Opal レコード& CD

Review: The Opal label continues to establish itself in the electro realm with a second searing new release. This one comes from Cruz and is a full throttle outing that opens with 'Marine's Odissey', a journeying cut with searching synths and coruscated low ends. 'Tecnologica' has an even more rugged mix of raw drums and kicks and bumping basslines that never allow you to settle. There is increased turbulence on 'Los Misterios' with its zippy low ends and squelchy bass all firing every synapse in your brain then 'Los Finales Annunciados' shuts down with knick-snapping snares and alien sounds bringing the whole thing to life.

Review: Milan-based 'multi-disciplinary' project Opal looks to countryman Marco Maggi, aka Mama, for a new techno investigation that finds the producer heading into new territory. There is still a real focus on the dance floor here but rich sound designs make these tunes more than just functional fodder. 'Demo35' has a nice rugged and loopy rhythm which is paced well and marked with spooky synths. 'Demo39' is more snappy with alien motifs bringing the beats and swollen bass notes to life. 'Demo29' keeps the deep rhythm going, this time with some bright back-lit synth glows and 'Demo21' shuts down with a more physical broken beat and late night urban intrigue.