Menorah - Favela EP (Clan Destino Records)

Brazil’s Clan Destino Records procure their seventh release, the Favela EP, starring Clan Destino founder Menorah (aka Samauel Parrela). Menorah’s interest in the classic sounds of early Detroit techno date back to the mid ’90s. Now, nearly a decade and a half later, Samuel has pieced together an impressive discography of jazzy house and techno productions. In addition to founding Clan Destino Records in 2007 Samuel has been a constant force in the Brazilian house and techno scenes. Laureled early in his career by veteran Brazilian producer Prztz, Samuel’s tracks have touched down with such labels as Brazil’s Tupy label and El Salvador’s Itzamna Recordings.

Like much of Samuel’s work, the Favela EP carefully traverses across all plains of the house and techno landscape. The aptly named title track, at its core, pours forth a rugged likability with its hats and murky bass. Arcane whispers teamed with trumpets and muted keys create a duality that feels as rough as it does esoteric. Similarly, “Bossa Nossa” wavers little when it comes to making use of diacritic soundscapes. Introducing polyrhythmic drums, this sleek track boasts calculated kits and synths - a dubby production that will nudge even the most stubborn wallflowers onto the dance floor. “Nebula,” on the other hand, is a cold, industrial production with a militaristic beat. Distorted drum machines and syncopated progressions give off the vibe that this apocalyptic production would be more at home heard in a warehouse in Berlin than the beaches of southern Brazil. Closing out the release is “Neural Alarm” with more industrial-sounding accents. Accelerating quickly, the final result is a production jam-packed with delays and strong percussion to lead the listener into ecstasy … perfect for the middle of the night.

Kirk Degiorgio - “Great stuff here! I love ‘Bossa Nossa.’”
Stacey Pullen - “This is cool.”
Alland Byallo - “‘Favela’ is dope. I like ‘Nebula,’ too.”
Malbetrieb (Klopfgeist / Paradigm) - “‘Favela’ … great track!”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Wicked EP overall here, a great infusion of deep tech beats and Latin flavours. I’m feeling ‘Neural Alarm’ the most … the jerky beats got me.”
Tyler Stadius - “Love the synths … right addictive.”
Rootfellen (Spring Tube / Tulipa) - “‘Bossa Nossa’ is something unreal! Amazing release.”
Pablo Bolivar (AvantRoots / Regular) - “Yes! ‘Favela’ is really nice … this is the kind of techno I like.”
Andrew Duke (Cognition Audioworks) - “Superb stuff here!”
Pointbender (Harmonious Discord) - “Right up my alley. A little bit late night with sprinkles of dub. Great job.”
DJ Harri (Sub Club) - “I’m liking all of these.”
Merlyn Martin (Subdivisions Radio Show) - “‘Neural Alarm’ is solid.”
Corbin Dooley (Electric Feel Radio Show) - “Solid tech house … ‘Bossa Nossa’ is top notch, and I love ‘Neural Alarm.’”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.