Bakongo and Scuba release EP 'Iceberg' via Hotflush Recordings

Bakongo - the underground percussive alias of UK Funky's Roska - has released his latest EP 'Iceberg' via Hotflush, which includes a collaborative work with label head Scuba.

Bakongo's approach to production is one which blends distinctive styles into a unique, yet knowing sound, with his approach on 'Iceberg' incorporating UK Funky, techno and grime sounds.

This, plus the trademark percussive elements familiar with the Bakongo sound, is blended with Scuba's bass-forward style to craft collaborative track 'Over Again'. It follows their collaborative 12" in 2021, 'Close Call', where Scuba appeared under his Spectr alias.

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“We had a lot of fun making the Close Call / Off Guard release, so it made sense to keep at it," explains Scuba. "I really like the progression on this track - it puts a couple of ideas together in a way that really makes sense. I think we are gonna keep working!”

'Over Again' hints towards a techno and UK bass fusion, with a two part structure, reflecting sounds demonstrated at Scuba's SUB:STANCE parties at Berghain, illustrated as a meeting ground for the aforementioned two genres.

Meanwhile, the two other tracks on the full EP - 'Iceberg' and 'Get Off' - takes a mixture of sliding stabs, fast-paced drums and a healthy dose of bass before shifting the darker sounds in 'Get Off' which features acidic synths to boot.

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"I’ve been working with Hotflush since 2011 and it's a pleasure to be back with a project like Bakongo, pushing the boundaries on UK Funky, Techno and Tribal/Broken beats." explains Bakongo.

"Hotflush has always been somewhere where genres can be blurred but have an identity. Myself and Paul [Scuba] have a great rapport which makes ideas easier to convert into a complete track."

Bakongo and Scuba's 'Iceberg' EP is available now. You can check it out here.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag's Weekend Editor, follow her on Twitter