A generous glut of genres is gloriously combined to create a sound that is sculpted with serious skill and unique talent for a record that will take pole position on the turntable.
A record that will take pole position on the turntable
Roger Van Lunteren introduced me to the Masa Series. Well, not personally. It was his superb Saskian End Courts, a record of top-notch techno, that caught the ear. Since then, this Almería based imprint, not to mention its parent (or sibling) label Waste Editions, has been a fixture on my turntables and musical radar.
The Spanish label calls on an artist who is enjoying prolific productivity, or at least a releasing schedule that few could dream of. The rise of MOY has been meteoric. With releases on AC Records, Altered Sense, Dynamics of Acid and his own eponymous imprint, a personal blend of braindance laced electro breaks has turned the headphones of many and caused some impressive Discogs.com prices.
“Double Solid” immediately finds a creamy balance between acid curls and silken strings. Clean beats and toms keep time as a beautifully warm and squelchy work unfolds. Bright confident chords introduce “Quroink7” with fizzing claps giving way to a broad and dauby bassline. MOY’s ability to explore deep and thoughtful moments is quite remarkable, the British artist finding the perfect moments to allow for greater levels of expression and experimentation. The flip is introduced by “Ocean of Storms.” Liquid lines flow to a burbling reverberating throb, understated percussion being disrupted as a dripping key stab arrives to add another dimension to this superbly absorbing piece. Beats adopt an amen flavour for “Walker Effect.” Laser beam keys are submerged in a thick 303 syrup before sweetened piano notes descend. A spread of influences is kept in perfect harmony as a delicious slice of braindance is served. The close comes with “Xafecopy.” It takes a minute for xylophone goodness to take hold, a burbling kick stumbling through crystalline chords in this joyous finale.
MOY is a musician of rare ability. A generous glut of genres is gloriously combined to create a sound that is sculpted with serious skill and unique talent for a record that will take pole position on the turntable. A serious coup for Masa Series and an amazing addition to this special artist’s catalogue.
MASA 004 is available on Masa Series. [Bandcamp]
