The self-titled release by Moktar brings global inspiration and flare, combining catchy Arabic percussion patterns and vocals with new age break beat and techno. Australian by way of Egypt, artist Moktar channels ancient energy with serious dance potential in his impressive release on Steel City Dance Discs.
The energy flows steadily throughout the EP. Infectious groove and raw beats ebb and flow in synchronization, creating frequent, hype, jump up moments after intelligent breakdowns. Deep vocal cuts are laced wonderfully in each of the five tracks.
Exciting and fresh are two adjectives that come to mind when listening to “Moktar”. Extremely crisp cuts, mastered with a professional touch lead the charge most notably in the first two tracks, Silk and Lemon. There is a bit of mystery involved as far as the song titles go. For instance, the music video for “lemon” leaves much to wonder, starting with a large pile of lemons vibrating to the sonic frequencies and developing into an almost molecular web of lemons as the song progresses. Permeating bass booms couple with intricate and forceful drum chops setting up a boom-bap club scenario sure to warrant head bobbing. The more laid back “drip” takes its time setting up standard kick, snare, and clap cohesion as the grumble of the bass patiently waits to take it’s turn. Pan drums conjoin with echoes and unique pad work releasing harnessed energy momentarily before a “IDM” breakdown commences. Heady stuff for sure.
The third tune “Blue” is a certified bop, with its relentless high hats and snare shots acting like a guided missile to its final destination. Harmonic dissonance makes it way in after the thirty-two-measure interlude, almost forcing one to make the thizz face. With roots seemingly modeled after UK garage it’s no mystery that “Blue” never stops making headway into the grimy passages ahead. A track that might even be better if it were double the length. Oh well, beggars can’t be choosers.
The final offering “cotton” sides on the esoteric, with melancholy, and ominous chord repetitions. Funky bassline growls its way out of the speakers with an almost tangible girth. Sultry break-beat oozes forward with sinister intentions. One of the few actual breakdowns on the album comes halfway through the second minute leaving things tense and open to what’s to come. The slightly pitch bent bass slaps back into action with formidable timing. Raucous drums meticulously grind and pop with triplet formation adding style to the already slick tune. A great way to round out the album with flair and swagger. “Moktar” is nothing short of a masterclass on multi-genred, dance forward, tracks with extreme versatility and gall.
Steel City is on an absolute roll in 2021 and does not look to be slowing down anytime soon. We need more fresh, unapologetic, dance music in a time where decent albums come a dime a dozen, and Moktar delivers on just that.
-Jack Plumb
Check out Dirty Epic music recommendations here.
Listen to our podcasts here.
Find out more about our events here.
