Browse by Artist: 23HZ & NUMAESTRO

Artist:	23HZ & NUMAESTRO
Title:	Zumo/Fantasma
Label:	2ND DROP (UK)
Format:	12"
Price:	$11.00
Catalog #:	2NDRP 006EP

"Like many legendary duos -- Ike and Tina, Torvil and Dean, Hue and Cry -- the chemistry is all-important. And for 23hz & Numaestro it's no different. The ex pat Barcelona residents are a blend of super techy engineer (23hz) with experienced DJ (Numaestro) whose joint musical journey has mutated through hip hop, soul, drum and bass and techno, into dubstep via UKG and the early sounds of Groove Chronicles, EL-B and Horsepower, is precisely what gives their sound its probing and hypnotic quality. This, their third dubstep release, after previous tracks on Bristol based Immerse and as their alter-ego Relocate, 'Zumo' and 'Fantasmas' is already getting props from key players Skream and Breakage, and is set to be a key release in 2009. 'Zuma' kicks off the A-side, a wailing banshee impregnated with a filter-bomb, rides atop a bulging sub and pulsing electro refrain which nags and rolls with hypnotic effect, a tell tale sign of the duo's production style. It's not all about bangers! And these guys know how to develop a mood and pocket of rhythm up their with Digital Mystikz. Skream has been opening sets with this builder! 'Fantasmas' on the flip is a bassbin destroyer! The phrase 'how low can you go' should have originated from this track. A bouncing bassline that could have been stolen from a grotty jungle record dominates, accompanied by a haunting Mediterranean-infused vocal refrain. As always, 2nd Drop commission some fresh and totally bespoke artwork, with this release designed by Portuguese illustrator, Uiu."

Artist:	23HZ & NUMAESTRO
Title:	Al-Andalus/Praise Dub
Label:	IBERIAN ROCKS (SPAIN)
Format:	12"
Price:	$11.00
Catalog #:	IBR 001EP

"The new label Iberian Records -- based in Lisbon and Barcelona -- has as its principal objectives the release of 'bass music' -- dubstep, grime, toxic dancehall, kuduro, techno dub, dub and similar styles -- and the nurturing and promotion of a nucleus of local and international producers. A1 -- 'Andalus' is a perfect example of the Mediterranean sound being developed by 23Hz + Numaestro. Starting with a vocal sample from Moroccan music, the introduction is joined by an accordion type riff -- curiously sounding not too dissimilar to Augusto Pablo's distinctive melodica sound -- which leads to the drop. Here a massive sub-bass with stabbing mid-frequencies enters the fray, which drives the track along with skanking half-step beats which have plenty of spring-reverbed snares and slicing hats. The heavily effected sampled voice is placed in the mix to give extra atmosphere, while the opening riff leads us to a semi-drop which leaves just the sub before proceeding to a false drop before the riff and sample are introduced once again which finally take the track into its homestretch. This track oozes distinctive character and is guaranteed to smash the dancefloor as well as providing a deep meditative vibe. Road tested by Numaestro on dubplate, it has levelled dances right across Spain and beyond, as well as being picked up by many of the DJs on Sub FM and figuring in many of the top tens of DJs in the dubstep community over recent months. You are advised not to sleep on this one! 'Praise Dub' -- starting with a vocal sample from Algerian music -- a short introduction leads to the drop. Then a rampaging descending scale bass line comes into play, set against tight-stepping swinging beats. This track is built round the b-line and beats which are given junglesque details. High strings and atmospheric FX, together with the vocal sample, are spliced into the tune to give texture. The tune works through another drop and then proceeds to a breakdown. After which the bass line is reversed -- designed to surprise the dancefloor -- before returning to the original groove and final climax. This is an exercise in energetic bass n' beats, referencing early jump-up jungle (without any of its predictable excesses) and two-step swing -- given the trademark 23Hz+Numaestro Mediterranean twist."

Artist:	23HZ & NUMAESTRO
Title:	Substratum EP Pt. 1
Label:	IMMERSE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	12"
Price:	$11.00
Catalog #:	IME 003A-EP

"Following on from the sell-out first release featuring Benga & Walsh and the hefty drumfunk of Andy Skopes & Madcap, Immerse Records focus once again on the dubstep with the Substratum EP. This is a weighty 2-part release featuring a clutch of new producers repping from Bristol to Barcelona, all supplying tunes designed to work as well off the dance floor as on it. Part 1. Spanish dubstep impresario's 23Hz & Numaestro finally see 'Galleon Dub' touch wax after what seems like an eternity on dubplate! Ethnic tinges and paranoid pads drift over the resonating subs and crisp percussion. Grim soldier Atki2 gets choppy with 'Douceur,' building tension throughout with sliced & reversed drums; mournful strings and nasty squelch bass."

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