Poison by Kiing Bhutie

Poison is the sophomore offering from rising Durban gqom producer, Kiing Bhutie. His June-released solo debut EP, Danger Zone, saw him exploring the crossroads between gqom and electro, inspired by the likes of David Guetta. Poison marks a return to a gqom focus, paying homage to Durban with the hint in its tongue-in-cheek title. It’s a perfect thunderstorm of ‘Durban Poison’ chaos characterised by gqom’s signature collection of haunting vocal chants, relentless kick drum and snare combinations, and bass stabs. Lead by the title track, the six-track EP kicks off with a booming gqom confidence. Other highlights include ‘Purple Monkey’ which sees an introduction of some more playful rhythmic patterns in the conversation between the kick and snare drums, and the closing track, ‘Parallel’, sees Kiing Bhutie collaborate once again with newcomer State OFFF on a daringly saturated Gqom outing that works itself to a double peak, driving the EP to its conclusion. Poison is a truly remarkable effort from Kiing Bhutie in carving his own sound within gqom’s well-established sonic traditions

Since its surge in international popularity, Gqom has been led most notably by genre titans DJ Lag and Distruction Boyz – stalwarts who have continued not only to drive its sound to maintain its prominence alongside Amapiano’s prolific rise to global phenomenon, but have paved the way for the next generation of producers. Kiing Bhutie is one such producer.