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Ethnofusion Picks #Oct2017

November 7, 2017 - Blog
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Ethnofusion wraps up another month of discoveries, showcasing the best electronic world fusion music being produced around the world today. Spanning from Hindi dubstep, footwork, and glitchhop, to Middle Eastern halftime neuro, Japanese hip-hop instrumentals, ancestral Ecuadorian protest chant electronic, jazzy afrobeats, and other tribal blends, there’s enough variety in these mixes for them to be presented as a Benetton ad, so dig in! – Baxtak

Blake skowron – 10pound

One of the toughest things about this blog is finding artists that aren’t necessary musicians that specialise in ethnic stuff but every now and then, they make the one-off banger in this style. In the case of Blake Skowron, this is exactly what happened, and I accidentally came across this release and was blown away. The thing with such accidentally cross-over artists is that their take on the genre can be extremely fresh, as they aren’t emulating so many songs from the same sphere. 10pound definitely takes it there for me, and this tune is really something tasty. That flute hook and the homogeneous percussions serve as saucy meatball marinara for the herbs and cheese seasoned 6-foot sub on this bad boy. Impressive 10pound sandwich right here.

For fans of Tsuruda, Aztek, x&g, and Ramzoid.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 10
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 9.2

NOCHÉ – Bushido

A short and sweet trapped out 808-type thing from NOCHÉ with a dark oriental and gangsta vibe. Some Samurai meets Playboi Carti vibes; something for fans of short instrumentals to wield liquid swords and slice bling to in a 2k17 interpretation of 36 chambers of death.

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 8
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.2

For fans of Biz, old NextRo, and other cvlt trvp shit.

Drew’s Theory – Bushido EP [Version Collective]

Drew’s Theory, the main man behind Version Collective, comes out with Bushido EP, setting the bar for his label’s sound and showing his interpretation of what deep dubstep should sound like. Playing on Japanese themes, including a kabuki play, darkness, the codified Samurai way of life, and swords, the EP certainly embodies an oriental feel, accentuated by the Yukai forest type ambiance and atmospherics. The EP is based on super-deep sub and percussion rhythms, and it makes some pretty good reasons why deep dubstep should sound like this.

For fans of Shanti, Sub Roots, and ghostly and ethereal deep dubstep in general.

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 8
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 8

Median = 8.2

Dub Killer – India (The Widdler Remix) {Deep, Dark & Dangerous}

The Widdler is back like he never left, continuing a streak of a brilliant few months. After already giving us prime Wild West bass on the Outlawz EP, and a solid ethnic System of a Down remix, this Dub Killer remix smashes the airways back home, with deep spacetime-rumbling wubs, a killer stringed hook, and Truth-style wubs, really proving why deep dubstep is a genre you can sleep on.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 10
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 9.2

ColtCuts x Pushloop x Dalek One – Desert Merchants {Deep, Dark & Dangerous}

Another big riddim from the triple D comes in the triple threat link-up of ColtCuts, Pushloop and Dalek One, with this heavyweight ancient dubstep type release. There’s that almost metal flavour to this with aggressive kick patterns giving you the gorilla stomp, while the wubs, percussive layers, fx, and oriental melodies complete the track’s aesthetics. Solid deep tribal 808-based dubstep for the win.

For fans of Truth, The Widdler, Oudjat, Khanum, Submassive Foundation, Muudra, etc.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.4

Mudra – Monarch EP {Muti Music}

Mudra, the Italian producer who’s known for his ritualistic and heavyweight 808-ladden beats is back with his second EP for Muti Music and third overall. Fresh from winning Ill Gates’s remix contest, and with a few resulting high profile collabs on the way, Mudra takes the signature sound he uniquely presented on Divonorum EP and throws it in a groove blender to create limp halftime bangers. Conceptually put, this is EDM made by ghosts stuck in an eternal purgatory, picked up through spacetime anomalies and sonificated by Terrasapien shamans.

What hits home with me on this EP is how the dissonance of noisey neuro aesthetics merges with haunting ethnic melodies and a barrage of oddly-placed and organic percussions. This is evident in all four tracks, and highlight characteristic moments include the second drop on Larva and the entirety of Chrysalis.

Overall, Mudra is easily one of my favorite halftimers, hopefully, soon to be big-timer and this is a must-listen release for fans of artists like Tsuruda, CHEE and Renraku record label.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 10
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 8

Median = 9.4

I did an interview with Mudra for the Untz about this EP, you can also read it here:

  1. What is the inspiration behind Monarch EP:

– Transformation. There were changes in progress, i’m constantly changing and growing, just like everybody and everything in this universe, but at the moment i felt that there were some significant changes in my life, killing what i was for something new, and this reflected in my music obviously and is evident in Monarch

  1. The artwork is pretty amazing; is it supposed to have some meaning related to the music?

– What better than butterfly to represent a transformation?

I met Dana Danilova, i love her works with Thom Oab a good young sound designer and i talked to her about the concept, i wanted a butterfly but not usual, like a new specie was born, and she did the rest, which is really beautiful, i love that the butterfly basically is a monster but still elegant

  1. What kind of things do you sample to get those crispy percussions and ethnic sounds?
  2. Well, percussion samples, home’s objects, toys, old ethnic music sampled, but always morphed with plugins, i like very much to miss myself into plugin combinations and transform all sounds, just this
  3. What’s next in the production line in the world of Mudra?
  4. For now i have many drafts with no aim, another half-ready ep in progress which is very different, kind of a surprise also to me, some interesting collab in progress and than i don’t know. I don’t like to make plan for a too far future, i like to make music just if i have something to express

Thanks for your time.

  1. You’re welcome, thanks to you!

‘Monarch’ EP is out now on all major digital platforms via Muti Music:

Tipper – Lattice

When one of the founding fathers comes back with a drum intro like this, you sit down, shut your mouth, and listen. Then when it drops, you dissolve and burst into bubbles, and ricochet off the walls of your room like a game of 8ball being broken on a pool table. Dave Tipper’s legendary status is firmly in tact with this new EP, showing that he’s keeping up with the halftime-ish vibes, while bringing his signature flavour to the genre, and reminding the squelch-hop scene of its origins. Respect!

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 10
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 9.2

Gramatik & Balkan Bump – Aymo ft. Talib Kweli

It’s such an awesome feeling to have Talib Kweli in these selections as I’d never think that’d be a thing, beyond someone remixing his voice. But if Gramatik decides to get a rapper on a track, anything is possible, right?

Anyway, this makes me stoked and I’m glad to see this merging of worlds. Balkan music, electronic music, arguably one of hip-hops best MCs; I’m content.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 10
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 8

Median = 9.4

David Starfire – Nataraja (ft Shri & Patrick D) (Dysphemic ft Yiani Treweeke Remix)

The Treweeke Bros (potential new artist name?) give a re-bump to David Starfire’s Nataraja featuring Shri and Patrick D and provide it with that strong growling 808step treatment that they are known for. This is superb turnt-up ethnic music for any active dancefloor.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.8

Dissølv – Fertileyes {Gravitas Music}

In this week’s Infusion, the Gravitas folks treat us to a tune from Dissølv, with a gypsy 808 vibe and great extent of danceability. Fans of Gravitas know that everything they put out is polished and ready for the club and those who know Dissølv’s squelchy mysterious music, know what the vibe will be, so what are you waiting for?

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.4

Ethnicalvibes & Mayura – Innate Turnery

This month has been full of returning legends and another one to me is the new Ethnicalvibes EP. I originally found this artist through the SUBBASS Ethnostep compilations around 5 years ago, an album that had a great bearing for me in this style, beyond traditional psychill. Fast forward to today, this EP definitely takes me back to the same vibe, but more adapted to the ridiculously high standard of today’s requirements. The overall sound is still very traditional, but the making of this EP is half of the story; this is a jam-induced meeting of two musicians, developing a live set with a number of instruments, and recording violins, nyckelharpa, bansuri and kalimbas on top of Ethnicalvibes beats. Therefore, while some of these wubs and squelches may sound too oldschool for some readers, you cannot fault the process and overall vibe.

For fans of Kuba, Shulman, OTT, and SUBBASS label.

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 8
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 9

Median = 8.6

Maija Vidovska – Syzygy

Another accidental find this month comes in the form of Syzygy; Maija Vidovska’s flute-ridden dub. The Latvian Bristol-based flutist who has been featured on Lee Scratch Perry’s 2015 Grammy-nominated release, as well as countless other dub / reggae releases, takes an incredible organic approach to this tune; the track feels like a 3-minute improv, even at times reminiscent of the 80s prog rock band, Asia Minor. The flute playing on this is seriously flawless, and while the beat can be more polished, the overall vibe is pure bliss.

For fans of Alpha & Omega, Asia Minor, Panda Dub, and other more traditional approaches to ethnic dub.

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 7
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 9

Median = 8

Wolf Tech – Quest {Shanti Planti}

The Shanti Planti folks are back after a short break with a 6-tracker from Wolf Tech, giving you equal amounts techy psydub goodness, and natural wolven elements. Two tracks that stood out for this blog are Frogalicious and Snake Charmer, both effortlessly blending ethnic elements with premium psy elements. Shanti Planti are the de facto force in psydub today, as they have been for the past few years and it’s without a doubt that they will put out brilliant releases almost every single time. Go Wolf Tech!

For fans of Quanta, Mantis Mash, Somatoast, etc.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.4

Shpongle – Empty Branes

There are very few names that are as legendary as Shpongle when it comes to electronic world fusion music. Both Simon Posford and Raja Ram are absolutely revered musicians in the scene and the psychedelic community worldwide, and it comes as no surprise that a new and the 6th overall full length Shpongle release will make its way to this blog. I suggest a full walk-through listening of this album, however, I will focus on two songs here, Empty Branes and Celestial Intoxication.

The first one, Empty, is exactly what you want from a premium psydub track; long slowly-progressing evolution, electric guitar crescendos, squelch solos, hypnotic hymnal chants, and deep dub basslines, spanning over a fluent 10-min trip. The second one, Celestial Intoxication starts with a flamenco-style guitar line, and continues the latin vibes into psydub/psybreaks. This is the perfect soundtrack for tango in space, whether physically, or manifested through a sexual psychedelic-laced mild meld.

Overall, the production quality on these tracks is amazing, and it goes to show that Shpongle is as relevant today as ever. I had the privilege of seeing them live at Ozora in 2016 and seeing how people get down to this music is further testament to this fact.

Thus, it is without a single doubt that fans of Ott, Bluetech, Globular, Entheogenic, etc. will love this. For any of the listeners who like the modern ethnofusion off-shoots, you need to make sure that you are shpongled in your life as this group here is why a lot of your favourite music exists.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 10
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 9.2

Helucze- Anthem of the Silent Glades {Avocaudio}

I missed this upload from Helucze’s EP that we reviewed last month and it really deserves a solo mention here. Helucze is quickly turning into one of my favourite slow rave artists, and beyond doing what’s expected of this genre flawlessly, my admiration is purely based on his approach to unconventional and intricate grooves; just listen and marvel at how much better this sounds than if the kicks were on 4/4 all through-out which seems to be the genre-norm.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.6

Tremor – Resplandor {zzk records}

Following the Latin-inspired electronic music trend set in the above feature, Tremor also grace us with a band-based organic folktronica sound. This song’s the first in a collection of 5 tracks that make up the EP and it is the perfect sound-track for a poncho-veiled road trip in the Andes mountains. Zzk records keeps it fresh as always with this one, eloquently describing it as a playful ‘interstellar lullaby’, and I’m excited to hear the remaining tunes on the EP.

For fans of Kaleema, Chancha Via Circuito, Nicola Cruz, etc.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 10
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 8

Median = 8.6

Mateo Kingman – Respira Remixed {AYA Records}

AYA Records, a new imprint from ZZK Records unleash this huge remix album of Mateo Kingman songs, interpreted through a very diverse range of Americana subgenres. There’s a little bit of so many types of rhythm and groove here, from cumbia, downtechno, and slow house to baile , moombahton and deep dub. I appreciate labels expanding into different traditional genre types and focusing on a vibe, tribal forest music in this case, and therefore, probs are due to all artists involved and the label.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 8

Median = 8.6

Rodrigo Gallardo – Detras Del Arbol De La Razon

Based on a Venezuelan groove, Rodrigo Gallardo creates this sonic story, only resorting to electronics in the low frequencies where the need is most. The song has a unique lo-fi yet well produced vibe to it which makes it distinct to others, sounding like the Burial of organic folktronica. It’s a shame that I can only translate the song as far as Google allows, with the title meaning “Behind the tree of reason”, however it’s obvious that there is a clear story-telling element to this. Really impressive vibe, interesting groove, and authentic feeling overall.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 8

Median = 9

Populous – Azulejos (Rastronaut Remix)

Made as a remix for Populous’s Azulejos album, Rastronaut creates a lush euphoric soundscape with deep thumping basslines and an overall pure aesthetic. This song is pure joyous vibes and I really doubt music can sound any friendlier than this.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 8

Median = 8.6

Cooyah – Lah Pouse [Bat Tamboo Riddim] {Saint Lucians}

If you want High Octane ghetto bass music, Saint Lucians definitely got the goods every damn time. This month Cooyah’s Lah Pouse gives us heavy, organic, and vocal kuduro with incredible danceability. This is music to get mega crunk to, there’s nothing more or less about it. Just put it on in your next party and watch the daggering unfold.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.4

The Dogon Lights – Aneybara {Jumpsuit Records}

Here’s a little bit of Afrobeats Jazz for a taste of something different this month. Jumpsuit Records’ release of The Dogon Lights’s Aneybara is a refreshing direction for the label. The track comes from a full-length that combines elements of funk, hip-hop and afro grooves with an overall technical jazzy vibe to it as played by the five-piece band, making for rather mature and ‘proper musician’ music. I picked Aneybara because of its direct relevance to music covered in this blog, but the whole album is a must-listen pleasure for people who enjoy the more organic band-performed side of the ethnofusion music spectrum.

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 9

Median = 8.6

For fans of Fela Kuti, and pop-sensible conscious hip-hop.

Biomigrant – Aldea Mundial 2/6: La Riqueza (Wealth) {Regional Label}

Taken from Biomigrant’s hyper-conceptual release through Regional Label, La Riqueza is the 2nd song in the 6 episode documentary-style video aspect of this project. The song is about the economic and philosophical crisis that people in Cuba (and the global picture) face in face of ever-increasing consumerism. The episode also defines the contradictory and true meaning of happiness and wealth as prosperousness and becoming cultured. Visually, the video merges a live performance with a number of dancers who become increasingly covered with plastic and paint from their initial tabula rasa state, as well as shots of Cuba, interviews with people about true happiness, shots of Biomigrant’s main man rapping, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Overall, conceptually-speaking, Aldea Mundial is one of the densest projects of the past year, while certain elements of the musical execution like production quality fall slightly short of the blog’s expectation, these video episodes are doing a great job of putting the overall story into context. Meanwhile, it’s amazing how conceptual development, especially visually, makes songs sound better, isn’t it?

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 7
Intricacy = 10
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 10

Median = 8.6


EVHA – El Viejo Hombre de los Andes {AYA Records}

Another AYA Records feature this month comes in the form of an Ecuadorian four-piece who merge vocals in Uiuí, their local ancestral protest music, to raise awareness about environmental issues, a well-merged mix of marimbas and synthesizers, and unconventional beat grooves to create this full length. The group’s take on abstract rhythms is truly fantastic, and the overall fruit of their labour sounds unique. The only criticism is that the music sounds a bit too lo-fi for this blog’s standards and it can perhaps be mixed better, but for anyone who likes strong conceptual music with a message sung is Spanish, this is the stuff.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 7
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 9

Median = 8.6

OLIGARKH – Вой feat. Pixelord

Described as ethnofuturism, this OLIGARKH and Pixelord tune is quite different to the other stuff we feature, and it’s an interesting piece; it’s difficult to place a genre on it as it glides through some trippy EDM-inspired Russian instrumental to a garage section and back. I feel like bar some mixdown muddiness, this is a pretty interesting take on something unique and another indication that things in the vicinity of Hyperboloid Records should not be missed.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 7
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8

For fans of Chuck Upbeat, LOFIMAKER, with an added touch of future bass.

Filastine – Chatarreros {Post World Industries}

Barcelona’s finest is back this month with what sounds like footwork made in a forest with lo-fi trees and plastic toy animals. There’s something irresistible about ethnic / forest-themed juke and footwork; maybe it’s the fact that it’s not a regularly explored genre. Either way, it makes for a unique chill and fast experience, a feeling that might only be paralleled in liquid drum n bass.

For fans of Machine Drum, Generation Bass label, and Mitú.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 7
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.2

Janaka Selecta – Sarang / Haunted Dancehall

The SanFran-based producer Janaka Selekta has just announced a Worldly Exploration Series, exploring South Indian music in this first edition, with the help of Vidya Venkat providing the vocals. This is deep meditative ethnic crunk Hindi 808 music with phenomenal vocal execution; for fans of Mr.Moo, SOOHAN, Liquid Bloom and other non-squelchy / overly-techy ethnofusion music. Curios to hear what the rest of this Series brings so definitely one to keep an ear out for!

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 8
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 9

Median = 8.4

Shamanic Technology – The Otherside Beat Tape {Omni Temple}

Shamanic Technology, a multi-genre producer and previously featured artist in our Searching for the Omni-Dimensional column, is back with a 25-track beat- tape, covering a wide-range of styles, and mainly focusing on jazzy down and mid-tempo. There’s a bunch of Japanese-inspired violin-Ladden stuff that work really well for me, some Beats Antique-style hip-hop instrumentals. There’s simply too much here to individually name any but go through this 17-min sampler to spot your favourites.

Eccentricity = 8
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 9
Sentiment = 7

Median = 8.4

RUDE – Aysa

RUDE is here again this month with a heavy 808-laced instrumental, chill as ice attitude, and pretty cult-esque aesthetics. Aysa is testament that sometimes all you need is a perfect sample, chopped and screwed in the write way over a tight drumbeat, and that’s about it. That’s not to say some context wouldn’t be appreciated but this new RUDE is everything you want from a no bullshit chill trap instrumental.

Eccentricity = 7
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 8
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 6

Median = 8

Baja Frequencia – Shenhai Dance ft Rafael Aragon {Chinese Man Records}

Taken from Baja Frequencia’s release on Chinese Man Records, this Rafael Aragon collaboration is a lot of fun, gliding through double time, normal time and half time grooves, sounding like a weird mix of Hindi dancehall, footwork and psytrance. Now that’s three words I’ve never used to describe one thing but hey, that’s exactly what this blog looks for.

For fans of Populous, E.Reflexion, Nuphlo & Shandy, Chuck Upbeat, etc.

Eccentricity = 9
Lucidity = 9
Intricacy = 9
Cadence = 10
Sentiment = 8

Median = 9

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