Asusu is a dubstep producer who has residencies in Bristol and Bath in the UK, is gaining quite a name for himself for his fresh blend of 2step beat science, dubstep bass pressure, and glacial techno melodies. Project Mooncircle with the guiding hand of Paul Cooper has seen fit to start a sub-label, Project: Squared, to showcase new emerging electronic sounds, fitting no particular formula, skirting around the outer reaches of bass culture, offering new possibilities for progression.
The 2step references are peppered throughout the beats, holding great energy, taking me back to garage parties, its all about the high-hats, this is what tugs on memory centres, and propels the energy on a dancefloor. The bass pressure is obviously influenced by dubstep, but Asusu keeps the bass pure, the tonality seems more real, staying away from annoying wobble bass templates. It’s the melodies that surprise, it could be looking back to the hey-days of techno experimentation, warm rich synths, repetition as a tool to build suspense. The combination of these elements create an infectious release that could crossover onto many dancefloors. There is a minimalism here that is usually saved for the gods of the slow build, legends such as Carl Craig, and I think that is a pretty big call, but minimalism in music rarely gets the delicate balance right, and I find it exciting when and artist gets it so right.
A strong, outstanding first release for Project: Squared, Asusu will be an artist to watch, and everyone will be watching him after hearing this release. Hear for yourself here: www.projectsquared.net
Wayne Stronell
