Dekmantel Podcast 409 - ZULI by dekmantel

It has always been a struggle to sum up the sounds of Zuli. The Egyptian sound artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist is restlessly creative and unconventional in what he does. He can do everything from rap, IDM, footwork to hardcore jungle and experimental rhythms, and mainly on Lee Gamble’s UIQ label. He's also done a lot for his native Cairo scene as co-founder of both the Kairo is Koming (KIK) and AHOMA collectives, and former co-head of the city's alternate music venue VENT which later turned into a club night and festival. He's now firmly established in the wider European scene, not least in part thanks to his excellent radio show on NTS.

There is no messing around on this week's mix. It's a dystopian soundtrack that unites Arab music, Chicago club, European techno and UK bass. Every track fizzes with energy, prickly percussion or distorted drums. It's intricate yet heavy, dense yet atmospheric and the warped designs and contorted rhythms make an art form of physicality.