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.A Zumo B Fantasmas
