Bleep

The conceptual implications of a simple, yet effective practice has fascinated artists since the invention of the gramophone: changing the revolutions per minute in order to speed up or slow down the recording, with the result of presenting the material in completely new perspectives. Glasgow duo Naum Gabo, comprised of Jonnie Wilkes (Optimo) and James Gabo, are subject of such experimentation, penned by Barnt, Crato, and Jens-Uwe Beyer and their Cologne-based Magazine imprint. Having played Naum Gabo’s tracks at 33 rpm instead of the intended 45 in many of their sets, they fell so in love with the idea that they are now releasing these two older pieces in their slowed down disguises: ‘Fyei’ opens with a patient tempo of around 60 bpm, its vintage synth slogan coming into its own, introduced by an anticipating drum fill. ‘Hantas’ has equally meditative effects, unfolding its cinematic slowmo power as the beat tramps along over its accentuated, cosmic melody.