Movimiento Para Cambio
Known for its tendency to draw attention to some of the most unconventional sounds in contemporary music, Bill Kouglias’ decision to release Movimiento Par Cambino, the debut album by Montréal-based duo Pelada is far from a surprise. Hard-house-future-flex-funk-club is the vibe and it’s a natural addition to his eclectic and impeccably curated Berlin-based PAN imprint.
The playful interaction of vocalist Chris Vargas and producer Tobias Rochmann throughout the album’s 10 dance floor-ready tracks flows seamlessly between house, techno, hip hop, Latin dance music, gabber, UK bass, rave music and IDM without getting bogged down in a singular aesthetic.
Vargas’ vocal delivery ranges from gentle singing and spoken word to barking yells and grunts bearing a distinctly hardcore punk energy. And the lyrics, delivered in an urgent Spanish, deconstruct notions of privacy, gender and sexuality against a backdrop of state surveillance and “big data” information practices by global corporations.
Producer/multi-instrumentalist Tobias Rochmann constructs a positively globetrotting rhythmic accompaniment to Vargas’ chant that invokes the spirit of classic electronic label Raster Noton as much as it does the cumbia music of Columbia. Elsewhere, icey synths and decisive kicks complemented by flavourful rhythmic diversity that bounces between genres with every track while remaining universally accessible.
Best track: Ajetreo
Adam Piotrowicz
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