A culmination of four-to-the-floor rhythms and baselines sent straight from heaven
Esoterique is the culmination of Alex Ginemo’s 20-year long career performing under the pseudonym Ursula 1000. Ginemo’s music has consistently offered masterful sampling, funky break-beats and unforgettable bass grooves. Raised in Miami, Ginemo’s music has massive worldly influence. The swung rhythms, bossa-nova percussion and eclectic instrumentation prove Ginemo is not only an impressive electronic producer but also a musical connoisseur who enjoys experimenting with international styles.
Esoterique is consistent with Ginemo’s previous sound, especially heard on his debut full-length, The Now Sound of Ursula 1000, but offers a more polished version of his previous work. While the production is equally frenetic between the two records, both offering sporadic percussion and high-octane hooks, this album contains more sophisticated energy than any of Ginemo’s preceding work. “Hello Darling,” the first full track on the Esoterique is emblematic of how the rest of the record will play out with its heavy vocal sampling, Latin influence and funky electric keys. Although still dance-ready, “Hello Darling” is only the beginning of Esoterique’s sparkling, thematic experience as the rest of the record continues to increase in energy.
“The Neptune Freeze,” featuring Fred Schneider’s satirical vocals, is understandably the funkiest track on the record. As Schneider’s vocals slip in to acknowledge “It’s a groovy trip on a giant space ship… oh, there’s Mars,” it becomes clear where the importance of the song lays—in the vibe that Schneider’s vocals and Ginemo’s production conjures. The soloing clavinets, glittering arpeggiators and Schneider’s snide comments create the best cut from the record.
Esoterique is one of those records that will sound different depending on the environment it gets listened to in. It has enough high-tempo, raw energy to make dancers sweat and enough thematic material to support a film or television show. But the album may also be best listened to alone. Otherwise, the genuinely impressive production techniques and sampling subtleties are lost in the unforgivingly fast-paced project. “Relaxamento” is a welcomed cool-down from the otherwise lightning-paced record. Its bossa percussion groove is layered with mesmerizing piano, trumpet and guitar solos making it another especially memorable moment on the record.
Esoterique blends contemporary elements of electronic music with classic ‘90s dance. Its got four-to-the-floor rhythms and bass lines sent straight from heaven, especially heard on the track “Swing Boom Bop,” and “Bass Rock.” The record has consistently high energy, lacking little time for relaxation, but Ginemo’s diverse tracklist makes the 14-song-long project an easy listen.
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