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  • Although the majority of dubstep fans have only really become aware of the work of Raz Mesinai, AKA Badawi, over the last few years via his collaborative Unit for Resistance album and ultra-spacious remix of Shackleton's "The Rope Tightens," the Jerusalem-born and New York-based producer has been making experimental electronic tracks for the last 15 years, merging dub influences with Middle Eastern percussion, and even getting involved in New York's improvisational scene. El Topo is the inaugural release on Mesinai and Dub War resident Dave Q's The Index imprint, and considering the connection to the city's leading dubstep party, one can only assume that its remit will be much more focused on the dance floor than most of Badawi's previous work. Within the first few seconds of the lead track, this becomes all too clear, with its sharp and powerful synth stab immediately commanding the attention of the listener. Skittering delayed drums bubble underneath, with its rolling bassline offering a propulsive backbone that ensures club compatibility. But what really strikes me about "El Topo" is its grimy nature—albeit much more impeccably produced than your standard London fare. What with the aphotically ethnic and dubwise style that Badawi has been pursuing, it would seem that Shackleton would be the perfect match for a remix, and it's clear from the off that he's pulling no punches with his refix of the currently unreleased "Dstry Prfts." Vengeance Tenfold joins him for the first time since 2008's "The Rope Tightens," adding his reliably dystopian outlook and tone atop a relentlessly tense bass riff which carries the track, while the restrained drums (indeed, you'll find no kick drums here) morph and modulate into various head-wrecking configurations. Clocking in at just 100 seconds, B2 cut "Stem1" may strike some as an afterthought to the main pair of tracks on this 12-inch, but should work well with DJs looking for a tool to inject some throbbing doomy ambience into their mix or DJ set. Overall, it's a strong start for The Index. Those lamenting the absence of Skull Disco and their brooding bass-heavy minimalism would do well to keep an eye on the label over the course of its next few releases. If Mesinai and Dave Q can exert the same level of quality control that we've seen here, the mainstream music press may be calling sooner than they imagine.
  • Tracklist
      A El Topo B1 DstryPrfts (Shackleton Remix feat. Vengeance Tenfold) B2 Stem1
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