Brooklyn-based producer Durban, born Joe Papas, spent the last two years honing his sound as a resident DJ at Lit City parties. Influenced heavily by Lit City's roster and the Drum and Bass raves he attended during his youth in London, his debut EP is a nod to the evolution of future club music. Durban crafted one of the most diligently concentrated debut EPs we've heard from a producer all year. Today he releases its title track "Chimes," exclusively on Complex.
"Chimes" listens like the guiding hymn from the church of Lit City. Ringing bells and choir pads sing out, broken by erratic hi hat and distorted horns. It's a driving rap track with every ounce of fat trimmed to distill a cinematic, but controlled delivery. "Chimes is the most distinct—the most focused example of the sound palette I’m trying to convey," says Durban. Check out the single art Durban created below, it illustrates the song's tone well. Listening to "Chimes" is like sitting in a dark chapel where lines of light leak in through stained glass windows to illuminate carefully chosen surfaces.
Durban's Chimes EP will be out on Monday via Lit City Trax. Until then stream the eponymous single below and grab tickets to catch Durban performing alongside DJ Deeon, DJ Manny, J-CUSH, Uniiqu3, DJ Tiga, and more special guests at the Red Bull Music Academy Festival show on May 30 at The Westway in NYC.
