DJ Finicox [CDM] - "SexyLady GangstaZouk [Demo]"

The title says demo, but one of the tags says "Geomagic." Understand that I could not resist. By an large, Soundcloud has contributed a wealth of knowledge - or warnings, it depends on the day - to my music listening. First, beware of unattributed remixes. Just because it is accessible does not mean it is good. Second, because a piece of music does not say it can be downloaded does not mean that it cannot be downloaded; a piece of advice, just as much as a word to the wise. Lastly, stay away from titles including "preview, "clip," or "demo." Luckily all rules have exceptions. Just keep an outline of said rules near the list  of grounds under which to break them.

The release of new Finicox - or another noteworthy artist, as the case may be - is a clear exception. Much like B-Side A-Hole favorite DJ Firmeza, Finicox has an intangible benefit Finicox, just as much as Yudifox is an entryway into major collectives - such as CDM - as well as the larger galaxy of "New Portugal". And not unlike the benefit of preserving a dying language, throwing peripheral figures into the mix allows listeners to develop an ear for commonalities while appreciating distinctions.

Finicox has an independent streak to him, and his work reflects it. Subtly infusing personal influences, Finicox  flashes flares unique to the aesthetics of Lisbon. Not earth-shattering, but something as miniscule as the inclusion of cymbals and a propensity for signature changes are certainly appreciated. But "SexyLady GangstaZouk," is not about this. Bass-driven "O Mais Remitente" (linked above) or "Eh Dijza" attempt to polish the genre's song structure and introducing pop elements. "SexyLady GangstaZouk," meanwhile, brings Africa to a pop song (similar to this tune, when replacing pop with dance). The zouk beat - similar to a dembow/dancehall rhythm, but quicker than what would be heard in tarraxinha or cumbia - is possibly to most foreign element to the number. The drop is neither subtle nor unpredictable; the sudden, but not altogether surprising, shift towards trap, however, is an entirely different matter. This song is equal parts refreshing and promising, just not Finicox's best.

- John Noggle