Scuba is what you would call multi-talented.  Starting out in the jungle and techno scene in London and progressing through a wealth of genres, he has defined his own sound and paved the way for younger producers. Since moving to Berlin, Scuba has made a huge impact on the scene there and earned himself a reputation as one of the most skilled producers and DJs around.  He holds a Friday night residency at what is perhaps Techno’s most notorious night spot – Berghain. DJ-KICKS, his 2011 album achieved critical acclaim with mass global appeal. Teknoscape Deputy Editor, Kyle Woodward, reviews Scuba’s latest single NE1BUTU released on his own label Hotflush and shakes his head in wonder at Scuba’s many achievements.

The track starts off after a short intro and lets fly a tight kick drum before dropping into a 90s-esque vocal which is very fitting for the track.  Overall, it’s a very light, uplifting track with tight percussion and there is a range of vocals which all work well together – whether it be the reverb heavy soul singer, the highly-pitched raver or the hip-hop styled vocals. I like all the elements of this track but don’t think it comes together to create anything mindblowing.  It doesn’t really progress far after hearing the first few bars but it’s listenable.

On this release, Scuba has also remixed the track under his techno-loving alias SCB. This is is a much darker, heavier, four-to-the floor mix of this song which really works well. A driving kick builds up, accompanied by a smattering of synth stabs and a pitter-pattering of light percussion. It creates a real music scene as each element is gently brought in, which work flawlessly together. It sheds the light elements and almost completely changes the track, the only real tie left is a single vocal. By the end of the track it’s built to its pinnacle and I’m left wanting more.

This single just shows you how diverse Scuba can be, keeping a finger in many different pies and coming up with something that sounds great in most aspects.

NE1BUTU is out now on Hotflush Recordings, so have a listen and grab it while it’s hot!

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