Mysterious newcomer Mawari brings proper Techno attitude without the stiff upper lip on his latest self-released album, “Pazmid”.
What happens when you make experimental choices but keep the attitude of Techno? Ask up-and-comer, Mawari. Emerging from the unknown, the Japanese fresh faced Mawari (Hirokazu Taguchi) has electrified music enthusiasts with his flavorful Techno sound that is quickly picking up speed through the underground.
Materializing his first musical output to the masses in August of 2023, we have just barely been exposed to the true spectrum of his prowess. Having been playing live minimal Techno using drum machines and modular synthesizers for about 7 years, his musical journey leveled up when he decided it was time to put his wealth of knowledge to use. Testing the waters, his choice of self-expression proved to be formidable and landed him a release on Osaka-based label, Aum Recordings. Hosting heavy-weight names like Polygonia, IGLO, and Marcal, the cutting-edge minimalism focused label provided a launching point where Mawari was later able to release a second track, effectively putting him on the map.
In a fearless pursuit to fully carve-out his unique style, Mawari plans to keep experimenting but has an innate goal of bringing people happiness. He describes getting inspired ‘when using effects to bring out the characteristics of a single sound and when he hears music that he feels sounds new’. Providing a bright, playfulness with an IDM groove and minimal but dynamic sound, Mawari has now released 5 albums in an incredibly short span of time. Displaying great fortitude, the road ahead is glittered with raw and steady intensity. Delivering yet another quality release, Mawari is one to look out for in the months and years to come, redesigning our ideas of what a future of international sound spiced with minimal Techno could be like.
His latest “Pazmid” release is a collection of tracks with a solid foundation and steadfast structure. Starting with a bang, “Diplo” kicks off the selections with a funky bass roll and no hesitation. “255” is a sneaker, creeping into your bloodstream and playing hide and seek in your mind. The chords quickly seep in, infecting your thoughts with a devious propensity. Incredibly playful yet at the same time dark. It’s the perfect tune to build suspense while also creating a devilish excitement.
Greeting you with a steady driving baseline and a muted repetitive melody, “Hibit” sends your worries to another planet. Beaming a beacon further than eyes can see, this one seems to ascend your soul to another planet. Never wavering, this one will keep your feet tapping away and your mind in the sky. Keeping the fire burning, “Thermoph” is a twisted love story of chaos. Punching on straight and solid, it quickly ducks and rolls into quite a bit of mischief. Bone-chilling, out-of-tune chords send a sense of awkwardness, yet the crisp crunch is inviting to the ears. The funky delivery grabs you, and the bassline drives on with intensity.
“Muwev” is one for the long-haul, with a gradual build. Slithering in with an unexpected quirkiness, the mid-section drum rolls and tribal-esque breakdown give space for a harder return and pummeling bassline. “Recogn” goes straight into experimentation land with an incredibly unpredictable plot. Sending notes in all directions, it maintains a solid flow and rhythm, keeping your ears intently wanting to know more. A welcomed chaos ensues and takes you on an adventure to unknown places.
The EP ends with an entire bag of marbles. “Gonuci” feels like jumping into a ball pit in a dark, starlit room—effervescent and bubbly, yet determinedly dark and mysterious. How is it even possible? A tune for the late nights, deep convos, and deep moments on the dancefloor. Nothing about this record sounds like the 90s retroactive moment that’s reliving its best life in the current hustle and shuffle of the latest top tunes. “Pazmid” is a major win for Mawari and one that will stand long after the trends have changed.
-Jen Warra
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