is a bit of a mixed bag—not your typical synthesizer sounds, but very useful and inspiring. Some of the most beautiful samples I have heard in a long time.

Check the official demo tracks below to get an impression of the sounds of Future Garage and Deep Techno.

So what do I think?

What a gem! The sounds of Future Garage and Deep Techno are so refreshing. There is lots of unique sounding material, it feels like uncovering a goldmine.

Though I found Ghostek’s music to sound rather dark, the samples in this production actually didn’t give me the same vibe. My favorite sections are the pads/atmos and the combi drums, but to be honest the whole pack is brilliant.

Ghostek’s Future Garage and Deep Techno is very musical and inspiring. If you are in for some new sounds, check it out!

More information: Samplephonics

Hey there, I'm Ronnie and I run Rekkerd.org. I'm a bedroom music producer and guitar player, and I love chicken vindaloo & all things glitch.