Dj CiroFox [L.S Produções] - "Malandro do Mercado"

Before the sound of the crash cymbal fades, an errant bass drum makes its sudden entrance. At present, nothing more than a practice session unfolds. A hi-hat and snare drum also happen to be using this opportunity to warm-up within the vicinity. What appears before the listener is nothing short collective disorganization - it will not, however, last much longer. Dj CiroFox, as the disembodied voice proclaims, is within earshot. Direction will be given sooner rather than later; and when that occurs, the urgency will be palpable through the subwoofer. The once lackadaisical attitude of the introduction will be sorely missed.

Not being personally familiar with the man, CiroFox is an enigma. Another independent from the city of Queluz-Pendão, north of the River Tejo, this beat-maker rests easily in the upper regions of the BPM spectrum. Which is to say that the head honcho at L.S Produções is a kuduro producer by trade, able to lay down a track with alarming ease. Interestingly, though, this proverbial specialist is willing to explore beyond the confines of his natural habitat. Aside from the odd hip-hop beat, CiroFox has released formidable collaborations with Casa de Mãe mainstays DJ LiloCox and Finicox. As it happens to be, "O Malandro do Mercado," is a song that follows in this vein.

Introductory motions now concluded, the bass takes charge. Its five-part phrase establishes a rhythmic identity for "O Malandro do Mercado," and its tempo is fast. The beat is appropriately busy. While the hi-hat quietly follows the bass, a third indistinguishable piece of percussion creates a hypnotic effect; typical in batidas, it is suddenly plausible to become lost within the drums. As the song continues, and second section begins, the bass becomes evermore important. Without the inclusion of a synthesizer or melodica, the track's rhythmic foundation is forced to lead the melodic charge as well. The cymbal and miscellaneous percussion remain consistent while the bass evolves into shorter phrasing and two-bars. What can be likened to a miniature bridge plays just prior to the minute mark. The song now enters a full-loop of its two sections. A frugal but very efficient song in terms of tools - only the most basic resources are gathered and put into place - its most interesting quality is the asymmetry. Because the duration is just short of an album length track, the beat fails to fully loop back to 'A.' Ultimately, this song is ripe for a remix. The lack of extraneous effects avoid a novelty effect, but also proves to be a source of monotony.
- John Noggle