Munk aka Mathias Modica is the creative power house behind Gomma Records, his latest album ‘The Bird And The Beat’ see’s him unload 14 tracks of his brand of housey/disco goodness – it’s a bulging bag of disco tricks and showcases elements of House, Krautrock, Italo and just about anything else he can lay his hands on.
Not afraid to push the envolope Munk has enlisted twelve hotly tipped female singers handpicked from around the globe, including Lou Hayter of New Young Pony Club fame. And just to add a little bit more spice Mathias thought it was necessary to perform all the piano, synths, xylophones, bass, guitars, drum machines, and asian percussions himself. It’s a goody bag that blends seamlessly together to produce something special and unique.
In a similar way Yuksek blended everything that is great about pop into his electro debut. Munk does the same for Disco by dragging a plethora concepts into an album that has just enough attitude and energy to keep you dancing.
In the process he creates something with a broad range of tempos and emotions – but all with a summery glow of disco. It’s never in danger of being boring or a bit samey. It snaps, crackles and pops to the beat of Gomma disco.
He blends hip hop and a plump Chicago House track, for the opening salvo ‘Can I Have Your Attention’ and it does exactly what you want it to do. We loved the gritty italo production of ‘La Musica’, which is a clever cacophony of intricate beeps and bleep – add in a lovely bass and vocal as a fitting musical aperif and you’ve got a standout track.
Kraut-rock influences can be heard on ‘Dort’ and ‘Keep My Secret’. As Munk then delves into his multi-coloured bag of tricks and pulls out some exquisite Italo disco gems with ‘Marseille Macheta’ and ‘Kitchen Call’.
We were left with a warm fuzzy feeling inside after listening to the ‘Bird And The Beat’. It manages to impose its bright and happy outlook on you from the start to finish and almost tricks you into thinking that the cold winter is coming to a close. It’s like that feeling you get when a split second of sunshine breaks through the dark imposing clouds. For that tiny moment the world just seems like a better place. The birds are definitely singing to the beat of Munk’s at play.
HBF Rating 8/10
You can grab free track too, snap up Rory Phillips’ italo version of ‘Keep My Secret’.
[podcast]http://www.mediafire.com/file/uvsfk823mygaogw/Munk–Keep_My_Secret_Rory_Phillips_Club_Mix.mp3[/podcast]
Download here.
And there’s a video for his new single too.
