Option I - A Sanctuary of Creativity and Expression
Since launching his new label, Out Of Options, in February 2021, Nandu has released a number of powerful and atmospheric EPs including Lemon Haze and The Verge Of Sanity. Each production has emphasised Nandu’s raw talent at creating diverse and dynamic underground melodic techno and house music and Out Of Options has provided him with a fitting sanctuary for him to do so.
Therefore, Out of Options’s latest release, Option I, is not only the first installation of a new compilation series on the label, it is also Nandu opening the doors of his sanctuary of creativity and expression and extending the invitation for others to join him. Option I is comprised of productions created by an impressive selection of artists, each one as exciting and atmospheric as the next.
Option I opens with Cipy’s Dummer - a dark and foreboding techno track that immediately throws the listener into the depths of a intricate and mysterious soundscape. Cipy is no stranger to electronic music, having established himself in the early nineties through the rising Barcelona club scene. His productions are known for their irresistible grooves accompanied by entrancing melodies and Dummer is no different. The track starts almost abruptly with a pulsating note that is quickly joined by a firm drum beat 20 seconds in and already, there is a sense of urgency and fascination as the listener is pulled in. The track then indulges in a tense build up, adding layers of percussion and creating a rich foundation of noise before a haunting synth melody is introduced just after the 2 minute mark that only further contributes to the anticipation. Everything about Dummer feels visceral, from the heartbeat throb of the drums to the enigmatic vocals that are introduced at the half way mark and do not appear again. Each sound and beat interweave together in perfect harmony and impeccable rhythm as Cipy revels in the sound of euphoria.
We are then greeted by Last Men On Earth’s contribution to the compilation, Kakra. The project, made up of Argentine DJs and producers Eugenio Pérez and Sebastián Passo, focuses on innovation and imagination, fusing various musical styles and genres to create electric productions. Kakra opens with a tribal drum beat accompanied by chiming percussion and the sounds of birds wittering and chirping - immediately, the listener is transported to nature. This peaceful haven is soon disturbed, however, by the noise of the dissonant synths that penetrate the organic soundscape and remind us of where we are. Kakra maintains the tribal beat however, as the track becomes more infused with sounds of technology and a disembodied voice repeating the titular word ‘Kakra’, almost like a mantra. Kakra is rich with sounds and textures, merging the organic world with the electronic one as nature and technology work together in harmony. Last Men On Earth have created a universe in itself, in which the sounds of synths appear in tandem with the chirps of birds. However, despite this sense of overarching sense of unity, there is still a feeling of unease in the air due to the dissonant synths that invades the tranquility.
The third track, All I Need, is from independent singer, songwriter and producer Shrii who shows off her talents by incorporating her mystifying voice into the texture of the song. Much like Dummer, All I Need is built around a pulsating beat that evolves as the track progresses, creating a feeling of need, which is apt considering the title. The rise and fall of the melody adds a sensual smoothness to the soundscape that compliments the vocals perfectly - this is a captivating example of the beauty of hybrid music as Shrii exquisitely marries her traditional Indian singing with the electronic accompaniment. All I Need is a sublime track that simultaneously feels perfect for the darkness of the dancefloor in a chasmic club whilst also being an incredibly intimate and personal listening experience. Its undeniable groove combined with the celestial vocals has resulted in a truly unique and authentic sound.
Copenhagen DJ and producer, Radeckt, brings his high-energy synths and spirited drums to the fourth track of the compilation, Servant of Impuls. 5 seconds in and Servant of Impuls is already a toe-tapper with vibrant percussion-based drums that establishes a dynamic tone to the track. We’re then greeted by melancholic synths that surprisingly work well with the up-beat nature of the percussion. Radeckt is incredibly playful with his composition, adding in another flickering synth melody before re-introducing the darker synths. He blissfully combines somber sounds with more light-hearted, cheerful ones, almost as though he is creating a dialogue between two voices, in which the mischievous converses with the forlorn. As a result, Servant of Impuls feels tongue-in-cheek - if he is a servant to impulse, he certainly doesn’t feel too embittered by this servitude. This track is a definite groove - ideal for the dancefloor as you follow your body’s impulses and let yourself get carried away by the beat.
The following tune, Winter Sun, comes from Berlin producer, SKALA. This is melodic techno at its finest, bringing together the industrial thud of a heavy bass line with airy melodies. SKALA initially begins Winter Sun with a recognisable techno baseline as she invites the listener in and draws us into the abyss. The refrain that is brought in next is hectic, adding to the pressure that is already building within the track. We begin to hear a melody that is quietly introduced before crescendoing to a forte and claiming the track as its own. Despite it’s dissonance, it’s incredibly addictive, creating a lasting impression imprinted on our minds. Combined with the hurried refrain, the melody creates a feeling of jittery unrest and evokes a foreboding image of being followed. The choice of title - Winter Sun - adds another layer to SKALA’s tune. The sun is something that gives us life yet winter is a time of death - this track conveys that contradiction in a strikingly uneasy way.
The trio Tripolism was born during the pandemic - a time in which dancefloors were empty and club doors were shut, yet their creativity persevered. Their addition to Option I comes in the form of Decades, the penultimate track of the album. The start of the track is strong, as it opens with an emphasised note almost like a muted foghorn. The sustained notes that softly murmur above the base creates an ethereal atmosphere that gradually builds before the melody enters. Tripolism uses this track as an opportunity to show off their immense talent at combining different elements - heavy kicks compliment a flickering melody whilst a wobbling bass cuts through the delicacy, creating a tune that is utterly mesmerising. Decades is subtly refined, as Tripolism plays with a tangled melody to conceive something truly beautiful and almost nostalgic.
Finally, label founder Nandu completes the compilation with the final track, Mother Jogger. After six tracks of intense beats and piercing melodies, Mother Jogger feels softer than its predecessors. We are greeted initially by a rhythmic pulsating as Nandu skilfully builds his soundscape before introducing a gentle and low melody around the one minute mark. Despite the gentle nature of the introduction, the track is not any less impactful - instead, it feels reflective, almost as though Nandu is encouraging you to look inward as we come to the end of a powerful listening experience. Mother Jogger gradually crescendos, growing more and more confident in what it is conveying as the various sounds weave in and out of each other, creating a musical universe of delicate noises, intricate rhythms and fluttering patterns. This is pure sophistication as Nandu invites us to find the deeper meaning within his music and within ourselves.
Options I is certainly an intense listening experience and, whilst each artist brings a totally unique and identifiable sound to the compilation, the overall product feels unified in sound and in tone. The independent tracks work beautifully as individuals yet also as a whole - something that is usually difficult to achieve in a VA as contrasting voices can often lead to disconnect. Nandu has curated a powerful VA in which every artist shines through with a production that is exciting and dynamic - no voice is lost amongst the others. Options I leaves me very much excited to see what the other Options bring next.
review by lucie walker
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