ELECTRIC WIRE HUSTLE - NUMBERS AND STEEL (SINGLE)

Revolution seems to be in the air at the moment. It's the topic of discussion on social media sites, televised political debates and most likely "down the boozer". 
It's almost reminiscent of the 70's civil rights era. Comedians, actors and musicians have once again taken it upon themselves to become the figureheads and voices of this new sociocultural uprising.

New Zealand based hip-hop/soul collective Electric Wire Hustle, have been known to inject a certain left leaning political stance within their music, and their new single "Numbers and Steel" continues in this train of thought.

The track opens confidently with a militaristic clattering of what sounds like ominous Japanese Taiko drums imitating the relentless rhythm of corporate factories. Silky Motown strings and spaced out hip hop beats soon take over amongst various chopped samples, creating a rich, elegant soulful sound. 
As well as the beautiful instrumental arrangement, there is no escaping the message of disillusionment that is highlighted throughout. One section of the song is cleverly constructed by using a vocal sample from what is presumably an interview with an everyday American man, clearly disenchanted with the world he is surrounded by.

"Don't support the phonies, support the real, you know what I mean?...they don't care about our communities"

 Mara TK's falsetto Marvin Gaye style vocals are absolutely transcendent. His hollers of "I've got to get away" reverberate and swirl effortlessly, reflecting an attitude of rejection, despair and utter ennui towards an increasingly oppressive, capitalistic and materialistic world. 
Mara described the lyrical content in a recent interview:

"This track is a response to city life; there are references to Capitalism in there, birds of prey, red lines, uprising, digging for change, Numbers and Steel"*  - Mara TK

The four piece strike the perfect balance between Gaye style soulfulness, J Dilla-esque production (notably the signature"boom-bap" drum sound") and their own unique zest, generating a powerful and formidable end result.

Whether you are in the mood for revolution or not, this track is most definitely worth taking the time to listen to. Electric Wire Hustle have produced an outstanding single, exciting fans and whetting appetites for their upcoming sophomore album entitled Love Can Prevail/Blackwater.

"Numbers and Steel" from the upcoming "Love Can Prevail/Blackwater" LP can be listened to and downloaded for free here.

*Quote from an interview by "Zo" on okayplayer.com