Zavala – Fantasmas

The Perfect Combination

With Fantasmas, Zavala has created a project that is compelling in a multitude of ways. The sounds on the album are strange, yet compelling. They are relaxing, but still make you want to dance. They are inspired by years of house music, but there’s also hip hop deep in its mixes. Many electronic artists have not been able to get this balance right as of late, but Zavala has proven that he knows how to make a house record.

One of the first things that strikes you when listening to Zavala’s album is that he is not afraid to integrate weird sounds. Many artists stick to the same overplayed vibes for their dance music, but Zavala goes into uncharted territory. Listening to the first track “Mirrors” one immediately gets what vibe Zavala is going for because of the house beat in the background, but the melodies that Zavala creates from sampled singing and synths are out of this world. This is a great track to dance to because the rhythm gets you going, but it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. Zavala really knows how to structure a good mix.

“Floats Like Empty” is a very experimental track. It’s slow and brooding, and has none of the quick drums that characterize the earlier songs. It takes a moment to get used to, but it serves an important purpose in the track listing as it serves as a break and moment of contemplation in a hard hitting dance mix. In contrast to that track is “Chrysalis (Ft. Sara Z)”, a track that has entrancing synths and singing punctuated by a fast old school house beat. Zavala channels an old-school club vibe on this track that just makes you want to dance forever. He has a knack for choosing good samples and laying them deep in the songs that he makes.

This album is a singular experience. Zavala did a great job by giving each track its own distinct sound, and making sure that no one song overstays its welcome. At a brisk 36 minutes this is an easy album to listen to, but it is capable of holding its listener’s attention for the entire run time. This would be a great album for any club. Hopefully Zavala can keep up the good work in the future and create more great dance albums for dance music fans to enjoy.