Spor – Aztec / Do Not Shake

Spor – Aztec / Do Not Shake

A heavyweight slice of late-2000s drum & bass, Spor – Aztec / Do Not Shake is a two-track 12-inch single originally released on Shogun Audio in 2009. The release showcases two contrasting sides of Jon Gooch's production style, from the huge dancefloor impact of “Aztec” to the darker, more aggressive neurofunk of “Do Not Shake.”

Spor, the production alias of Jon Gooch, had already established himself as one of the more technically adventurous producers in the drum & bass scene by this point. His productions were known for combining intricate programming, heavyweight bass and highly detailed electronic sound design, and Aztec / Do Not Shake became one of the defining releases of his early career.

The A-side, “Aztec,” is an explosive dancefloor drum & bass track built around powerful low-end, hard-hitting drums and a distinctive electronic arrangement. Shogun Audio described it as one of the label's biggest-selling singles of 2009, while it also became notable for being the first track to receive Grooverider's Radio 1 “rewind” two weeks in succession — a strong indication of its impact in the UK drum & bass scene.

The track received extensive DJ and radio support during 2009, with names including Andy C, Friction, Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, Rob Da Bank and Grooverider among those championing it. Its crossover appeal even extended beyond the specialist drum & bass scene, helping establish “Aztec” as one of Spor's most recognisable productions.

Flip the record over and “Do Not Shake” takes things in a considerably darker direction. A more uncompromising example of Spor's neurofunk production, it combines distorted bass, heavy drums and a tense electronic atmosphere into a track designed squarely for the darker end of the dancefloor. Shogun Audio described the B-side as showcasing Spor's production ability to the maximum.

The single was released as Shogun Audio SHA025 in May 2009, with the vinyl appearing as a 12-inch, 45 RPM UK pressing. The two tracks run at approximately 5:45 and 5:23 respectively, giving DJs two substantial weapons for the club and festival circuit.

For collectors of Spor vinyl, drum & bass 12-inches, neurofunk, Shogun Audio, UK electronic music and late-2000s D&B, Aztec / Do Not Shake is a standout release. It captures Spor at an important stage in his development while preserving the raw, heavyweight sound that made his productions so effective on a club system.

Tracklist

A

1. Aztec – 5:45

AA

1. Do Not Shake – 5:23