EP Review: Prez @ Minez

A newcomer to Aotearoa’s dance music universe, this mononymous producer was inspired to create his own music with the intent on moving crowds and getting people raving, according to Dehusslar’s Spotify bio. Word has it he knew nothing about making music and simply learnt from zero, with just a computer and a MIDI controller.

I love it. This is the embodiment of that “kiwi DIY” spirit where you just give something a go. Sometimes real magic happens this way, and here we have Dehusslar’s first ever EP entitled Prez @ Minez. 

The six-track record kicks off with Nga Mihi, a deep, wobbly and scratchy dubstep tune. Clearly the electronic styles of the 2010’s haven’t completely disappeared! As a point of difference, Dehusslar has cleverly added some beatboxing into the rhythms, amplifying the urban tones of the track. Can anyone recall the last time they heard beatboxing being added into electronic music?

According to Dehusslar, this track is a “thank you letter to the culture, the people, and the path that brought him here”, which explains the te reo title. Sonically, not much gave away references to scenes or people, as far as I could tell. But hey, a homage is a homage, it’s the thought that counts.

Having a point of difference seems to be one of Dehusslar’s aims. Some quirky vocal samples are employed on Afro Hori Samurai, while bongos rattle away underneath on a trap rhythm. And what an experimental listen this was. An interesting balance was struck between soothing and energising, as passages switched between atmospheric, to rattling drumlines and bass drops.

From the third track onwards there’s plenty of drum & bass and broken beats to be found. On I Be Next Up there’s a delightful and quick change of rhythm, with some unconventional “1-2-3 stomp” rhythms to break up the pace of the track, something that’s not normally heard in drum & bass music. Once again, doing things differently seems to be Dehusslar’s deal.

Those into super deep hip-hop grooves need to have a listen to Sausisi Sauce. Cheeky and playful cartoon-sounding effects provide the hook, while the rhythms do most of the work, shifting up a gear into drum & bass patterns toward the end. But wow, that hip-hop groove is irresistible.

My personal highlight would be 10K In 24 Hours, almost entirely because of that bittersweet melody from what I can only describe as a voice box-like sample. The tempo is speedy, and the energy feels positive and, for some reason, reminds me of old house parties I used to go to years ago.

Saving the most gigantic-sounding track for last, Not Giving In showcases Dehusslar’s vocal prowess, first and foremost. Assuming it’s him singing, that is. 

In matching the arena-sized synth lines, the bold vocals are commanding and gruff, yet emotive, in the style of 90’s alternative metal. The use of vocal harmonies are particularly effective in driving the emotional power of the track.

The opening notes actually reminded me of some of Concord Dawn’s work, as those synth sounds bore resemblance to those used on the album Air Chrysalis. Perhaps this was a nod to the kiwi drum & bass icons?

Not Giving In is big and bold in sound and composition, perfect in amping up crowds and possibly even driving a mosh pit. This is drum & bass with hard rock sensibilities, so headbangers ought to get an earful of this track.

As a debut EP, this is a strong and promising start. Creativity is high, and the willingness to try new things is evident, as quirky samples are added, and rhythm changes are employed to provide variation to the pace. 

There’s certainly no shortage of grooves or youthful, urban attitude here on Prez @ Minez. You can hear it in the pumping trap beats and drum & bass, plus see it in the balaclava motifs of the EP cover artwork.

The calibre of composition and production is great, and I have no doubt Dehusslar will go on to wow more crowds, move bodies and get fans dancing.

There’s word that Dehusslar’s next big move is the release of a full-length album due next month, so stay tuned on Soundcloud and Spotify for more.