Wasted Days

Released in 2015 on Critical Music, Wasted Days is the definitive full-length statement from Sam Binga, an artist central to the 'halftime' movement. The album is notable for its successful synthesis of UK sound system culture with the rhythmic innovations of Chicago footwork. Featuring a wide array of collaborators including Om Unit, Ivy Lab, and Warrior Queen, the record showcases Binga's ability to maintain a cohesive sonic identity across various tempos and styles. The first half of the album focuses on original compositions that lean heavily into dancehall-inflected bass music, while the latter half includes a series of high-profile remixes that further explore the 160-170 BPM spectrum. Critically, it was praised for its technical precision and its role in revitalizing the drum and bass scene by introducing outside influences. It remains a benchmark for the 'Critical Sound' and a pivotal release in the mid-2010s bass music landscape.