ZUKU’s debut release showcases a curated selection of emerging talent hailing from the North of England. Aptly titled ‘Sounds Of The North’, the EP features a tight-knit collective of friends, all making waves in the current music scene. From York to Wigan and back to Liverpool, the Northern influence permeates every track with its distinctive flavour. Effortlessly evolving from an event to establishing a record label, ZUKU flawlessly presents an authentic representation of their distinctive sound.
Leading the EP is Brent, a Scouse maestro who serves as both a big brother figure and a source of inspiration for the label. Already with several productions up his sleeve, this is an up and coming artist wasting little time in coining his own sound. And his opener here, ‘Hell Of A Guy’ gives us a distinct impression of where it lies.
It starts with an ode to Suarez, a footballer favourite of the Liverpool team years passed. What becomes is an energetic celebration characterised by funky basslines and guitar slapping rhythms. Electrified chords dominate, boasting juicy melodies over a well rounded sub that would fill any sound system it might grace.
In its progression, the track is crafted with feels of 80’s disco, catapulted to the present with the rougher drives of electro beneath it. All in all this is a fresh and playful opener that sets the tone right for the rest of the ZUKU sound that will follow.
Contributions come from fellow Northerners Nathan Pinder, Rick Slick and ZUKU’s own resident Aerofunk. This is by design a family affair, that no doubt sparks a new and exciting chapter for the crew behind it.
Buy the EP from Phonica, decks.de or Subwax, available now.
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