ZZK Sound Vol. 2, Zizek

ZZK SOUND VOL.2, ZIZEK
ZZK Records/Nacional Records, Argentina
Rating: 70
by Andrew Casillas

Zizek seems to have had themselves one hell of a year so far. From Pibe Cosmo to Rodante and assorted remixes scattered across the interwebs, the label is providing the world from some of the most sweat-inducing beatz in fashion today. Indeed, the first volume of this ZZK Sound series was a wonderful exercise in scarcely-lit digi-sex [shout-out to fellow Stylus alum Jeff Siegel for coining that last phrase], so there’s no lack of anticipation for this disc.

For the most part, the latest ZZK comp doesn’t disappoint. It’s a bit more aggressive at points, but doesn’t lay off the fun(k). Among the highlights are the pure suave “Huachita Rica” remix from Douster, and El Remolon’s thick-thump remix of QUIO’s “So Loud,” each of which take completely frothy originals and lay on beats fat enough that they’d wake up a gopher from hibernation (the former getting special notice for somehow finding another use for “Think (About It)” aside from soundtracking 80’s parties).

Scanning the Latin dance scene from all angles, from reggaetón to cumbia to tropicalismo, there’s bound to be something for everyone to love on here. Also, herein lays this mix’s biggest problem: It seems to strive to be “something for everyone.” You could consider this a typical response to Zizek’s ever-increasing profile over the past few months, hoping to broaden their audience beyond their strong niche. Or the label just could be reloading, and using this as a stopgap measure until the next wave of product. Either would be a sensible reason, but as a stand-alone album, this doesn’t flow as smoothly as the previous comp, and doesn’t have the driven sense of direction of one of this full-length LP’s, or even of the Bersa Discos or Mexican Institute of Sound records.

That being said, this is quite wonderful in spots, and a great listen for those really interested in broadening their interest in dance music. If this doesn’t exactly live up the high standard set by the previous installment, that’s through no fault of ZZK themselves—after all, not all wins can be no-hitters.

♫♫♫ Uproot Andy - "Brooklyn Cumbia"
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The Mex-More LP, Toy Selectah LP Download

Just released through Mad Decent, a set of remixes by Toy Selectah. From Cafe Tacvba, Justice, Santogold, Devendra Banhart, Molotov and everyone's favorite, his take on Lil' Wayne's "A Mili." You know they're always fun. By the way, somebody please send me his remix of "Microdancing" by Babasonicos!

Download LP

"Shove it" - Santogold (Toy Selectah Cumbia Remix) [Via Mad Decent]

El Remolon Remixes Animal Collective. B-Side of Pibe Cosmo

You know El Remolon is my favorite guy from ZZK Records, his stellar Pibe Cosmo (reviewed here) only gets better after recurring spins, according to the Argentinean label's website, he will be releasing a free B-Side made of remixes and mashups. Get a taste of what's to come, four tracks available for download. Among them, Animal Collective's awesome single "My Girls", and a fantastic take on "Violeta" by Violeta. Also, it's great to see the reggaeton beat back on the right hands.

♫♫♫ "My Girls" - Animal Collective (El Remolon Cumbia Mix)
♫♫♫ "Minimal" - Matias Aguayo (El Remolon Remix)
♫♫♫ "Veridis Quo" (Daft Punk reprise) vs De La Soul
♫♫♫ "Alcides" - Violeta (El Remolon Remix)

Pibe Cosmo, El Remolon

PIBE COSMO, EL REMOLON
ZZK Records, Argentina ****
Rating: 80
by Carlos Reyes

This might just be reconciliation between the initial waves of digital cumbia and reggaeton; all those hardcore haters of reggaetón will probably neglect or deny a motherhood link between the genres, but El Remolon’s vision shares as much vision with the Zizek collective as it shares genes with Tego Calderon. Andres Schteingart is aware of such bonding and drops what’s arguably, the best production from ZZK Records’ short but imposing catalog. Pibe Cosmo is bit more experimental than I expected, and a lot more textured than his appearances on the celebrated ZZK mixtapes, which translates as a musical elevation in most cases. What’s truly special about this that it succeeds every remark it ambitions, resulting in a series of unbroken energy. El Remolon feels as Caribbean as the music of El Guincho and Senor Coconot, music that frees itself from having to introduce or adapt its listener because culture itself has taken the necessary steps to present itself to the world. Cumbia is the most popular (but not the best-selling) sound at least with Hispanics in the states, I’m afraid some of them will feel alienated by the futuristic direction the genre is taking. I suspect the mainstream audience will endure the stuff coming out of Bersa Discos a lot more. “Cumbia Bichera” reminds me of several tracks by Kevin Johansen; it might be because of geographic influences, but it’s a great partner for “Cumbiera Intelectual.” The album itself is designed as a bird’s journey throughout the American continent; a chromatic experience is built as one discovers the consequences of such trip. The creature brings a handful of beautiful memories, from the heavily textured “Se fue a la villa” to the soft electronic bursts of “Zapatillas Galacticas.” It’s finest moment it’s its glorious entrance, “La Bonita” is a beautiful purifying canto that eventually turns as sublime and charmingly addictive as Air France’s “Collapsing at your doorstep.” El Remolon has the attention of many publications as its author is a talented guy that takes exotic risks, expect a warm critical reception if an American label acquires the album, Pibe Cosmo it’s round and bold and ready to shine.   

♫♫♫ "La Bonita"
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Club Fonograma Features: Frikstailers

Our first feature of February belongs to a pair of freaks doing their thing with much passion. Everyone is talking about 2009 becoming a key year in the expected switch that will reaffirm Cumbia as the ultimate iconic sound of Latin America. If that’s true, reggaeton will be in big trouble, and now Argentina’s wild Frikstailers are serving as mediators among these two sounds + electronic. Before downloading this track I suggest you take a chance to hear their “Kalise” remix for El Guincho’s upcoming set, it’s wicked and even though it’s in my hands I can’t share it yet. Revolt Into Style released a 4-tracks EP in the UK last month, so far everyone is impressed. This specific first single “Baile Frik” is not a pure cumbia, or a cumbia at all, but that’s part of process. We’re unsure if they’ll be featured in the appearance of Zizek at this year’s Coachella, but we’re wishful. 

Club Fonograma Features: 
FRIKSTAILERS.
Track: "Baile Frik"
Album: Baile Frik EP
Label: Revolt Into Style
Country: Argentina
>>>MP3
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