DJ Set I can't Ado Much About - Maréchal K'nibal "Daga Daga Daggering #2"

Fear no reaper.

With villains - as with life - size disproportionately matters.

Plus, the scythe is nothing more than a show-prop; even if licking the blade is far from recommended. At any rate, the problem at hand must still be addressed. When trouble comes to a head society will be at a lack for slingshot maestros. No Philistine is willing to simply take himself down and repeating old cliches only helps so much. True heroes would much rather act than consider the alternative. Surprise the opposition before it calls in support! Remember readers, even more problematic than the monster itself is the bride that lurks behind him.

Any beast with two backs - and further supported by wood - is sure to instill apprehension.

The solution, however, is easy to comprehend. Presented in short, audio format "Daga Daga Daggering #2" suggests limiting opposition in the span of ten minutes. Resistance is deemed futile. Listeners are instead left at the mercy of riding waves created by the Swamp Thing itself. With assistance from dancehall toasting - varying in language (English/French) and point of origin (Jamaica/West Indies) - the tide is aggressive; but such is to be expected from the Parisian Maréchal K'nibal, aboard his minimal, albeit intriguing, vessel. Rhythm is usually three layers deep; always active. Of particular note is the triplet swing on the fifth selection (about five songs deep). Still, the old-school is unshakeable. Sped-up dembow percussion is prevalent - through drums, claps, or otherwise - in addition to the occasional rapid-fire 90s spitter. Far from an exercise in nostalgia, though, new ideas are heard as well, primarily the reverse influence on the bass during the 8th selection. Transitions are alarmingly clean, often engaging in the fade while both songs are simultaneously playing.  

Simply put, monsters are best approached on a case-by-case basis. But for the time being, the issue can be ignored in lieu of this highly recommended download.




- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website

DJ Set I can't Ado Much About - DJ Tokinou "Red Zouk TBS"

Refrain from speaking.

Conversation is the gateway of engagement.

On the other hand, associating with straw-men comes with many benefits; so much goes without saying. And as with any friendship compromises must be reached. While sociable, for instance, the occasional effigy can no longer be put on the hot-seat. Any and all Burning Man events are similarly to be avoided. But the small, politically correct price is certainly worth paying. Those dummies are best that crash just like the rest. It is almost as if these individuals lack the facilities to make their own decisions. Alas, mannequins lives matter too and the casual nature of the relationship is unsurpassable. Unlike wax figurines, even the most average of scarecrows are always ready for a lively discussion.

It is for just such a reason, of course, that the hay-lobby is dominates today's social media landscape.

Unfortunately, the author is not one to follow through on his own advice. In addition to being of a generally odious disposition, hypocrisy is far from an enviable trait. Not only does the scribe express the opinion, but the man will frequently relishes in sharing the nuances of such thoughts: proverbial shame on parade. Just such an exhibition, as a matter of fact, was recently put on display; especially following the release of the collection below just last week (but more on the in a moment).

Titled "Red Zouk TBS" what follows is fairly self-explanatory. Slow to mid tempo zouk and kizomba - largely determined by the language, first French and ultimately Portuguese - play for just short of 25 minutes. Both instrumentals and vocal tracks are featured; the latter half favors female stylings, although the breadth of styles is frankly more impressive. No two subsequent number feature identical deliveries. Singing is heard alongside dancehall toasting and Atlanta-garnished rap flows. More important, though, is the impressive amount of dubplates the Martiniquan DJ Tokinou relishes in sharing. The beats are modern but regularly flash the traditional signs. In addition to flares for soft, 80s production, antillean acoustic guitar/piano runs are prevalent.

Much like the author choosing to follow Tokinou on SnapChat, though, no regrets are had. After all, the producer's screenname is available in the comments section, right above the download links. Second, at any rate,is far from beneficial. Impulse is the superior form of daily living Both the selections and the sequencing are enviable; apprehending a copy is recommended


- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website

StressMusik - "Perdido [Low Quality]"

The fix is in.

Forget about getting insurance: the outcome is 100% guaranteed.

Granted, the more sympathetic reader will surely rush to help at the scene. It is important, however, not to mind the older gentleman softly crying in the corner. Resist the urge to call for reinforcements; coach will gain his composure soon enough. Only one look is required to tell that this old ballplayer has seen worse in his day. Plus, if the television is responsible for imparting any useful lesson upon the viewing public it is that tears are not limited to grief. Break from tradition! Accept all possibilities. Every aspect of the evening went according to plan, after all.  Just when it seemed that hope had been lost, the con-man got conned in the final act. All wrongs have been judiciously righted (and with a delightful Harry Anderson cameo to show for it).

Still, a single mystery remains.

Although customer names are well known and oft repeated at this fine drinking establishment, the same cannot be said for the contents of its jukebox. Music, as a matter of fact, is hardly ever heard. Hi-jinks and quick witted retorts are much more likely to arise. But in terms of entertainment the television is, meta-enough, the primary source of amusement for the staff and patrons alike. Alas, a small-screen critic the present the author is not. So, for just such a reason, attention must be shifted back towards the glowing jukebox, restlessly gathering dust..

But tonight, the stereo system will serve as more than just electric furniture.  

The occasion at hand should be celebrated. House rules are that no expense is too steep. Put away the Cliquot & break-out the Dom. Entertainment, at any rate, has essentially been guaranteed by the likes StressMusik and his trademark backwards baseball cap; in spite of orchestrating an elaborate set-up himself. Yes, it is safe to ignore the "low quality" tag. Titled, "Perdido," the number is a natural fit in the Odivelas-based DJ's oeuvre. A slow to mid-tempo song, "Perdido," is built around a kick/snare kizomba verses. The drunken mumbles of an overly-excited hi-hat are heard on the 1/3 beat while claps accent 1/4 beats. On the chorus, djembe carries a more quiet variant as closed hi-hat and tambourine swing. But as on most StressMusik songs, while the rhythm is flawless the melody demands all the attention and "Perdido" as it ventures off into the uncharted territory of gouyomba (kizyad?). An 8-beat, high pitched, overly emotive synth line does not loosen its grip upon listeners for the entirety of the number, even including a second for harmonic purposes.

"Low quality" may apply vaguely, but ultimately misleading. Very, very good effort with an available download.



Notable Mention: Dj Teklas D'cantwo - "Flute-Demo"

The second selection follows a comparable trajectory.

Flight paths diverge, however, somewhere along the flightpath .

Not unlike StressMusik, Dj-teklas released a new track over the weekend with a strong kizomba foundation. Kick/claps keep the tempo moving an an average pace -  though, perhaps, venturing off into a slightly quicker territory - as close-hi-hat provides a hitch a the end of each bar. Suddenly, similarities fall flat as Dj-Teklas brings elements of tarraxo into the mix. Also, while busy, "Flute-Demo" is decidedly more restrained in structure and allocated resources. Alas, such a claim does not take-away from how enjoyable the track ultimately flutes to be. A dual flute attack provide a deep melody while non-continuous synths harmonize throughout. Left-of-center percussion and shouts make clandestine appearances as well, providing a suitable reason for repeated listens.

If the summer has been any indication, D'cantwo that merits being watched closely.




- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website

DJ Set I can't Ado Much About - DJ Zulox "Mix Batida Para Dj Marino"

Earth refuses to wait any longer.

Canada must face the consequence of its actions.

Discipline is, after all, essential for a nation patrolled by kilted yaksmen. The nefarious name of the Hague, however, needn't be invoked. Sovereign nations deserve autonomy from their counselors. But while basketball may serve as a decent consolation prize to some, the author remains unsatisfied; which is to say that Mr. Naismith's athletic innovation follows the trajectory of an airball. A simple hoop-based game cannot erase the memories of goal horns past. The hostile take-over of a hamburger kingdom by the principality of coffee is understandable. Business, like hockey strikes, are cold and calculated. Alas, Canada's kitchen crimes are voluminous and varied. From now until eternity, and at every moment in the past, french fries were meant to be consumed with a single condiment - two at most - not bathed in cheese and gravy; a culinary catastrophe capable of being constructed only by off-brand Parisians. Maple syrup has its time and place. Nova Scotia has catered a delightful brunch in its day. But, be that as it may, pork and pork-based products have no business being round.

None of which has dissuaded the beat-maker below.

Much like a gaggle of kids in the hall, Zulox enjoys the feeling of crushing others' heads from a safe distance. A cranial conscience cannot possible be conceived by the independent producer. Instead, what follows is an entity all its own; unique from what listeners have come to expect the great giver-of-headaches to provide. The track is not an original composition. What can be heard is not so much a song as it is a collage. Fast-paced, instrumental and short (clocking in at just past the five minute mark), the most appropriate comparison is a year-old showcase put together by Bebe Poco. Of note, however, is the focus. Rather than highlight the work of an entire crew, Zulox chooses to revisit the recent resurgence of DJ Marino over the past two months in the form of the brincadeira. Most of the mix is made up of afro-house & batida cuts, as the title might suggest, beginning with the unmistakable "Sapo." . None of the softer or more left-field creations rear their head  Transitions are handled mostly through fades. The instrumentation is usually typical; although, as the "BailandoO" remix shows, these are tunes that play well with additional percussive elements (monosyllabic and bisyllabic vocal samples, primarily, which double well as melodic elements).

More than enough to whet the appetite, even after all the Canada talk.



- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website

DJ Set I can't Ado Much About - Maréchal K'nibal "Funk do West Indies"

Meditate in the water.

Stare at the long, thick black lines for hours on end.

An answer surely await competitors at the other end of this indoor lagoon. If all else fails, create a reflection pool deep within the crevices of your mind. Silence anything that exists above sea-level and let forward momentum carry the weight of your body. But, most importantly, the author wholeheartedly believes in the importance of a good, earnest stroke. No gold medals are given out at the wading pool; there are perilous depths to be encountered in Olympic competition. Buoyant caterpillars do not turn into world class butterflies over night, after all. Preparation is a task to which only a minority will report. Alas, determination and drive fuel endless meters of freestyle swimming. Some prefer to float under the influence. Others are more partial to the relay.

Just make sure that the water is safe before entering.

So while reports from Rio de Janeiro take a turn toward the positive the mix below is presented. Care of the French based Maréchal K'nibal, what follows is a short (less than ten minutes), fast-tempo, vocal mix of Brazilian funky or funk carioca. In spite of a concise run time, the selection is fairly voluminous. Techno, EDM, and rasteirinha melodies are heard in addition to the irreplaceable vocal rhythm; hints of rasteirinha. Delivery is mostly of a hip-hop and dancehall toasting more so than singing and predictably in portuguese. Transitions are noteworthy because fades are seldom heard and each one appears to vary. Vocals are left to play out while the new beat warms up in one instance while a scratch might work in another; while it might come-off as a playlist the end result is far from amateurish. The most interesting moment, as a matter of fact, occurs just short of six minutes. Two songs are allowed to play simultaneously. As drums become more plentiful the rhythm becomes more diverse.

The download, and repeated spins, are highly recommended.


- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website

DJ Kappa Jota [Kappa Stress Soundzz] - "La Txon de Portugal"

The opportunity to share some funana does not require a reason

Some information, though, can be of some use.

All of Dj Kappa Jota's previous appearances on these pages occurred under the oft-repeated moniker: Dj Karfox. But it seems that a recent rebranding bears a strong underpinning of practicality; or so the the Amadora based beat-maker would have listener's believe. Certainly a similarity to the internationally recognized producer Marfox does not require much strain to see. Imitation might not always be the sincerest form of flattery.

Fortunately, the trademark Karfox techno-style remains unscathed

In fact, July has been an active month for the Guinean/Cabo Verdean musican rich in funana cuts. Beginning with "Criola Matxicada" this independent producer finds the groove while juggling three pieces of percussion and a creeping snare hitch on the 1/8 beat. The melody is carried by accordion and a synth that sounds out of the F-Zero soundtrack but would soon include more "Rapica na gaita" is essentially a remix of the above sone with an added siren and drum as well as a vocal sample. Most impressive, though, is the six minute "Mixibioti (Nha Mudjer)." Signs of an increasingly harmonic bass are heard. Guitar is introduced as an element available to the Kappa Jota funana register. Mastering is an issue but only because the peaking presumably deters illicit recordings.

But, as recently mentioned, producers are to be judged by the quality of their pop melodies.

The vibraphone current is strong on "Kizomba beat 1." The bass grooves heavy as well. Regardless, the disco guitar playing in the distance is a surprise; an idea expanded upon later. A djembe and claps are added but the rhythm make-up fits the beatmaker's profile with the addition of cymbal hitches on the 1/8 and 1/16 beats. At such a point, mentioning the jazz-piano melody in the body only seems unfair; the stuttering trap hi-hat only rubs the point in that Kappa Jota is very good at music and music related activities. In many waysl then, "La Txon de Portugal" is the culmination of what has recently transpired. Four songs are mixed together over the span of two minutes; including a false start at the beginning that is hyped by a horn in the second loop. Both accordion and guitar melodies are heard as well as hype and straight vocals.

Nothing negative to report



Notable Mention: Deejay Kvn - "Funana Cheiirinhoo"

The follow-up feature is communist.

Dialectical in existence, its role varies by day.

To each post according to its need, today's notable mention seeks to fill a void. Two-minutes is far from enough to satisfy the funana thirst. Fortunately, a similar concept - and nearly twice as long - appeared earlier today. Then again, the curator iin question is known for such an undertaking many times over.

Put together by France's Deejay Kvn (pronounced: Kah-veh-en) is heavy on the accordion melodies, plenty of love is given to synths as well; the odd guitar is heard eventually. Vocals are mostly used for hype but are present throughout. Changes are frequent; nearly every two to four-bars with only one brief break at the middle A left-hand turn is taken near the end. The sounds become electronic and the syncopation slightly more adventurous. And just as it begun, the listener's time with the audio mosaic comes to a close (until Kvn resurfaces is a month or so)

As with the rest of the Paname based DJ's work, the download is recommended for binge listening purposes. .



- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website

DJ Set I can't Ado Much About - Dj 5Etwal D'jazz Dj'aa "It's Getting late Live Fort Myers"

Forget about the quorom.

Interacting with other people is necessary.

The life of solitude has, if not ironically, a surplus proponents throughout history. It is by sheer coincidence that society now happens to be adapting. In fact, half of the American population is now living the single lifestyle. Two-and-a-half children no longer made up the dream. Isolation is becoming the norm. Such a point was especially prescient at the baseball game earlier this year between the Chicago White Sox and the Baltimore Orioles played in front of a zero - count 'em, zero - people; and, it just so happens, that the author is in favor of extending the notion more widely across the spectrum of entertainment. There was the Bob Dylan concert for a single person, after all. Although such down by the city, Chief Keef attempted just such a feat by means of a holographic performance. And, perhaps not all the same, but there is plenty of filed copy concerning the nature of Death Grips concerts where in spite of the audience, advertised performers fail to materialize.

The present, however is decidedly more traditional.

Little information is provided. Substance, however, is made due from what is provided. As such, the author posits a series of assumptions: Dj 5Etwal D'jazz Dj'aa is a Miami based party-selector and head of the Belizaire Music Group. Needless to say, the relevant Instagram feed is active. Plenty of events require music; and what follows seems to be just one example. Heard below is an eleven minute excerpt from a presumably longer set performed at the end of March. Kompa and gouyad are the legal tender. Vocals tracks are played and some hype is provided but this mix favors the instrumental. Synth is prominently featured over 16 beat loops; yet the multifaceted electric guitar portions are just as worthy of examination. Seamless transitions assist in building up a trance in a performance not to be confused with monotonous. Key changes in synth are also used to increase intensity. Guitar will change up the strumming for its part as two levels of syncopation are maintained throughout.

A shame that no download link is provided. Highly recommended.


- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website