The Dutch duo BHPL return with a brand-new 7-inch.
Well-versed in all corners of electronic music, this time the pair dive headfirst into the world of new beat — a playful yet powerful nod to the Belgian genre that set Europe ablaze in the late ’80s.
And they’ve done their homework. NB86 comes across as angular, pounding, and tough, yet stripped-down and minimal in all the right ways. Classic eighties drum machine patterns circle around a bassline that hits with real authority. It’s pure time travel — a track that transports you straight back to the smoke-filled clubs of the late ’80s. In short: new beat done right.
On the flip side, we get a reimagined version of Mass Control. The new beat pulse is still the driving force, though its synth-bassline also hints at the raw energy of EBM. For over five minutes, it’s an unapologetic dancefloor workout — the kind of track that begs to be enjoyed with zero shame, preferably while dressed for the era.
BHPL have built a reputation over the past few years for consistently strong releases, and this 7-inch is no exception. They shine a fresh light on new beat while giving the genre the respect it deserves.