NICOLA CRUZ Vinilo y CD

Review: Nicola Cruz lands on Cabaret with the 'Cryptic Nature' EP. Beyond consistently high-quality, compelling productions, it's usually hard to predict what the talented Ecuadorian producer will deliver i but he does his energetic Japanese label hosts proud with this stirring selection. The broken rhythms, trippy vocals and paranoid synths of the title track start things off on a strong footing, before the strobe-lit thrust of 'Elementals' powers ahead with swung snares and crisp hats. The four-to-the-floor drive continues into the wigged-out psychedelia of 'Kojix', while the jagged drums of 'Desire Scan' and the otherworldly intensity of 'Photosphere' round off a mighty fine, entirely floor-focused set.

Review: Nicola Cruz's third studio album Kinesia blends intricate studio sessions with rich analogue synthesis to create a deeply introspective soundscape. This album serves as an "antenna" that allows you to tune into ancient messages, words and rhythms. Opening with a unique 5/4 rhythm, Cruz conjures a textural, almost meditative world where tracks like 'Perma' and 'Telepathine' evoke both mysticism and movement. Each piece is woven with chants, subtle percussion and expansive textures that draw you in ever deeper to Cruz's evolving, kinetic sound, making it perfect for both reflective listening and the dancefloor.