The name can’t be ignored — partially because it’s in all caps, and partially because its pronunciation remains uncertain… until now! On word from someone in the know, it’s pronounced en-goo-zoo-en-goo-zoo, which is a relief, because I’d hate to have to express my eagerness to see “gazungas” while among friends. That’s one distraction done away with. Here’s another: the cover for their upcoming EP Warm Pulse, due out July 3 on the internet and August 14 on CD/vinyl, via Hippos in Tanks. If I had to characterize the cover with a particular abbreviation, it would be “TMNT,” as in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The green represents the turtles themselves, and the chains/concrete slabs represent their gritty upbringing. The (what appears to be) lightning signifies their mutant status. Please tell me there’s a career in album cover interpretation.
The music of Asma Maroof and Daniel Pineda, the two Angelenos who make up NGUZUNGZU, is a bit less easy to figure out. A press release describes Warm Pulse as a “a deadly combination of grace, warmth and paranoia.” Their previous work strikes me as electronic music that simultaneously shrugs away the genre, in favor of overtly tribal rhythms and punching bass. And the bass is indeed quite punchy and stabby; in addition to acquiring Warm Pulse, you may want to consider updating your first-aid kit as well, especially if you’re in Europe and plan on catching them live at one of the venues listed below.
Dates:
05.24.12 - Glasgow, UK - The Arches
05.25.12 - Bristol, UK - DOJO Lounge
05.26.12 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Ekko
05.27.12 - Paris, France - Villette Sonique
06.01.12 - Dudingen, Switzerland - Bad Bonn Festival
06.02.12 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Distortion
06.06.12 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser Slussen
06.07.12 - Malmo, Sweden - Debaser
06.08.12 - Berlin, Germany - Berghain
06.09.12 - Bassano Del Grappa, Italy - Shindy Club
06.15.12 - Barcelona, Spain - Sonar Festival
• NGUZUNGUZU: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NGUZUNGUZU/353887257279
• Hippos in Tanks: http://hipposintanks.net
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