Joe - Grimelight / Rut

A Grimelight
B Rut

Bongos, congos, marimbas, woodblocks and cowbells: Producers seem infatuated with percussion these days in the world of dubstep and the first release from Joe, the mysterious producer with the everyday name, is no exception. Taking cues from the emerging funky scene and producers like Kode9, Shackleton, 2562 and Ramadanman, "Rut" and "Grimelight" are two different takes on a similar rhythmic palette.

"Grimelight" is a low-key bubbler, stuttering vocal samples, drum rolls and Eastern-sounding flutes are layered over gloomy synth pads and a lazy laidback bassline. The rhythm ticks and clicks on, almost as if racing against the slow and rolling pace of the bassline. A groove is slowly cooked up, but it feels too drawn out to really grab you.

That's not the case on the b-side, however. "Rut" is more energetic and lively, reminiscent of the start-stop feel of an earlier Hessle Audio release, Ramadanman's Blimey. A skittish drum workout, contrasted by steady shakers and hi-hats, it builds up a catchy groove that is no doubt extremely physical on a proper sound system. Reverberating chords, reminiscent of the sombre jazz stylings of Modus Operandi-era Photek, provide a haunting sense of melody along with floating synths. After the second breakdown, the mood changes and the tempo is picked up by lighter synth stabs and shuffling cymbals.

From a multitude of influences Joe builds a distinctive sound with sparse melodic elements thrusting the rhythmic percussion into the forefront, which in turn rests upon a backbone of bass. This Hessle release shows Joe's promising talent; his music, unlike his common and indistinctive artist name, is quite unique...www.residentadvisor.net