For starters, the syncopated melody flutters over the harmonic line, drawing you in immediately. The vocals are strong and steady throughout, and especially shine in the chorus. After the great buildup, the drop lands you into full bass and some wubs that are filthy but without sounding like trash. It's a great example of how the wubs and vocals can work together without one overpowering the other. During the bridge, there is subtle but well-executed spatial arrangement of the bongos. The lyrics build a sense a haunting sense of desperation, which seems to collapse into the final drop.
Nutronic has hit the scene with a great debut track that shows even more potential. Really looking forward to hearing more from this group!
Once in a while, you happen upon a song whose notes reach out to you, whose sound interlocks with your neurons and fills in the craters of silence burnt out by unanswered questions. Song for Zula did just that for me. This song's simplicity--with the extremely common chord progression and typical rhythm--is illusory. The form is a double parabola, with the second one peaking higher, or a type of A A' repeat. The track opens with a sawing violin, which is again deceptive in its simplicity. Immediately shining is the superb reverb in both the percussion and strings, which gives great ambiance. Some of the later string flourishes have a Middle Eastern influence, which unexpectedly blends nicely. The melody is beautifully shaped throughout, and the piece whirls in an entrancing cycle, powered by the evocative lyrics. The violin solo, complete with double stops, really compliments the role of the strings in the rest of the tune. Kudos to Phorphorescent for the ability to turn such a simple base into such a complex and interesting arrangement.
