Dj LiloCox [CDM] - "Bungula"

The image shows a corpse. Asthe non-descript skeleton undergoes is x-rayed it appears to be removing excess brain matter by way of firearm. This is the picture which now greets visitors to the Casa da Mãe (CDM) Records Soundcloud. More surprising than the picture, though, is who has shown it. Resting comfortably within the upper tier of their style, CDM does not fit the mold for shock value. The need does not exist. Where the element of surprise could be employed by a party lacking expressive talents - undermining and compensating an absent creativity - it appears to have found its way into this camp. The bones, however, are nothing to be taken aback by.

Nestled below the soon to be orange waveform is a tag. Reading "#bass" below "Bungula" the audience is left to assume. Yet LiloCox has not suddenly turned towards  London or Miami. A song's first three-seconds rarely make an accurate forecast of what is to follow. But this much can be said from the introduction to LiloCox's new song: the music is still Portuguese.

Within the miniscule preface all main elements are exhibited. Unusual for a LliCox track, "Bungula" appears to be minimal. Aside from the the designer's tag, no vocal samples are used; miscellaneous melodies cannot located. A call-and-response potential is conceivable with an MC - boosting the track's legitimate claim as part of a set's warm-up - but alas, merely a pipedream. A mid-tempo zouk beat is the song's rhythm of choice with a 4/4 bass underscoring the percussion. Monotony is  broken a mere fifteen seconds later. LiloCox implements an odd drum fill to signify change and cymbals are introduced. Along with an alteration of the bass's signature, the song's variation is as frugal as the elements utilized. Cracking the code enclosing the safe of subtlety is essential to enjoying "Bungula" fully; luckily the bass has access. As the song loops to form it's A-B-A-B structure, the initial 4/4 back returns. The song's other signature - a second percussive tool - is heard in the maracas, and later again with the cymbals. Bass, however, is what drives the song forward. Deceivingly dense and alarmingly simply at the onset, the song is ultimately a refreshing addition to the CDM cannon.

- John Noggle