Sofia Bertomeu - Spices EP | The Electro Review

Sofia Bertomeu
Spices EP
TBR: 17th February


In Spain, Sofia Bertomeu is known for being a keen electronic music enthusiast and creative. Her stunning back-catalogue of material stretches back through dozens of titles right into 2015. This latest outing is a true star for the tree that no doubt will carry on growing. As a sound artist and contemporary musical director, Sofia Bertomeu brings concept and sonic sculpture together which manifest in churning and evocative experiences. The EP features works created during 2020 and the start of 21. It also makes use of fascinating sounds captured and used in the context of Sofia's Contact Dance Physical Theatre work in “El Juego”. Lucky listeners will still have time to get one of a limited run of a hundred CDs and everyone else can enjoy the quality download.


Track one is called Enero de 2021. It begins with wispy sounds that twist in gusty ribbons around a heartbeat bass. Ghostly piano then sprouts from the soft bedding like shoots of living clarity. A reverb leaves behind a haunting mist of echo within heartfelt chambers as static crackles among a whining pitch. A feedback-like sensation on a violin or something that resembles one gently dances over the building pressures of drum and melody. The simmering settles down and new percussion floats in to shift the energy into something more linear. The repeating piano phrases rework their crafting meander through the mix as interesting fills and beats mark a meditative yet sensual atmosphere.


A vocal breaks out of the boundary in meaningful tones of introspective forlornness. Gentle rhythms rattle from metallic ringers and bells which lap like waters against a choppy muted piano. Twinkling notes joyously trill on pivoting frames while slow and dreamy breath like backgrounds rise. Then, with a sudden jump, a bass kick drum is given a pedestal. A throbbing and intense push of surging dynamic gives in to the forward jolt of power. A heavy techno rhythm juxtapositions with mysterious and enchanting choral tacitness. This is Diciembre de 2020.


With warm and opaque tones that skim the surfaces of airy synthesiser and percussion, piano begins to wander in pacing motions. Abstract drumming and life-sounds mingle with siren like sonics and lines of spoken word. A sombre melody implodes with continual pressure in time measured sections of holographic dimension. A Fire Razed My Forest contains tension, clarity and confusion, inward thoughts that echo into the infinite beyond. Minimal melody plays out in spacious zones which shimmer between inner and extra conscious realms of intent.


Beauty Before The Fire opens with subtle vibrations and moody dapples in the subterranean piano score. Heavy bass notes dig huge waveforms in the soft undergrowth as fairystep like notes jig and dance on neat yet organic postures. Harmonising tones waver and wind with increasing form, fractal like energy spanning into branches of momentum reach beyond the previously described bars.


Next, a huge wave of retro blips begins to surge in 8-bit resolution. A throbbing drum bashes down with dirty beats while a filthy distortion builds underneath. A wholesome white-noise filters out with melodic intensity. Crisp edges and heavy decay ring through bubbling fizz that manifests as particulate beats and melody. Spices 2020 harmonises with crackle and fuzz while progressive composition reveals a frantic and edgy direction.


Probability calms down immediately. Wolf sounds mingle with moody melody as swings of chiming synthesiser comfort the sides. Wailing notes howl through mysterious imagery and rhythmic effects begin to build. Bells clamour and twisting electronics buzz as a solid foundation builds up into tall and strong dream towers. Enchanting and occulted composition reverberates through misty corridors and blurred lines.


The EP ends with a spoken word section that rumbles along choppy warmth and decay. Synthesiser blips and energy build-ups rise until a rhythm is found. Shuddering drums stitch the silence in neat lines as eerie and fascinating hums and drones squirm underneath. The spoken word builds through again, the relaxing yet tensile tones capture a feeling of urgent attention. On Love In The Epoch Of Late Capitalism features Fraser Burnett. It's hoped that love will help capitalism evolve to become sustainable and ethical by returning profit to the society it was generated from.


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