Deep Beep by Nev

Tim 'Nev' Prezzano was born in June, 1969. A lifelong resident of New York, he studied Photography, Philosophy and American Art, before turning his attention to early computer language and music theory, and how it related to Human Psychology. Nev was relatively unknown until a string of mysterious releases appeared on the UK based label GPR, specialising in Techno and Electronic music from the early 90's. They were 6 track mini-LPs; musical odysseys that had shades of early IDM, techno, electro and house. Nev's musical philosophy was to extract the soul from the machines he worked with - he didn't believe in artificial intelligence, but software touched with life'. As quoted from a review on Discogs for one of Nev's releases, 'no amount of digital trickery can replace an artist with some synths, a sampler and a few good ideas'.

For Nev's 'Deep Beep' EP, this observation is particularly accurate. Originally released in 1991 on the New York based label Metamerism, it came at a time when artists were experimenting with instruments and machines, blurring the lines between genre or style to get to the soul beneath their fingertips. The Frankenstein-esque nature of this sound can be heard across this sprawling 3 tracker, and the original EP has garnered cult status online.

The title track, 'Deep Beep (How Deep Can You Bleep?)', is a sample laden, rolling house track that meanders and morphs around different variations on a theme, never quite ending up where you expect it to. This adds to its charm, and before you know it the track has spiralled by, leaving you and your dancers in a frenzy. The other tracks on the EP are a peek into the darker side of Nev's sound. Early on in 'Deep Beep (How Deep Can You Creep?', a voice warns from amongst the flying drums and bass that you can't get 'gripped by the hypnosis of the volume'. It's easier said than done, as played loud this track can cause some seriously headsy dancefloor moments. Deep Beep (How Deep Can You Sleep?' is the chugger of the EP, using the same samples, breaks and basslines from the other tracks, but cushioned by gorgeous pads and melody lines that create a lilting respite after the chaos. Nev's ability to juggle the same musical elements across 3 tracks to create something so fresh and new each time is a testament to his foresight as a musician and producer.

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