Closing out a prolific year that included EPs on heavyweight labels such as Rekids and UNCAGE, Brazilian techno producer Marcal puts forth his debut release for Dustin Zahn’s Enemy Records. Driving and hypnotic throughout, the release includes four intricate tracks that are sure to work up dark warehouses across the globe.
Marcal opens the release with the 5 minute stomper “Manta Ray” to quickly suck you into his mind and get straight to the point of providing the groovy yet twisted techno he is known for. Shuffling hat patterns move with the relentlessly pounding kick drum to provide an infectious groove while swirling high-pitched insectual fx and haunting impacts drag you into another dimension.
Next up “Nevoa” begins with admitting a synth arpeggio into the mix, giving off a melodic feel while staying true to the minimal hypnotic tendencies of the record. Like swimming through a pool of LSD, the track is dense with trippy filtered elements cohesively glued together, from the smooth bass to the subtle yet tight hi-hat lines.
“Robotic Thinking” starts off the B-side taking you inside the mind of the robot. Marcal paints the picture of an robot army marching along with resonant operators chanting along at mechanically syncopated beats, while superbly capturing the echoed underground cavern ambience they occupied. The low end hits clean and hard, relentlessly chugging along while the track progressively adds suspense around them for an ecstatic robotic symphony.
“Seroto” transports you to the jungle with tribal percussion and expertly mixed sound effects coming from all directions near and far. Lots of subtle synthetic creatures echoing in the distance grab your attention while one is creeping up near you around the corner every 16 bars. With a steady rhythm of kick and drums throughout, Marcal finds a tastefully unique way to finalize an excellent release for Enemy Records.
“Thought Control” is available on most streaming and digital platforms.
-Kai Loo
Check out Dirty Epic music recommendations here.
Listen to our podcasts here.
Find out more about our events here.
