Nero - Welcome Reality (2011)

It's the year 2808. Doomsday is upon us, and any remaining survivors are living in a post-apocalyptic world of desolate landscapes that they are eager to rebuild. Or so dubstep duo and apparent disaster movie enthusiasts Nero would have you believe on their debut album Welcome Reality.

Sure, it's a curious and not wholly original concept that wreaks of self-indulgence, but when your business is to rework this year's genre of choice by mainstream pop acts into something fresh and exciting, it's also one that happens to work very well.

It's clear from the wobbling basslines of 'Guilt' and strobing synths in 'Promises' that they've paid close attention to label bosses Chase & Status on treading the tightrope between commercial dubstep and underground drum 'n' bass, but it's when they cut loose with thunderous, hook-laden 'Doomsday' and the sledge-hammering guitar on 'Scorpions' that they really come into their own.

While they quickly lose sight of their ambitious concept, Welcome Reality is nonetheless an exhilarating ensemble of euphoric breakdowns and club-thumping choruses - the best of which feature long-standing guest vocalist Alana Watson at the helm. Someone sign these two up to soundtrack Blade Runner II post-haste.

TRACKLIST
01. 2808 1:53
02. Doomsday 4:11
03. My Eyes 4:49
04. Guilt 4:44
05. Fugue State 3:34
06. Me And You 4:07
07. Innocence 5:08
08. In The Way 3:56
09. Scorpions 5:55
10. Crush On You 4:10
11. Must Be The Feeling 4:02
12. Reaching Out 4:44
13. Promises 4:17
14. Departure 5:35