Dj Firmeza [PDDG] - "São Tomé"

"Sooner than wait for/A break in the weather,/I'll gather my far-flung/Thoughts together." - Pink Floyd, "San Tropez"

Even when accounting for their frequent, sudden, and drastic changes, the outfit's sound is unanticipated. Each member, it seems, is performing facsimile to a burnt-out wedding-band for hire. Then again, 1971 was a notable year for Pink Floyd. It was in this year that the quintet released Meddle, reaching a new milestone in the process. After the necessary transition spurred on by the loss of Syd Barrett, the new line-up's focus began to coalesce. Perhaps this is what makes the easy-listening lounge appearance of "San Tropez" - tucked away before the epic "Echoes" - so stunning. Waters had already contributed solo compositions. Likewise, this was not the first case of the band engaging in genre exploration. Plus, Gilmour had already debuted his acoustic abilities. Alas, what makes "San Tropez" so interesting is context. The group reached maturity; and with it the gargantuan Pink Floyd machine had solidified an identity. The slightest bit of personality could now appear.

Fortunate or not, the samples DJ Firmeza elects are not of the British prog-rock variety.  Titled "São Tomé" - whose namesake is an island west of Equatorial Guinea - the track is senselessly distant from Pink Floyd's music. One can even say that "São Tomé," like its geographic equivalent, is thousands of miles apart from "Saint Tropez." The comparison, however, merits exploring. DJ Firmeza is an established beat-maker, and flaunts a style all his own. Synonymous with the Os Piquenos Djs do Guetto, listeners both casual and dedicated wait in anticipation for a new joint. Meanwhile, expectations develop. Songs with Firmeza;s name attached are always of a high quality, percussion heavy, and inventive. With time, though, Firmeza bucks standardization, and rarely disappoints. A part of his cache is to conjure unique beats: his style is to be unexpected.  All of which, makes "São Tomé" even better.

As "São Tomé" begins, an electric guitar is heard. The Antillean feel is not surprising. A melodic prescence, though, is rather unexpected. Single-bar sounds have, of course, been heard in Firmeza's runs before. But more often than not these synths merely occupy otherwise empty space. On "São Tomé," however, the melody is central; even incorporating horns for the harmony. With the song's head now developed, its bass too seems tame by this producer's standards. As with the melody, Firmeza is no stranger to the four-to-the-floor house aesthete. But following a brief interlude - the introductory eight seconds - the DJ's recent maturity becomes clear. Firmeza sounds patient. Each section employs a single new element. And alongside thus restrained bass is a curious absence. A staple is missing. No vocals are present. Not a single voice is heard throughout. Firmeza, without showcase every strength in his arsenal at once, does not sacrifice any syncopation, succeeding once again.

- John Noggle