Naarm-based sonic architect Joshua Wells forges tracks that feel like precision-tooled machinery breaking free of its programming. Often operating under the moniker NERVE, Wells fuses elements of drum & bass, jungle, industrial, electro, and noise into dense, kinetic compositions that pulse with both mechanical intensity and organic chaos. His productions are razor-sharp yet sprawling, vortexes where every serrated edge and percussive glitch hits like a revelation. Live performances are pure body music—steely, textured soundscapes driving relentless, drum-and-bass-inflected rhythms.

Beyond the decks, he helms the influential AR-53 label, a hub for forward-thinking electronic releases. In his debut with Heavy Machinery, Wells reimagines the iconic Melbourne sound sculpture The Federation Bells, transforming its resonances into four intricate compositions that traverse BPMs and genres whilest giving not a single fuck.

• Tiger Mask, by NERVE

• Tiger Mask, by NERVE