NUMEN by BATU

Bristol-based Hotline Recordings has barely put a foot wrong since launching in 2012, establishing a reputation for clandestine rhythms, sleazy basslines and creeping textures.For their latest illicit outing, they've turned to fast-rising local producer Batu, who recently launched the Timedance label. "Numen" is particularly dark and dusty, with spooky electronics and occasional, post-dubstep percussion hits crowding round an addictive, undulating bassline. "Cazz" is a little more "straight up" in its approach, with bouncy, tribal-influenced drums, warped rave stabs, ricocheting drum machine handclaps and a suitably weighty bassline. Both tracks largely eschew the tried-and-tested, a factor that makes both incredibly attractive.