TuneLab
RY X live from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
for Cercle
Cercle's penchant for dramatic backdrops reaches its zenith with RY X's performance in the surreal, dune-laden landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Here, the music isn't just heard; it's felt against a canvas of shifting sands and endless sky. The vibe is introspective, almost sacred, as the sunset casts long shadows and the first synth pads wash over the scene.
Technically, this is a masterclass in atmospheric electronica, with an average BPM of 138.4 that belies its downtempo heart, anchored frequently in the melancholic 8B key. The energy is overwhelmingly low and mid-range, crafting a soundscape that's more about texture than thrust, with RY X's live vocals and delicate piano work floating over undulating basslines. His mixing is patient, allowing tracks like 'Howling (Âme Remix)' to unfold over half an hour, building a trance-like state.
As crate diggers, we marvel at the inclusion of Indoni's 'Umhlaba' for its organic percussion, while Emanuel Kallins' 'Cool Time Machine' offers a slice of cosmic disco. The Verve's 'Love Is Noise' gets a brilliant, driving rework from Tong & Rogers, and Fabrika's 'Зажигают огоньки' adds an unexpected Eastern European folk twist. The journey begins in enigmatic territory with an unknown opener, slowly ascends through these curated gems, and culminates in the epic, cathartic release of the Howling remix, a closing track that feels less like an end and more like a gentle dissolution into the Brazilian night.