Mosca - Done Me Wrong/Bax (NMBRS016)

The Numbers collective welcome Mosca for the imprint’s 16th outing with two cuts primed especially to move your feet. The Glaswegian imprint has been working up quite a storm in 2011, with high profile releases from Deadboy and Jamie XX, as well as being awarded a bi-weekly (every other Tuesday) show on Rinse FM. When looking at the label’s young but colourful back catalogue it soon becomes evident that there is no trend or single mould that unifies their output, a trait NMBRS16 pays testament to. ‘Done Me Wrong’/’Bax’ is unashamedly grounded in older forms of 4×4 garage and bassline, with Mosca delivering potentially his strongest material since his debut Square One EP on Night Slugs. Both tracks are clearly formed with the intention of setting dancefloors on fire.

The less hyped ‘Done Me Wrong’ sets the tone for the single on the A-side. The 4×4 kicks pound, unfurling into a skittered jacking rhythm with the help of sporadically arranged hats and alternating claps. Classic female vocal clips wail “you’ve done me wrong”, ascending in progression alongside those beautifully warm and ever rising synth lines. Then comes the bass drop on the minute mark, which is soon complete with an automatic spin back included for your very own convenience. The swamping bassline combines brilliantly with the shuffling rhythm and emotive vocal snippets, presented at its infectious best once the ambiguously shimmering synths subtly reprise towards the track’s conclusion.

The B-side is no filler, and in most cases, will be the track which most people remember this release for. It’s rough and ready, a seemingly far more upfront effort in comparison to the record’s opener. Consistent driving kicks set things off, swiftly joined by intermittent claps and tentative hi-hats. Smooth melodies are produced by the spacious chord arrangement, complemented by the memorable cries of the disembodied diva. A series of nervy, intricate chord stabs arise, taking full control of proceedings. However, it’s the drop that really does the damage on ‘Bax.’ On the MCs’ shout of “my DJ is live in the place” the punishing bassline goes to work, powerful and uncompromising. It’s a feature which dominates the airwaves for the track’s continued duration, adding suitable balance to the wonderful key stabs and soulful calls.

Very highly recommended.

Written for Sonic Router

Mosca - Done Me Wrong / Bax (Out 19th September on Numbers) by Numbers