Add to playlist: the churning darkness of Barcelona producer Nueen and the week’s best new tracks

Barcelona-based producer Nueen, whose real name is Nacho Pezzati, has released a new album titled 'Swerved.' This release is characterized by its bassy, moody, and darkly ambient sound, which fluidly traverses genres such as R&B, drill, cloud rap, and dub without any jarring or obvious transitions. The album's sonic palette is consistently described as a "grey-black weather," suggesting a deliberate and immersive atmosphere that permeates the entire listening experience. The music is not static but rather "slowly churning," building a palpable and thrilling sense of unease that intensifies as the album progresses. This deliberate pacing and gradual intensification of mood are key elements that define the album's artistic merit, according to the assessment.

Nueen's work is recommended for listeners who appreciate artists like Space Afrika, Shackleton, and Purelink. This comparison situates 'Swerved' within a lineage of electronic music producers known for their atmospheric, often introspective, and bass-heavy soundscapes. Space Afrika, for instance, are known for their deeply textured and melancholic ambient music, while Shackleton is renowned for his experimental, rhythmically complex, and dub-influenced productions. Purelink also operates in a similar vein of atmospheric electronic music. The album's sonic consistency contributes significantly to the "tangible and thrilling sense of unease" that it aims to convey.

The track "Copicat," the tenth song on the album, is specifically highlighted as a pivotal moment where the album's inherent unease becomes particularly palpable. This track features a slow, agonizing build-up, driven by what are described as "fanbelt hi-hats," a sonic detail that evokes a mechanical, almost industrial, tension. This gradual escalation culminates in the album's sole significant drop, a moment of release that is described with considerable impact, possessing the "weight and power of a cloudburst." The reviewer finds this moment to be particularly thrilling, a testament to Nueen's ability to craft dynamic and emotionally resonant electronic music.

'Swerved' is available now, marking a significant new release within the contemporary ambient and bass music scenes. Nueen's artistic approach appears to focus on creating a deeply atmospheric and emotionally resonant experience for the listener, utilizing a blend of contemporary electronic music styles to achieve a unique and unsettling yet captivating sound. The producer's origin in Barcelona, Spain, may also inform the album's distinct character, potentially drawing inspiration from the city's cultural and sonic environment. The overall impression is of an artist who has meticulously crafted a sound world that is both challenging and rewarding, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its dark and churning depths.