- Los Angeles and London are two of the leading names in crackling spacey beats, dark room dubs and 2-step, but nowadays microscenes are popping up just about everywhere. You need look no further than Spain for proof. Iberian soil is a veritable hotpot of fresh talent. Sure, Mweslee, Bflecha and Noaipre may not yet be names on the international circuit, but they're just a few of the Spanish producers about to make their mark.
With Pretty Psycho, Coruna artist Rohe Rodriguez, AKA Noaipre, has made a to-the-point dance floor record that has more in common with current UK music than anything else. This release isn't for brostep worshippers in a dark cave, though: The catchy and intelligent orchestration of "Pretty Psycho" lends itself to comparisons to artists like Ikonika or Guido that have something more than a bass wobble going on. Just as potent as the latter's club smash "Mad Sax," "Pretty Psycho" whirls from a subtle echoed vocal intro into a massive stab-led bass explosion that moves the body as well as the head.
For those wanting something a bit more off-kilter, flip over for "Anxiety Square." With a jaggy electric shock of bleeps and beeps that occasionally kicks back for a floaty West Coast break, it's an intricate building tune that creeps with funk. If their first two releases are anything to go by, Arkestra Discos is one of the most promising imprints in Spain's burgeoning beat scene.
TracklistA1 Pretty Psycho
B1 Anxiety Square