revived: Surreal Selections vol.1 (2014)
Rediscovering long-forgotten tracks in need of new ears
Image credit: Discogs.com
‘Nomthandazo’ Da Capo's Freshly Ground Surreal Experience
In 2013, Surreal Sounds — brainchild of Da Capo, Punk Mbedzi & DJ Swizz — released their first compilation album, featuring 13 tracks and a new wave of fresh artists. The project was trying to unearth “never-heard-before” sounds in the electronic world and has since grown into the Surreal Sounds label. revived (HOZA) picks up one killer track that still sounds fresh more than 10 years later.
Despite its relaxed deep house vibe, this track has a raw, energetic mix of rhythms that only Da Capo can bring. Hollow synths float over the track in a short loop. Finely compressed drums follow a two-for-two call and response pattern between the bass drum and clap. And there’s a bass-heavy synth biting at the beat, with a seemingly endless collection of vocal motifs to keep the track interesting.
The original, released by Freshlyground in 2012, is a fusion of kwaito, folk and rock and much slower than Da Capo’s remix. The song itself is about hope and hopelessness. Check out this excerpt of a live performance in 2012.
If ‘Nomthandazo’ sparks your interest, try two more tracks from the same collection:
Cross My Mind feat. Lyrik Shoxen Original Mix (Punk, Da Capo, Lyrik Shoxen)
Real People feat. Lee Anne King Original Mix (Da Capo, Lee Anne King)