NUMBER is a new forward-thinking sound machine fronted by Ali Friend and Rich Thair – the co-founders and rhythm section of electronic pioneers and musical renegades Red Snapper.
Inspired by a love of A Certain Ratio, Talking Heads, P funk and scratchy dub, the industrious duo have recently been busy in the studio working on new material together, and are pleased to announce the release of their debut album entitled ‘Binary’, released 24th April via Sunday Best Recordings.
Sharing a deep musical heritage and bond, the pair formed the critically acclaimed electronic fusion band Red Snapper in 1993 and are known for their pioneering synthesis of acoustic instruments and electronic textures. Signed to Warp Records and Lo Recordings, to date, they have released 8 studio albums including the iconic ‘Prince Blimey’ (1996) and ‘Hyena’ (2015), the ground-breaking soundtrack to accompany the Senegalese film ‘Touki Bouki’ (1973). Ali and Rich have performed all over the world including collaborating live with such electronic luminaries as The Prodigy, Björk and Massive Attack.
Ahead of the release of the album, NUMBER share the hypnotic mutant grooves of album track ‘Titan Shuff’. And what a track it is! Clocking in at 4.30, ‘Titan Shuff’ is full of dense bass, ethereal vocals and a beat that would raise the dead. The vocals are gorgeous and delicate. Very Ska influenced, the instrumentation is funky as fuck and takes the listener back to simpler, less serious times. This is just what the doctor ordered to be honest (replete with the proper PPE of course). A three quarters breakdown with funky bass and more edible beats just cements this fucking brilliant track. If the rest of the LP is as good as this then this is simply one of the LPs of the year. Feast on this gem here and check out the LP when it’s released.
Review by Ioan Humphreys