Black$ea Não Maya - "The Noronha Kuro-Step"

No name is able to stirs passions quite like Christopher Columbus

The legacy of genocide and slavery still weigh heavily upon the Western world. On the other hand, the events of 1492 also paved the way for a unique cultural exchange; resulting in, among other creations, the advent of milk chocolate.

History is complex and difficult to digest. Music, on the other hand is meant to be enjoyed.

And in just such a tradition, the Pinta the Nina and the Santa Maria have raised their masts once again. Rather than crossing the Atlantic, though, the Iberian fleet has its sextant set on Black$ea Não Maya. Released earlier this week, the selection at hand appears to be a solo project credited to Dj Noronha. Similar to "Tropas de Aldeia," BNM continues to push towards uncharted waters. But "The Noronha Kuro-Step" is more than a synth heavy song with an EDM inflection. Ambitions are set high. Commitment is unwavering During a two-tier introduction, an unmistakable 2/4 rhythm is laid down by kick/snare/hi-hat; allowing listeners to settle in before rough sailing. The song proper begins after an interlude full of 2012 staples. The climax is built by increasing the pitch and tempo until a peak it reached - at which point a sample, not unlike what appears on "First of the Year (Equinox)" - is heard. The beat changes into a more relatable, kick/snare/tambourine kuduro rhythm with a djembe Bass is the central focus, but the track is consistently busy; including but not limited to vocal samples, guitar, and multiple synths.

Although spicy and bitter as the Aztec's hot chocolate, the innovation does not merit any chiding; and the rapidly approaching summer seems like it will produce some promising BNM tracks.



Notable Mention: Produtor BiG vadO [DDPR] - "Americana Selvagem"

The chaser is a significantly less bitter; though flamboyant as a shaman all the while .

Titled "Americana - Selvagem," the song below is a quick afro-house care of DJs di Puro Ritmo's BiG vadO. The tempo is quick, and the mastering could use work, but intention compensates for any shortcomings. The foundational beat is kick/snare, but the song relies heavily on syncopation. Melodic elements are present but far from central. Be that as it may, the song is far from static. Whether it is swung by one of the vocal samples or the lonely scraper, "Americana - Selvagem" (available for download) is as raucous as a game of poktapok...fortunately without the human sacrifice.

- J.N.

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