PAGANS & POETS

Hey there! Here we are again, after Cristian Manolo™s digital heat in šPhantom› and Mastercris™s still hot in the box šYou™re the One›, we have come bearing good tidings: another first on Blossom Kollektiv, It is with great pleasure we announce belgian producer and disc jockey Berten De Beukelaer as our most recent collaborator, under his Metrobox alias. Here is šPagans & Poets›, the second wax pressing of Blossom Kollektiv. Metrobox is co host of the legendary Home parties in Belgium and part of the Fellowship of The Funk collective, collaborator and artist of We Play House and a few others note worthy accolades, such as being a great dj, guitar player, drummer, percussionist, singer, keyboardist„ you name it. How to first talk about this release?„ We™ll start by saying that It™s a bold move, these days, to craft music that does not aim at technical prowess but rather a direct emotional experience. Since gimmicks and sleight of hand are often made for the shallow exercise of studio trickery skills, score and song writing are an art to be treasured and appreciated now more than ever. It feels special, to appreciate pure, sincere music that feels unpretentious, simple and honest„ šPagans & Poets› is a collection of four works that brings us back to a time when discreet, intimate minimalistic club grooves where a norm. A time when the likes of Losoul, Swayzak, Herbert, Freaks, Isolée and other such artists released a steady flow of bleak, transparent music that took dancers into a journey within themselves. The EP starts with šLiefje›, an askew take of deeply funky club house that has a touch of indie pop to it. It™s a cross between severe analogue dirt, a poetic, mind bending lyrical content, and a piercing rhythm section„ a song that is perfect for late hours and open minds, dramatically interpreted by Metrobox himself. Next is šGishora›, the soul quencher mid tempo deep chunk of warmth on the EP. It™s a swinged out sharp beat that lies against sweeping glassy pads and a round juno bass bobbing up and down, as a beautiful Serengeti inspired sample reaches back onto the furthest recesses of our minds. An element appealing to a unity we often have a hard time reconnecting with„ Perfect for when we find ourselves lost and delivered, alone with eyes closed, dancing to such a track at late hours on a floor bombarded by a gigantic sound system, while surrounded by friends and smiles. šSee The Day› is the first on the other side. A crispy four to the floor pattern gets decorated with microphone captured hand claps and finger snaps„ elements that inhabit a world of melody and contemplation. Though the lead is simple, innocent and almost naive, the result of the composition is intense and transcendent. There are no secrets and nothing is pretentious about this track, it™s almost dangerously straight forward, and once you fall into it, you™ll never want out. Finally, the EP closes with šLet Me Be›, another song with a pronounced pop appeal. It™s a downtempo number that finds singer Assia whispering a duet with the author, against a laid back hip hop beat, ridden with electric piano chords and Timbaland style shakers. The perfect end to the EP, leaving you to whistle and hum for the rest of the day. Enjoy the music and keep in touch, we are still here, we are still delivering and we are still blooming! Until the next time, Blossom Kollektiv