Norbess’s latest single, Prey, is an evocative journey through sound, blending ancestral rhythms with modern electronic sensibilities. The opus is an ambitious fusion of afrohouse, afro-tech, and tribal elements, encapsulating an atmospheric richness that transports us deep into the heart of primal and spiritual soundscapes.
From the opening moments, Prey pulls us into a sonic dimension that feels almost otherworldly – an auditory experience akin to a DMT trip. The track begins with a complex, immersive soundscape, where distant whispers, shifting frequencies, and layers of atmospheric noise meld together, evoking the sensation of wandering through an ancient, mystical forest. It’s a disorienting, expansive feeling that feels both personal and cosmic – like stepping out of time and space, but also into something deeply rooted in ancestral consciousness.
The track’s pulsating energy, driven by a rich, resonating bassline, immediately hints at the dual nature of this composition: one foot firmly planted in the ancient rhythms of the earth, and the other boldly stepping into a future that draws on modern production techniques. The metallic percussion, which gradually emerges, adds a sense of structure to the piece, as though we are being pulled from the primordial ether into a ritualistic, ceremonial space. It’s almost as if the sound is morphing in real-time, reflecting the development of human consciousness and musical evolution.
As Prey unfolds, it reveals a vast sonic landscape, full of contrasts and intricacies. The evolution of the track is both cerebral and instinctive. There are moments where the beat transforms, where the bassline morphs, teasing us with unexpected shifts that heighten the song’s tension. This rhythmic switch-up, coupled with haunting sound design, adds an enigmatic layer to the experience – one that seems to blur the line between anticipation and fulfilment, tension and release. The moments of silence or minimalism that appear within the track are not mere breaks, but rather, shifts in the narrative that draw listeners deeper into the unfolding story.
The cinematic quality of Prey becomes apparent as the track evolves. It feels as though one is witnessing the slow motion of an ancient, ancestral dance or a cerebral Hollywood blockbuster – like a scene from The Substance where the tension before the climax is palpable. The deep, throbbing percussion of the track evokes the intensity of a tribal drum circle, where the rhythm unites and directs energy toward a singular purpose. One can easily imagine a flickering fire at the center of this scene, illuminating figures moving in unison, chanting and drumming in anticipation of a great hunt or spiritual awakening. The sonic textures mirror this sense of ritual and mysticism, moving from hypnotic and trance-like to intensely dramatic, keeping us spellbound throughout.
What makes Prey stand out is not just its unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, but its seamless integration of these elements. It’s a reflection of Norbess’s artistic identity, one that seeks to honour the roots of music while pushing its boundaries into the future. By combining the deep, resonating beats and rhythms of afrohouse with the experimental flair of modern electronic music, Prey feels like a bridge between two worlds: the past and the present, the earthly and the otherworldly.
The track is filled with moments that speak to both the individual and the collective. There’s a sense of journey here, not just through sound, but through time itself. The track’s evolving structure mirrors the cyclical nature of human experience. As the bass builds, drops, and reconfigures itself throughout the track, one gets the sense that we are on a journey, moving through time and space, encountering the unknown, while somehow always connected to something deep within us. The track’s ebbs and flows create a sense of anticipation and release, drawing us into a trance that feels both personal and collective, like a shared experience, transcending the boundaries of the individual.
Prey is significant not just as a song, but as a statement of intent. Norbess, with this release, is carving a path that blends the old and the new in ways few have attempted. The ancestral and the electronic collide in such a unique way that the track feels like a new frontier in both afrohouse and electronic music. It’s a celebration of rhythm, of the body, and of the spirit, with the track’s primal pulse rooted in ancient traditions, yet expressed through the sophisticated lens of modern production techniques.
In the context of musical evolution, Prey offers listeners a glimpse into a future where boundaries are fluid, and genres are less about labels and more about exploring a deeper human connection to music. The track’s storytelling, its evocation of a tribe preparing for a great hunt, taps into a deep, almost archetypal narrative that resonates across cultures and epochs. It’s a reminder that music is not just entertainment—it is a ritual, a shared experience that transcends time, connecting us to our ancestors while guiding us into an uncertain future.
In the grand scheme of Norbess‘s artistry, Prey stands as a milestone. It’s a testament to the artist’s deep respect for musical history while embracing the new possibilities that modern technology affords. The track is immersive, hypnotic, and spiritual – a journey into the heart of rhythm and sound that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners. Norbess has crafted something timeless here – an anthem for those who are not just searching for a groove, but for a deeper connection to the world around them.
With Prey, Norbess not only continues to push boundaries but also invites us on a journey, one where the ancient and the modern coexist in perfect harmony, creating an experience that is as cerebral as it is soulful. It’s a track that will resonate on the dance floor, but also echo in the depths of the listener’s mind long after the final beat fades. We have added the captivating composition to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to stream Norbess‘s wider discography.