Satori Yam DGTL Records | The Electro Review

Satori
Yam
DGTL Records
TBR 20th April


Satori has developed a diverse signature sound which is demonstrated adeptly on this three track monster. Billed as a single yet with enough scope to adequately sport three definitive A sides, Yam makes the fourth release from this up and coming electronic label something of landmark. After working with Crosstown Rebels to release his Maktub album, Satori lends his hand to the shorter production dancefloor orientated direction of DGTL. Instrumental in the evolution of the label, by returning with new colours Satori and DGTL stand to work their way further into the world of music.


Fauna begins the production with a funky two step bass beat that instantly gets the head bopping. Some strange and energetic throngs pile in over the top and a drum starts to push the rhythm into shape. Formulated melodics revolve around the catchy percussion, throws of compression and effect waver the output of the exciting and upbeat tune. Ethnovox from an African tradition cast their magical wizardry into the cloud, a rising bar of atmosphere pushes ever on and up as the music compels it to. Thrashy snare fills bring froth to the surface while the melodics jitter and adapt into new sounds as the progression sinks into minimal style for a brief interlude. The drum breaks return and the bass beings its time setting again yet the mood of the track is much more in the treble section than before. This dimensional shift in nuance makes an interesting journey, one which was not necessarily anticipated.


The next number transports us to Mexico, in which there is a music festival called Yam. The track, which is named after this audacious gathering of musophiles, draws an abstract and compositional picture of the feel and atmosphere that Satori finds at the Yam festival. It carries an immediate urgency which feels like a magnetic urge to draw in and get closer. The ticking of a grand clock forms a dominant rhythm before vocals add a mystical layering of storytelling. Melodic keyboards wriggle their way up from underneath to create a familiar and uplifting tune. The chord and note combinations thrive on the simple percussion, and swirls of emotion are thrown into the air by various inserts of singing. The track dances around in abstract circles, bringing in new energies and fresh sensations every few bars. It does make me want to go to Mexico and sample the Yam festival. Diverse injections of new musical phrases keep the excitement original while the steady non-evolving rhythm gives a straight edged backbone to this otherwise dynamic piece.


The release closes with a remix of Magharibi by Sahalé, the renowned French electro producer. It starts up as a bass note pulses in a dancing monotone over a bouncing clap and tap rhythm. Vocals from all angles keep showing their colours and marking the subtle progressions in flow. Extra umph is given when a solitary synth begins to cast a sludgy chime over occasional breaks. The driving energy passes through tunnels and past uniform fence posts while spiralling distances travel within us as the onward motion of the music continues. Again, great care has been given to making sure the sounds remain collected yet ever shifting, meaning that every moment of the track is saying something original and intelligent. The dancefloor attitude that is in each of these tracks comes to a pinnacle with this final number, making use of the style brought from another producer and throwing everything he has towards it, Satori has made this version of Magharibi his own. Organic flurries from voice and instrument keep the mood in the heart while the more mental and psychological electronic anatomy allows us to fully utilise the grey matter.


Yam is available to buy/pre-order on Amazon UK