Heard It Here First

Dynamic duo BASTARD unleash a powerful new EP, “BASTARD.NFO,” on Renraku. This experimental and glitchy body of work is a nod to classic experimental sound design, bass-driven club music, and old torrent files, as evidenced by the EP’s title. BASTARD comprises of ALEPH and Renraku label boss Kaya, both outstanding producers in their own right. Riding the line between club bass and experimental glitch music, “BASTARD.NFO” appeals to any underground music fan.

Releasing three years after the duo’s debut EP, “BASTARD.NFO” taps into halftime, drum and bass, and glitch. The EP’s opening track, “PRESSURE!”, perfectly encapsulates the overall vibe of the EP, opening with a glitchy topline melody before giving way to a powerful broken beat and bass stabs fit for massive sound systems and dark, moody underground parties. “DOING NUMBERS (ACID MIX)” leans into the clubbier aspects of the duo’s production, utilizing signature acid sound design over punishing breaks and powerful sub-bass.

The duo taps iconic producer DMVU for “ONEONE222,” a club banger with an infectious, bubbly topline and a wicked bassline. After a seamless transition, “TIME CIG” delivers a powerful halftime groove while expanding on the topline from “ONEONE222.”

“OVERDRAFT KINGS” satirizes the public’s affinity for sports gambling and the massive financial drawbacks caused by gambling addiction, all over an incredibly crisp and powerful bassline punctuated with a cash register sound effect. “UP CONSIDERABLY” wraps up the EP with a beautiful chopped vocal, transcendental background glitch FX, and a dancey hip-hop beat. Here’s what Kaya, one half of BASTARD and the head of the Renraku label, had to say:

“From a visual perspective BASTARD.NFO is a nod to our early days, grabbing torrents for anything and everything that could help us make music. Sonically the project is our attempt to push the envelope and blur the lines between ‘bass music’ and ‘club music.’”

-Kaya, BASTARD

“BASTARD.NFO” showcases this duo’s incredible production prowess and sound design wizardry. In an age where lots of electronic and dance music can feel repetitive or uninspired, BASTARD brings unrivaled ingenuity and originality, and we can’t wait to see what else this duo has to offer going forward.

What was your favorite cut off the EP? Let us know in the comments below.

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