Nguzunguzu is a DJ/production duo comprised of LA locals Asma Maroof and Daniel Pineda. While nguzu nguzus were traditional totems in the South Pacific, this Nguzunguzu is more concerned with dance floor ecstasy than spiritual protection.
Their self-titled (and free) EP is a hyperactive blend of house, club, juke and tropical influences. The only respite from the unrelenting chaos is the eerily moody “Moments in Sex.” There’s nothing ambient about the hyperactive tribal guarachero of “El Bebe Ambiente,” and “Got U” is a claustrophobic banger based on a sample from Drake’s “A Night Off.” On a recent remix, Canblaster and Berou focus the song into big room house.
[wpaudio url=”/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/got_u_canblaster_berou.mp3″ text=”Nguzunguzu – Got U (Canblaster and Berou remix)” dl=0]
The duo’s Mirage EP is a more cohesive set of sounds, and although it was released by Silverback Recordings, it would fit in the Night Slugs catalog nicely. The entire EP teams with poly-rhythms – bits and pieces of overlapping percussion that fight for attention. “Rec Loose” features a bass melody right out of classic dubplates and breaks down into a warm mix of yawning synths. “Unfold” is a spooky drumline rave; Munchi’s remix is best described by its title: “Munchi likes excessive amounts of bass mambo juke remix.”
[wpaudio url=”/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rec_loose.mp3″ text=”Nguzunguzu – Rec Loose” dl=0]
[wpaudio url=”/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/unfold_munchi.mp3″ text=”Nguzunguzu – Unfold (Munchi remix)” dl=0]
As Nguzunguzu shipped off to Europe for a series of dates, they dropped a brief promo mix that ranges from tropical house to rhythm and bass. This is global dance music at its finest – and weirdest.
Download: Nguzunguzu – Europe Mini Promo Mix
Download: Nguzunguzu EP
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