Zeñel is a London-based quartet which utilises a unique approach to computer-based performance, allowing them to create a poetic combination of jazz improvisation and electronic music. Their style is centered around sounds seldom heard in live band contexts, drawing upon a plethora of electronic production styles including Grime, UK Drill, Afrobeats, and future bass.
‘5db Freestyle’ blends the unlikely pairing of flavourful jazz harmony with the sonics of early grime production, with sound design and drum patterns inspired by the likes of Wiley and Dizzee Rascal. In particular, the bass instrument used is a ‘gliding square’ style synth-patch, one of grime’s most recognisable idiosyncrasies. This combination serves as the backing for an aggressive trumpet melody, leading into a solo which applies dissonant jazz language to rap-inspired phrasing.