On the hugely successful Hessle Audio, comes a meaty release from Batu, head of Bristol techno label Timedance. Hessle Audio’s sound is distinctive- bass- heavy, dubby dance music exemplified in releases from Pearson Sound, Pangaea and Kowton, and the label has a huge following as a result of its bold and weird character. Batu has earned himself and his label a well-deserved reputation as creator of some of the most thoughtful, original and slickly produced dance music of the moment, and at an impressively young age.
This EP, 'Marius', takes on the distinctive Hessle Audio sound in a big way, whilst retaining the ethereal ingenuity that has brought Batu so much acclaim. Primarily rooted in techno, the record nods heavily towards dubstep, trap and footwork in the chunky, drilling bass lines, syncopated drums and reverbed overlays.
The whole release is characterised by creative use of playful and weird percussion, layered over unashamedly punchy low ends. These tracks have a sense of humour and intelligence in their dialogue-like composition. In every track, distinct phrases play off each other, reacting and interacting as if in conversation, and then merging to reveal an overarching harmonic climax.
The four tunes carry a similar cheeky personality, but differ enough to make it an interesting and surprising listen. The title track of Marius is deliciously satisfying with muted, mechanical drums and a sparkly high end, which together form a warrior-like work of art.
'Nosema' is a quick descent into dark, quirky madness with syncopated percussion and warm bongos. 'Don’t' has a slow, melodic build which becomes progressively grittier and more distorted throughout.
My personal favourite is 'Off Court', a driving, dubby track, with asymetrical drums and atonal, tumbling chords. A spacey, bouncy high end contrasted with the moody bass kick makes it humourous and terrifying at the same time.
The whole record is overall a little bit wicked. Bold, clever and strange, 'Marius' treads the lines between genres and mood indefinably. Batu has created a devil of a release with real substance, guaranteed to inspire a grin and get you marching.
4.3/5
Words by Dora T