Drawing us in with a subversive and dimensional bassline, Artomático opens his album, Ciclos, with a track titled Principio de Esperanza. The composition taps into a cerebral energy with reverberating astral notes that resonate like a soft alarm before a meditative frequency immerses us, feeling warm and healing.
We appreciate the intricacy and the almost psychedelic notions that manifest – like we are stepping into a transcendental DMT universe. The percussion textures hold a high spiritual quotient and more industrial elements come into play, evoking an essence of futurism and a nod to the sonic inspiration of the spiral groove of a vinyl record.
This leads us to the title track of the album, Ciclos, which means “cycles” in Spanish. We learn that the album is designed to focus on cyclical structures, memory, and transformation. This becomes apparent in the sound design as we are met with whirring details and glockenspiel sounds that create expansive energy. The sound is designed for introspection and contemplative spaces.
The Spanish sound artist, composer and percussionist tells us how ASMR-like details play an important role in this opus, whilst rhythm, gesture, and organic sound remain at the core. We are hypnotized by the kaleidoscopic energy that transmutes, and the cinematic allure that manifests.
There is no doubt that the track Ciclos, and indeed the entire record, would be perfect for the score of a film – perhaps a Matrix sequel or a Sofia Coppola film set in the future, even something like the recent Netflix hit, South Korean sci-fi disaster film The Great Flood.
Surcus opens with Eastern elements, meditative at its core with an emotive strings arrangement. Astral bell tones guide us into a crescendo before a drum and bass vibe captivates us further with tabla details. We appreciate the notions of ancient-futurism that come to life here and the sonic ebbs and flows of the composition.
Next up is Tierra Lenta which opens with textured drums, evoking a tribal sentiment with grandeur and intrigue. This cements the cinematic energy and the white noise elements add a unique sense of distress to the piece. It reminds us of moments in Darren Aronofsky‘s The Fountain.
Diciembre reclaims the calm and classical notions. We appreciate the respite. The absence of drums is welcome and the meditative appeal allows us to connect with the universe. This brings us to Abrigo de Niebla which again features a peaceful frequency with layered synths and string elements, inviting introspection but also allowing the cyclical elements of the universe that Artomático is creating to come to life. It ends with a subtle wave, akin to a thunderstorm.
Desoir-huir feels modern and industrial with an ethereal breakbeat energy. This could form the OST of a film like the Matrix, Lucy or perhaps Limitless. It would also make for a good gym soundtrack! We love the vocal synth detailing and the high octane bassline.
Artomático‘s Spanish culture truly manifests with Big Pseudofiesta evoking a dark-flamenco vibe. We love how it feels transportive, with the Spanish guitar, the cosmic notes, claps, and the dramatic melancholia – like a moment from a Pedro Almodóvar movie! The crescendo and tempo build are extraordinary, bringing to life a cohesive and emotive tapestry of sound, laced with passion and designed masterfully!
This invites us to recognise the mixing of the album. It is immaculate, with subtle panning throughout, adding dynamism and dimensionality and showcasing how brilliantly Artomático moves between electronic music, sound art and post-classical minimalism.
The acoustic percussion meets electronic processing and granular design in a sublime manner, and it is no surprise that Artomático performs in electronic, traditional and contemporary flamenco contexts.
Next is El Tiemblo, which means “the trembling” in Spanish – this opens with a piano riff that does exactly this. Thundering bass enters, bringing to life the name of the track. We are in awe of the compositional design and the innovative depth that Artomático creates with. A meditative piano moment invites peace before an incredible rebuild.
The penultimate track is Microsilente, which evokes the exact ideology behind the song name. Subtle strings details, almost minuscule in sentiment, a fitting teaser before the album finale, Big Paideia. With the concept of coming full circle, this is exactly what Big Paideia offers – a return to the kaleidoscopic psychedelic with synth-based bell tones and cosmic nuances. We are mesmerized and in awe of the detail, but also invited to feel ascended, like we are once again transcending this domain.
We have added Big Pseudofiesta to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, as well as our personal Spanish music playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Artomático, including his previous three albums, and anticipate future releases!