[DeathPosture]

Mubali – Cats @ Play



Hi-res cover: front + back

Artist: Mubali (USA)
Title: Cats @ Play
Format: CD (jewel case)
Label: Trishula Records (Germany)
Cat. #: TRISHCD007
Distribution: Arabesque
Date: 20 March 2006

Track listing:

01. 07’50” Mubali – Balancing Equations
02. 07’18” Mubali & Aeon - Symbiosis
03. 08’13” DMV – Hotshot (Album Rmx)
04. 08’56” Mubali – Zalophus Californianus (Californian Sea Lion)
05. 08’22” Mubali – Spacial Distortion
06. 08’41” Mubali - Puissant
07. 08’43” Mubali – Salacious Ooze
09. 07’47” Mubali – Cats @ Play
10. 08’53” Mubali - Spherechucker

.m3u-playlist: http://tinyurl.com/g757y (all tracks!)

Review:

Someone’s been smoking catnip…

American producer Greg ‘Mubali’ Farley is finally out with his debut album which was announced a year ago, following his compilation tracks on the two latest Trishula Records compilations… I’ve only heard three tracks by this guy, and his über-hardcore industrial-sounding psytrance has often been a bitter pill for me to swallow. I did however really enjoy his explosive track on the Crazy Goblins And Wicked Pixies compilation, so I’m kinda hoping that this album is up to par with that… Let’s find out…

Let me take you thru the tracks…

#01: Mubali – Balancing Equations [146 BPM]
The opening track establishes a dark, eerie – yet playful atmosphere right from the gritty intro… A pale bassline is introduced which is soon accompanied by some seriously wikkid acid-lines tweaked beyond recognition… Hell yeah, this is in-your-face, wall-to-wall psytrance not unlike the underground stuff we’re used to from the Bay Area… The acid is flowing freely and the bassline will give you a soar neck if you try to head bang to it… A nice intro track for sure, but somehow I feel Greg hasn’t really opened his goody back yet… ;p

#02: Mubali & Aeon – Symbiosis [145 BPM]
The booklet doesn’t supply any info on Aeon, but I’m guessing it’s old-schooler Max Chapados of Nuclear Ramjet fame… Anyway, what we get here is well-refined, crew-cut psytrance with a slightly more uplifting touch than the grim opening track… That’s right; this is one bouncy motherfucker of a track! Don’t get me wrong, this is still psytrance to be played during the darker hours of the night, but it doesn’t have the distinct industrial-slash-bleak nature of previous Mubali tracks… The trip meter has been cranked up, and despite the pretty simple FX here, this track really works wonders… A brilliant, trippy track that really showcases Greg’s diverse production talent… Yummy!

#03: DMV – Hotshot (Album Rmx) [148 BPM]
DMV is short for ‘Durty, Mubali & Vidi’ and that's the only info available in the booklet… After a pretty hardcore intro (which samples a turkey!?) we’re soon completely engulfed in a VERY spacey, bouncy and immensely funky track… Yeah, who’d thought that darkpsy pounding away at an incredible 148 beats per minute could be *this* funky? I have no idea how they did it, but this track is RIPE… 100% driving, maximal psytrance which is easily the most trip-friendly so far – and by far the most multilayered and diverse… Not unlike Penta really… Whatever it is, it’s brilliant!

#04: Mubali – Zalophus Californianus (Californian Sea Lion) [142 BPM]
This might possibly be the first instant ever, of a psytrance track being named after a marine mammal of the Otariidae family… History in the making folks! Anyway, despite this track being the lowest rated in BPMs it sounds like one of the hardest… This is trademark Mubali trance with heavy industrial influences and an influx of twirling acid-lines… In that sense, it’s not unlike the track he did with oCeLoT off the Multiple Personalities compilation released by Manic Dragon Records in 2005… Grim, gritty and downright evil… And unfortunately I’m bored half-way thru… ;o/ As another Mubali trademark, the track picks up towards the end though – and the last couple of minutes has to be among the most psychedelic moments off the entire album… Blimey! I just wish the entire track was like that…

#05: Mubali – Spacial Distortion [144 BPM]
Spatial distortion? Spacial? Ah well, let’s not go into semantics here – as this is a very enjoyable track… Somehow Greg manages to keep me entertained and fully focussed for the entire length of this track… Maybe it’s the advanced acid-tweakage going on, maybe it’s the trippy birds chirping away or maybe it’s less-industrial-more-organic atmosphere that I really like… Whatever it is, it works like a charm and it would fit very well on a Pavarti Records compilation! This is a fine tune which will send shock-waves thru the dancefloors this summer… Triiiiiippy!

#06: Mubali – Puissant [147 BPM]
Well, I think Shakespeare coined it when he said ‘Awake remembrance of these valiant dead. And with your puissant arm renew their feats’ - with ‘puissant’ describing something powerful and mighty… And powerful is exactly what this track is… Holy sweet mother of Merzbow! This is ultra-hard, über-dark, nocturnal darkpsy – forged in the darkest realms of the Californian underground… Straight outta psyland, a crazy motherfucker named Mubali – destined to mess with your senses and fuck you up royally… Definitely not something for the meek and something that requires a certain state of mind for me to fully enjoy… Yikes!

#07: Mubali – Salacious Ooze [145 BPM]
And now it’s time for some kinky secretion! Oo’er! This is metallic-sounding, high-pitched, acid-ridden, fast-paced night trance designed to annoy the hell out of neighbours, pets and other non-trance entities… Crisp, versatile and totally malicious… Like something Mistress Of Evil would have a field day with… I’m not sure what to think, as I’m equally repulsed and attracted to this track… Another tune that requires special attention – and quite possibly dilated pupils to be enjoyed fully…

#08: Mubali – Cats @ Play [147 BPM]
The title track is very similar to the opening track in both construction and flow, but don’t worry it’s not a cut-and-paste track and this definitely has more weight… This track has an impressive rhythm section and some seriously trippy morphed acid-lines… Reminds me a little of Penta without the comic relief… Fast-paced, dark, haunting night trance that will work wonders in dark, isolated warehouses late a night… We’re not exactly reinventing the wheel here, but this is good, wholesome darkpsy with a certain quality stamp I enjoy: It’s not too extreme… Tasty!

#09: Mubali – Spherechucker [150 BPM]
As the bpm count reveals, the final track is the Beelzebub of the batch… That’s right, this is some seriously fast-paced horror-trance packed with demented melodies, gabba’esque bass-lines and acid all over the place… And frankly, this is where it gets too frekkin’ hardcore for my tastes… Is it even possible to dance to this, or is it merely an excursion into nightmarish drill-and-bass-like psytrance? Sure, it’s well-produced and several passages are cool… But it’s just too fast for my tastes… But hey, you can’t win the all… ;o)

What an album! As always with Trishula, their artist albums are very well-defined and tightly know – and that is definitely also the case with Mubali’s debut album… There are no down-right bad tracks here, but there are some tracks here which don’t really rub me the right way with their monotonous and too hectic parts. But hey, I’m happy to say that there are also a bunch of really excellent and surprisingly diverse tracks – that does rub me the right way…

Especially the collaborations showcase a side of Mubali I was not familiar with – a side I would definitely encourage him to pursuit in the future… Also there a couple of his solo tracks that are really excellent, and I’m happy to conclude that Mr. Farley isn’t just repeating himself, but he’s in fact exploring and experimenting with new styles… And I’m sure a couple of these tracks could eventually become favourites of mine as time goes by.

The hand-painted cover by Jesse Dean is definitely something out of the ordinary and I kinda like the avant-garde look of it… All in all, this is another high-quality Trishula album – and as the Procs album it’s not easily-accessible but given some time, I’m sure there’s a good chance it will grow on you… Recommended to fans of the darker side of night trance from the West Coast – and to fans of labels such as Trishula, M.o.E, Pavarti, Acidance, Dropout Productions and so on… Enjoy!

Favourites: 2, 3(!!), 5, 8

DeathPosture


External links:
Trishula Records: http://www.trishula-records.com
Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/release/647717
Saiko Sounds: http://tinyurl.com/etctg
TranceShop: http://tinyurl.com/g4dv4
Beatspace: http://tinyurl.com/eqlkj
Discobole: http://tinyurl.com/gjxcl
Wirikuta: http://tinyurl.com/kwtpq
Psyshop: http://tinyurl.com/fxvbb
Wakyo: http://tinyurl.com/eslen
Chaos: http://tinyurl.com/j9hrs
Juno: http://tinyurl.com/gvv9d
Play: http://tinyurl.com/jkfug

[Louis 8D]

I really like the artwork of this one

[Riton]

I really enjoy this album, sometimes a bit too "hardcore" for me to enjoy relatively sober but overall i could definitely see myself digging to this at a party!
Good stuff!

[Lepton]

very good ,intelligent and highly psychedelic album !!!

it works very well on the dancefloor, the track progression is relentless !!!

one of the best artist album of 2006 till so far...


wel done mubali !!!

[Daze]

Yep very nice album indeed

Intelligent and funky... and I too love track number 3

[Ormion]

Great stuff! Maybe there's not much variation in the sounds but it's great music for sure. Favorite track must be Puissant, hard Psy yeah!
8.5-9/10

[RAH]

Artist: Mubali
Album: Cats @Play
Label: Trishula Records
Web: www.trishula-records.com
CAT: TRISHCD007
Sonic-energy: http://www.sonic-ene...ent/view/204/2/



1. Balancing Equations [146]
2. Symbiosis (with Aeon) [145]
3. DMV (Dirty, Mubali & Vidi) – Hotshot (Album RMX) [148]
4. Zalophus Californianus (California Sea Lion) [142]
5. Salacious Ooze [144]
6. Puissant [147]
7. Spacial Distortion [145]
8. Cats @ Play [147]
9. Spherechucker [150]


What's this About

It is difficult to know what can be expected from a man that considers amongst his chief musical inspiration artists in the likes of Bradzilla, Chromatone, Absolum, Miles Davies, Pink Floyd and Pantera to name a few. It is almost certain the jumble of influences coming from funk, heavy metal and jazz will take a role in his musical development. As a respected DJ in the Monterrey peninsula Greg Farley has been spreading good vibes, in the form of demented music and occasionally Drum & Bass with bits of jungle since 2001. In the last couple of years he has taken the job of dutiful producer to adapt the intricate structures of classical music and spit them back in psychedelic trance. The result is a new wave of madness focused on keeping the BPM counter slightly lower, with an emphasis on even stranger music. Jumping in the bandwagon we have Bodhisattva, Ghreg on Earth, Chromatome and couple of new producers that feel is important for you to loose your brain, but not you’re pace maker. When it comes down to it though, Mubali can just as well perform on the 150’s club with the same level of clarity. Cats @ Play shows both sides of the coin in one seriously disturbing package filled with original textures and experiments in sound synthesis that promise a story apart from the usual dark trance sphere.


Per-Track

1. Balancing Equations

Heavy rhythms and a very particular chain of effects that seems to leave the distressed notes barely hanging in there, around a loosely harmonic basis that will not make sense to most people. Some other will find beauty in the cacophony with hints of musicality and straightforward pounding. It reminds me of his track “Gromit” released previously for Acidance last year.


2. Symbiosis (with Aeon) *

Aeon, another bay area producer and DJ that concocts slightly less manic arrangements, gives the symbiotic track a little more direction and pitch. It’s still very dynamic with a strong unchanging bass but a lot of great high-ranged ear candy.


3. DMV (Dirty, Mubali & Vidi) – Hotshot (Album RMX) *

Another successful symbiosis by two cats focused on the hard trance section. You can feel the track is trying to spill out a bad ass hard-house lead, but Farley’s effects are not letting escape his intricate web of sonic manipulation. A lot of great drumming bits and quirks throughout make this one a hotshot in deed (and not in the Top Gun way)… which if you ask me is definitely a good thing.


4. Zalophus Californianus (California Sea Lion) *

The California Sea Lion is naturally an aquatic animal and the track does justice. It is very much like dipping in the pool or the ocean. The quasi-voices for break reverbed to death are well placed. The gated destruction of beats comes in so well patched by the last bit, you actually think the track messed up for a second. It’s a relief since to my ears the whole rhythm sounds a bit dated.


5. Salacious Ooze *

Rippling waves in disjuncture invade the speakers with so much clarity you can see the ripples coming out of the speakers, oozing out (in deed) an invisible mantle that penetrates the eardrums, causing temporary insanity in unaware listeners. This is everything that can be expected from a Mubali, perfect.


6. Puissant *

The puissant feels like a long-dragged digital roar that extends in between the chaotic modulation, relentless in it’s approach bathing you in a rasping howl of inimical properties to all those looking for a straightforward piece. It’s downright malicious, unyielding to any sort of caveats, pushing forward with higher notes on the bass by the end.


7. Spacial Distortion *

Mentally exhausting, much like trying to lift a piece of chess from the board with your ‘brain-power’. A stark, withering look at total discordia from the point of view of highly disturbed mind at the end of the control box, fucking with your mind as if a the top had been removed and someone was down there, scooping pieces out of your brain with an ice-cream spoon slowly but surely draining out every neuron.


8. Cats @ Play *

Just when you thought things couldn’t get more wicked, the self titled bomb drops raucously like it could be expected. The main theme is the interplay of distressing subconscious thoughts that linger when rage swelters your blood vessels and clenches your fists tight. This is pure anger. The samples say it all, you laugh at me again and I going to break your neck like twig. Notice that’s not a quote, more like a paraphrase but the intention is there… *makes mental not laugh at Mubali… ever...*


9. Spherechucker

After hearing this track for the first time I was aimlessly walking around the local mall, repeatedly scowling at the passerby’s “spherechuker, spherechucker!” and grinning at them. They in turn ran scared. Living proof the man can deliver 150’s when he wants to, reigns supreme without having to make your ears bleed. Even though, some of that now and again can be most enjoyable. The track disguises the fast rhythms, making a special emphasis on the lines, grumbling as if someone was having a tepid wallow. The rest I honestly can distinguish from the jumble and I’m not sure I want to.



All and all

For those of us who had been patiently waiting for Cats @ Play to come disrupting our existence with a good Californian slap across the face, like only Mubali could muster; surely feel the man has stepped up to plate delivering diversity and few shivers down the spine. Over all though, there is a reticent feeling of astonishment this ‘music’ in general can get so fucked up… and I mean that in best sense of the word. Prepare your space suits for the trek that lies ahead is an arduous one but ultimately quite rewarding. That is at the end of the day, what a psychedelic experience should be all about.

[Dajek]

Lepton, on Mar 28 2006, 07:59 AM, said:

very good ,intelligent and highly psychedelic album !!!

it works very well on the dancefloor, the track progression is relentless !!!

About as intelligent as a brick wall,
about as psychedelic as a meatball
and the track progression is close to nul.

Just my opinion, ofcourse.
Darkpsy ftl

[RAH]

tsk... i guess is up to taste, but this one is so far profiling for album of the year, i love it...

[spifer jo]

RAH, on Apr 10 2006, 03:30 PM, said:

tsk... i guess is up to taste, but this one is so far profiling for album of the year, i love it...

You said it all.

I must confess it was a surprise for me. I've been tripping so high with this album!!!

Highly psychedelic powerfull night time trance music. And I'm impressed.

It would be nice to see MUBALI at BOOM Festival...

[Dr. Cheroot]

Mubali's style is definitely unique !!!! Most darkpsy is too mental for me, but Greg has the ability to throw the right bit of funkiness into the mix that makes it the first psytrance you could grind to !!
With his trademark top hat and loads of energy, it's a joy to see him live too, not to mention being a down-to-earth and fun person to hang out with:

[Trishula Records]

Thanks to everybody here for the comments and support for Mubali & his debut album. He is coming back to Europe later on this year so stay tuned.

cheers
mouka