VA - Resonant Heart - Compiled by Kalya Scintilla

[Bill]

 

Artist: Various

Album: Resonant Heart

Label: Merkaba Music

Released: February 2013

 

In most ordinary circumstances, and just by the strictest definition of the genre name itself, one probably should not be able to have a torrid affair with down tempo. And, yet, Kalya Scintilla makes that possible quite regularly with his releases and with the “Resonant Heart” compilation he introduces the listener to several other like-minded, dirty-minded producers in the same style of sound.

 

This glitchy, wompy, bass-heavy down tempo funk asks far more in terms of groove from the listener and keeps a very safe distance away from most anything that can be considered chill-out. The bass alone in nearly all of these tracks gets inappropriately dirty for a genre that is traditionally known more for relaxation, yet, here it is and it could not be of any higher quality.

 

Birds of Paradise, Desert Dwellers and the exceptionally great “Akuna Marana” by Biolumigen do hit those chill moments without the griminess but those are by far a minority in this wild bunch.

 

The wicked womp of Whitebear, Bardo River and Soulacybin are excellent offerings but even these dim by comparison to the nearly untouchable greatness of Kalya Scintilla, whose clean, smoothly delivered yet deliciously decadent “Abundance” stands as a major highlight here. Interestingly, off nearly any Kalya Scintilla EP or even when compared to the tracks from his outstanding “Dance The Spiral Never Ending” full-length, this track is common-fare for the Australian producer. That such typical work from him towers so tall over his peers on this compilation speaks volumes about his ridiculous level of talent.

 

Still, recognition is owed to “Forever Shining Soul” by Shwex who competes with Scintilla for top track on this compilation. While not as ethnically diverse in sound or even as technologically savvy in the structure department, Shwex delivers a gem that drips with mood and makes the most of its tantalizing female sample. It is difficult to choose the better of these two tracks.

 

However, choosing top dog in this collection is relatively simple, with honors going to the nearly inimitable Mr. Squatch on the addictive “The Squatch Expands Life.” After just one listen it is fascinating how certain elements remain memorable moments after the track has ended, however, repeat listens makes it instantly recognizable after just a few seconds. By any standard, that is a testament to its overall greatness and staying power, as “The Squatch” does not feel like a track that will lose much luster over the course of time.

 

“Resonant Heart” is that rare down tempo treat that craves as much attention on a dancefloor as it does for the comfort of at-home listening. It is also that rare treat where relaxing music does some unspeakably sexy things to the listener. This may not be Infinity Project introspection though it does have some rather breathtaking beautiful moments of its own. Instead, it is a different breed of down tempo, a new strain of down tempo, one that regularly tantalizes the mind while continuously groping for the button on your jeans.