Nicola Cruz - Self Oscillation [Rhythm Section]

Format: 12" in printed sleeve.
CAT: RS051LP

"Self Oscillation" is comprised of 5 psychedelic, dancefloor-ready pieces that flow with a natural momentum, from Ecuadorian superstar Nicola Cruz, making his second appearance on London's Rhythm Section INTL.

Internationally renowned producer, Nicola Cruz, has been instrumental in shaping the sound of Andean music over the past decade. Born and raised in Ecuador, Nicola has found his own unique way of diving into Latin America’s illustrious musical past to create something entirely contemporary. His previous projects have seen the 4 elements as main themes - fire and lava erupted throughout his second album, Siku, with an Ecuadorean volcano also functioning as a recording space. And now, with his second release on Rhythm Section, we encounter sounds of flowing water which Nicola describes as "aquatic explorations."

On this EP, Nicola Cruz merges experimental production techniques with heavy sub-aquatic bass constructions. Moods shift like the tides; from moments of euphoria featuring acidic riffs and Latin drum patterns, the music rapidly submerges into sub-bass lines and dark, frenetic rhythms.

With "Cadera", Soca rhythms flow throughout the track, juxtaposed by a robotic, glitchy bass, combining in an impactful way. As Nicola says himself, "I am always trying to reinterpret this Afro-Caribbean feeling and trying to figure out how I could humanize it through machines."

Nicola also cites the principles of physics as influences on his creative process.

The title track, "Self Oscillation", wriggles with a pendulum-like motion, swaying left to right with a dizzying hypnotism. 909s seamlessly intertwine with conga patterns to create a constant and never-ending momentum and energy.

"Neo Costeño" is the EP's most direct track for the dancefloor, with nods to a 90s house sound characterized by organic drums overlaid with rich percussion and detuned organ stabs.

As we move to "Pulso Invisible," forest ambiances and animated synth stabs are manipulated in a fast-paced polyrhythmic exercise. The subtropical environment in which the music is created appears as a recurring motif in Nicola’s music as an ever-changing life force that subtly weaves in and out of each track.

"Self Oscillation" sees Nicola’s production reach new heights as he expertly bridges the gap between natural and mechanical sounds. With the help of iconic 80s and 90s synths and the retro hues of a Roland Space Echo, his latest work is a hybridization of electronic dance music and synaesthetic imagery of nature. In the spirit of his previous EP on Rhythm Section INTL, "Self Oscillation" showcases the synergy, or rather the ongoing battle, between organic and inorganic, analogue and digital, civilization confronted and confused by nature. It is within this dichotomy that Cruz rejoices and manages to express so much, without words.