Controversial the above statement is not.
The idea has been touted long before the advent of these pages. Yes, Primus sucks; alas, the Bay Area legends had some transcending words for those creatures of the wild variety. For his part, Roger Waters informed the world that dogs have a firm handshake and an easy smile. Penguins, of course, can dance. And literature, too, has always been privy to allegories. It goes without saying that George Orwell was known not to keep kosher at all.
Regardless of which branch of the animal kingdom one most identifies with though, one sentiment runs deeper than the rest.
It was the urban philosopher George Clinton that said, "Free your mind and your ass will follow;" and just such a sentiment is expressed on the song that follows. Hailing from Portugal by way of Cape Verde, Telvin Timas is an independent beat-maker. Of immediate note, however, are the strong geographical co-signs. In addition to representing his own TF Produções, the DJ in question resides in the municipality of Sintra, city of Queluz alongside AvP's Puto Babaa, MNJ's EdiCerelac, and DDPR's WilliCox.
Where tangible stamps of approval are concerned, though, curious parties need only seek out the recent BNM collaboration, "Beat dos LoKos." The demo is a fast-paced batuco; a style which Timas frequently works with. Alongside Dj Perigoso - for the second time - a bass drum massages the ear drums throughout. Tambourine swings and the hi-hat plays a supporting. Synth samples are very concise, varied and well arranged. Most noteworthy, though, is the dense machine rattle from a digital snare between the introduction and the head what appears to be just as much as a bouncing bass TF signature.
But of relevant interest is the title of the current selection. Titled, "Arrasta O Pato," the song was released yesterday and, literally translated, it seems the producer is suggesting that listeners appropriate the qualities of a mallard. But, with context, the request becomes more sensible. Webbed feet do not seem so bad. The reasoning is simple. A slow-paced song, "Arrasta O Pato" is driven by a snare/kick zouk beak. Two synths carries the run; one bass/harmony the other a high-pitched melody. During the second section tarraxo feel is added as a scraper swings and while djembe fill accent the fourth beats. Lower half, by this point should be prompted to have moved outward as ducks waddle towards the dancefloor. After all, kuduro is the stiff-ass dance music. A third section is added where the melancholy synth is replaced with strings. Critically, however, are two points. First is that each section - introduction included - could be a loop shorter and still have the same effect. Second is the issue of mastering. Although an argument can be made for authenticity and rawness, the author does not feel as such. Where biases are concerned, though, he also acknowledges acoustic instruments would not be held to the same standard.
Straight forward and effective from an otherwise, low-key technical DJ with an apparently high ceiling to be raised.
Notable Mention: Dj MarinO [B.S Produções] - "Sapo"
Similarly, the second selection is concerned with nature.
The only difference is a change from birds to amphibians.
Recently featured, Dj MarinO has continued to ride the wave of momentum he has created for himself. Titled "Sapo," the producer's latest track is a fast kuduro/batida released two days ago identified by subtle shifts. Both labels are given because each corresponds to a different element. Rhythm is driven in equal parts by the bass and, to the author's ears, and indistinguishable metal piece of percussion. Subwoofer frequencies vary from a four-to-the-floor to an Angolan bounce. A frog's ribbit is sampled alongside two other faint vocals in a fashion similar to Mulatoh and certain LyCoOx tracks; not quite footwork, but related. Similarly, a whistle - already juggling melody and rhythm - undergoes a change as well. As a result, the diminutive element is able to carry a heavier groove. The batida aspect comes in where the structure is concerned: Introduction-A-interlude-B-interlude-C.
Good, creative effort.
- J.N.
A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website
No comments:
Post a Comment